United Future

Posted at 2007-08-28 14:17:16.174. Permalink.

http://www.familiescommission.govt.nz/publications/research.php

Posted at 2007-08-30 08:27:41.693. Permalink.

I have just seen the most sneering editorial in the Christchurch Press about this and the Families Commission generally. The Press has long been critical of the Families Commission, mainly through the vitriolic pen of its senior writer Martin van Beynen - a man I have never heard of as contributing anything worthwhile to anything - and I suspect he is the writer of this editorial (although since newspaper editors are so brave they have to cloak their opinions in anonymity you would never know). Christchurch readers of the Press might like to write to the editor and let him know what they think of his newpaper's bigotry on family issues.

Posted at 2007-08-30 12:21:48.718. Permalink.

I don't think I'm in favour of this. Could be very difficult for some employers, and I've already heard of some employers who will not employ women under the age of 35 yrs, because of what it might cost them.

Also what about women who have chosen to stay at home full-time to care for their child/children from the time they have had them, and so for them there is no paid leave, and yet they are doing just the same as the other mothers, who are getting paid?

If young couples would save up for what they need, and not think they need everything from day One, maybe their debts would not be so high, and they could manage on one income, the same way that a lot of us have done.

Posted at 2007-08-31 10:52:09.799. Permalink.

The way you've put the qn is nonsensical (ie the third option is irrelevant to paid parental leave).

My thoughts are pragmatic - longer paid leave would be better for families, therefore we go for it. In an ideal world we'd also be making sure that those who are not in work and choose not to go to work in order to be an at home parent also are much better off financially... let's work on making sure people have that choice.

Posted at 2007-09-01 16:26:57.913. Permalink.

I think all parents should be entitled to parental leave, especially dads.

Posted at 2007-09-02 10:29:34.693. Permalink.

I can't see how making the taxpayer fund a year off work is consistent with your stated aims of achieving a society based on self-reliance.

Posted at 2007-09-04 12:05:15.386. Permalink.

I believe that families should have the freedom to do what is in the best interest of their child.
If the family is overtaxed and is forced to work and not be allowed time to educate their own family then something is wrong.
More paid leave is a good start, but a higher policy should be in order.
Unpaid caregiving is the least respected job across the continent and yet it is the most important across the continent.

Sara from Canada