Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will ensure that government policies recognise and support women who stay
home to raise children, or care for disabled or elderly family members.
Labour will undertake a review of the differences in government assistance provided
to foster carers and to kin carers (including grandparents) with a view to ensuring that
both groups are treated equitably.
Labour will extend the period of Paid Parental Leave to cover the first 6 months of a
child‟s development, in two steps:
In Budget 2013 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 14 weeks to
18 weeks (commencing from April 2014); and
In Budget 2014 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 18 weeks to
26 weeks (six months) (commencing from April 2015).
Women in New Zealand still, on average, earn less than men and continue to be underrepresented
in workplace leadership roles. Labour will strengthen the legislative and policy
framework to address the issue of persistent gender pay gap and promote equal
employment opportunity.
Labour will support Pacific women in leadership development and encourage their
full participation with equal rewards in the economy, law, health, education, business
and politics.
For further information, see Labour‟s Women‟s Policy.
Police and Corrections
Labour will aim to create a police force which is representative of the New Zealand
population that it serves so that it can effectively engage with and protect the community. To
that end, we will aim to increase the opportunities for Pacific peoples to pursue a career
pathway in the police force.
Labour will support the Pacific Focus Unit programmes in prisons to increase the
potential for reducing recidivism.
Labour will encourage rehabilitation efforts for Pacific prisoners that have valueadded
community engagement.
Consumer issues
Predatory lending is a major problem for the Pacific community and one which continues to
grow as families feel the pressure of increases to the cost of living. Consumer finance
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