New Zealand National Party Proposes Extending Paid Parental Leave to 30 Weeks

The New Zealand National Party proposed a plan to gradually extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029, with a long-term objective of reaching 40 weeks. The rollout would begin with an increase to 27 weeks in the next budget and proceed via incremental increases over the following two budget cycles. The initial phase is estimated to cost $327 million over four years.

The proposal introduces flexibility by allowing parents to take leave simultaneously or in overlapping installments, removing existing restrictions on concurrent leave. To further support returning parents, the party intends to protect holiday pay through changes to the Employment Leave Act and implement government KiwiSaver contributions for parents on paid leave starting July 1, 2027, regardless of whether the parent is contributing.

The announcement followed the resignation of NZ First candidate Stuart Nash, who apologized to National MP Katie Nimon after calling her lazy for taking parental leave. Party leaders Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis stated the policy was already in development and was not a response to the controversy involving Nash.