National Extends Paid Parental Leave to 30 Weeks, Pending One Small Condition

National has announced it will extend paid parental leave from 26 weeks to 30, with the ability to share it between parents. The extension is available exclusively to voters who first extend National’s own term in office, a symmetry the party did not draw attention to but which drew attention to itself.

The announcement lands during election season, a period when governments discover enthusiasm for policies they had several years to implement. ACT questioned the timing, and Christopher Luxon rejected the criticism, confirming that the coalition remains united on everything except each other’s announcements.

Expectant parents should note that the four additional weeks arrive only after the votes are counted. Babies, notoriously indifferent to polling day, will proceed on the old schedule.