In 2004, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MWA) released a report titled Work-Life Balance, which suggested that PPL be accessible to women who have had more than one employer in the previous year.[1] It also suggested lengthening PPL to 14 weeks. That change was implemented in the following year. The MWA has not released advice on PPL since the increase.
In 2007, the Department of Labour (DOL) gauged PPL opinions. It found that ¼ of mothers thought PPL was long enough. On average, mothers returned to work 6 months after birth. 75% said they would ideally take 12 months off. DOL found that annual leave, sick leave and days in lieu will be “used up” before PPL is applied for. Presumably, this is because those leaves provide 100% remuneration; while the maximum PPL payment is less than minimum wage.
In 2007, the Families Commission (FC) recommended increasing PPL from 14 weeks, to 30 weeks, 43 weeks and finally 56 weeks.[2] The 56 weeks would include 14 weeks maternity, 4 weeks paternity/partner, and 38 weeks ‘family’ leave (which either parent could take). The maximum taken by any individual would be 52 weeks.
What is the Families Commission? What’s the point of it? Paul Holmes interviws chief commissior:
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/parental-leave-fails-impress-2416043
In 2008, the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) recommended lengthening PPL to one year, “with an extension to six months as a top priority and then increase the level of payment.”[3] NACEW said this would meet parents’ preferences; support parents’ labour participation and care choices; and provide better family income support during a significant transition period. Increasing payments would encourage fathers to take leave and share caring responsibilities, so allowing mothers to maintain labour market attachment, thus contributing to pay equity.[4]
However, almost all these organisations[5] are concerned with employees’ and families’ interests. This report will build on these reports, by also considering employers and Government. Indeed, there is current parliamentary interest in lengthening PPL: In June 2009, Labour Party MP Sue Moroney introduced a member’s bill, which proposed extending PPL to 18 weeks in 2011, 22 weeks in 2012, and 26 weeks in 2013.[6] However, the bill was not drawn from the ballot.
[1] Ministry of Women’s Affairs, 2004. Work-Life Balance. Accessed 21/9/2009 at http://www.mwa.govt.nz/news-and-pubs/publications/work-life-balance.html/?searchterm=parental%20leave
[2] The Families Commission, 2007. It’s About Time. Accessed 1/9/2009 at http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/research/parental-leave/it%E2%80%99s-about-time-summary-pamphlet. p. 58
[3] National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) 2008, Priority Improvements to Parental Leave. Accessed 22/9/2209 at http://www.nacew.govt.nz/publications/workandcare/leave/leave01.html#2. p. 5.
[4] NACEW 2008, p. 16.
[5] Excluding only DOL, who only gauged opinions rather than offering advice.
[6] New Zealand Labour Party, 2009. “Plan to Extend Paid Parental Leave Warmly Received”. Press Release. Accessed 12/10/2009 at http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/08/08/plan-to-extend-paid-parental-leave-warmly-received/