Press release

Time to Review Obsolete WINZ Shared Care Parenting Laws – NZ First

14 August 2014

New Zealand First have joined the growing list of political parties supporting a reform of the way Work and Income treats parents who share their kids care following separation.

Currently, if both parents of a 1 year old apply for benefit support, 1 parent is offered the same support as a fulltime sole parent until that child is 14. The other parent is placed on a temporary workseekers benefit, and is legally obliged to seek fulltime work.

New Zealand First Social Policy Spokeswomen Asenati Lole Taylor confirmed her parties support for an overhaul of this iniquitous law in a letter to the Fifty Fifty campaign this week.

In the letter Ms Lole Taylor stated: “It is important our laws are applicable to our society and are administered fairly. I acknowledge that this section of the act is obsolete and New Zealand First would support a review of the Social Security Act 1964, Section 70B. This will allow for better consideration of legislative changes that will reach a more equitable and fair approach for parents in share care circumstances.“

“New Zealand First’s support for a change is welcomed. This law is unjust and unfairly administered. It’s time for a fair deal for shared care parents.” said Fifty Fifty campaign organiser Duncan Eddy.

ENDS

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