More money and time off for new parents

[MotherBear]

Clark hints at more money, time off for parents
By EMMA PAGE - Sunday Star Times | Sunday, 09 March 2008

The government is considering extending paid parental leave, saying it has taken on board recommendations from the Family Commission that include increasing weekly payment amounts and introducing 13 months' leave within six years.

So far, 100,000 parents have already signed up to the scheme, introduced in 2002, and in a speech in Auckland to mark the milestone, PM Helen Clark, hinted it may be extended.

"Obviously, for the future, one option is can we take it out further again."

She would not give specifics but said the government was considering a range of options and had taken on board commission recommendations.

From here .