Kate Wilkinson MP
National Party Labour & Industrial Relations Spokeswoman

29 August 2007

Parental leave report a 'healthy addition'

National Party Labour & Industrial Relations spokeswoman Kate Wilkinson has welcomed a report by the Families Commission recommending changes to the way paid parental leave operates in New Zealand.

"It's a welcome addition to the discussion, and I have no doubt that this will generate discussion, among hard-working, stressed parents, and among employers who are struggling with our skills shortages.

"I see today's report as part of a healthy discussion, which is evolving every year in all parts of the developed world.

"Prosperous countries with growing economies, are always better equipped to look after their citizens with fair social safety nets. National is committed to maintaining that fairness when it comes to paid parental leave."

ENDS

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Coronavirus: On The Addiction To Chinese Student Fees, And A Possible Future For RNZ Concert

Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison extended its ban on foreign visitors from or passing through from mainland China – including Chinese students - for a third week. New Zealand has dutifully followed suit, with our travel ban extending until next Monday at least, presumably dependent to some extent on what Morrison decides to do later this week.
Our universities are now asking for an exemption to the travel ban for their Chinese students, who would still, the universities assure us, be subjected to strict quarantine procedures upon arrival. Given how the inability of the university system to care for its own students on campus made world news last year, that promise may not do much to reduce the coronavirus fears among the wider New Zealand public. More>>