By Aroha Awarau of Maori Television
A Pasifika organisation – Pacific Media Network – is leading the way by providing an extra 12 days of leave each year for those experiencing menstrual cycles and menopause, one of the first companies in Aotearoa to do so.
It wasn't an easy fight but Tongan Niu FM radio announcer and E Tu Union delegate Lusia Petelo says the advocacy work was worth it.
"If we have access to this, we no longer have parents who lose all of their sick leave because they have to look after their families or children before themselves," says Petelo, who talked to Te Ao Tapatahi.
"For any who can relate to these menopause or menstrual issues, sometimes you just need half a day to rest your body."