National pledges paid parental leave extension to 30 weeks by 2029 if re-elected

National has pledged to extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks if re-elected, rising to 27 weeks in 2027, 28 in 2028 and 30 in 2029. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said the phased increase would cost up to $119 million a year by 2029/30, funded from existing Budget operating allowances rather than new spending.