National pledges 30 weeks' paid parental leave by 2029

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