NZ First's proposed grant to encourage 'more Kiwis having more children'
New Zealand First has proposed a 'Kiwi Kids Grant' to provide tax-free annual payments to parents for their first three children. The policy aims to address the country's declining birth rate and reduce financial barriers to starting a family.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses demographic challenges and economic pressures, sparking debate on government intervention in family planning and population growth.
<p>New Zealand First is promising thousands of dollars in payments to parents if elected, under a new policy it says will encourage more New Zealanders to have children and help reverse the country’s declining birth rate.</p> <p>Announced today, the proposed Kiwi Kids Grant would provide a tax-free $5000 annual payment for the first three years of a child's life for each family's first, second and third child. </p> <p>The monthly payments would be made through IRD and would come in addition to existing parental support, with parents of a first child also having the option of receiving the first year’s payment as an upfront lump sum.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in