Parental leave extended to 14 weeks

Paid parental leave has been extended a further week to 14 weeks.

The extension kicks in today for babies of eligible parents who are due, born, or adopted on or after December 1.

Labour Minister Ruth Dyson says the scheme has been an enormous success and has made a positive contribution to family life in New Zealand.

She says more than $215 million has been paid out to more than 52,000 people since the scheme's introduction in 2002.

Those eligible receive $357 a week and payments can be shared between eligible partners, including those in same-sex relationships.

Further changes to the scheme are planned with a bill tabled in Parliament to extend paid parental leave to the self-employed.

NEWSTALK ZB