Editorial: Need for more paid parental leave

Couples throughout the country will be rejoicing at news an extension of paid parental leave is one step closer.

The leave, which sees working parents paid a minimal amount for 14 weeks after they have a baby, could be extended to six months after Labour MP Sue Moroney's bill was pulled from the ballot last week.

It could see an extra 26,000 families a year given extra time to be with their newborns without the pressure of having to return to work because of money.

If passed, the bill could see New Zealand's legislation brought in line with World Health Organisation recommendations that says it's best for mums to stay home with their babies for at least six months to allow them to continue exclusive breastfeeding.

Now before we get the parent police jumping up and down about breastfeeding, surely it is beneficial for new mothers, or fathers, to be with their newborns for at least the first six months of their lives, irrespective of whether breastfeeding has worked out for them.

Ms Moroney rightly argues her bill could lead to economic benefits further down the track as women on maternity leave create jobs for others.

Gone are the days when it is normal practice for women to stay home cooking, cleaning, sewing and looking after children. Mothers in most cases are required to earn a pay packet. So taking six months or even a year puts a huge financial strain on a family - so much so that going down to one income isn't an option.

Some taxpayers might think having a baby is a choice and therefore those people should pay for it.

There is truth to that. A child needs to be budgeted for.

But what if that is impossible. Is it fair the child misses out?

Let's remember "paid" parental leave isn't an average full wage - for full-time workers it's only nearly $460 a week before tax.

Twelve weeks paid leave became legislation in 2002 thanks to the Alliance Party and was extended to 14 weeks five years later.

It's Labour Party policy to increase paid parental leave to 12 months. Ms Moroney's bill is a good start.