National promises to extend paid parental leave from 18 to 22 weeks

National has promised to extend paid parental leave from 18 weeks to 22 weeks, although the extension would be phased in over two years from July next year. Photo / Michael Craig

National has promised to extend paid parental leave from 18 weeks to 22 weeks, although the extension would be phased in over two years from July next year.

It would also allow greater flexibility so that both parents could take some of the 22 weeks at the same time to both be at home with the baby.

In two other promises, National would fund families using IVF to have a third cycle free and would give expectant mothers a free dental course up to the baby's first birthday.

Women's Affairs Minister Paula Bennett, Workplace Relations Minister Michael Woodhouse and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman made the announcement this morning.

Bennett said the package recognised the role of both parents and would allow families to have the flexibility that suited their circumstances.

"It is good for their baby and will help support women in the workforce."

Coleman said the dental support would help mothers to take care of their own health during pregnancy.

"As pregnancy can lead to dental problems for some women, we will fund one dental course for all pregnant women and mothers up until their baby's first birthday, including a check-up and any resulting x-rays, extractions and fillings."

National believed in supporting families to have healthy babies who grew up to be healthy kids "and we are making real progress".

"Around 94 per cent of 8-month-olds are now immunised and around 800,000 children under 13 are benefiting from free GP visits and prescriptions."

Bennett said the parents and newborns package ensured that the benefits of a growing economy were passed on to families.

The package, which would begin on July 1, 2019 would cost $88 million a year from 2019 - 20, once the 22 weeks of paid parental leave was fully implemented.