Made in NZ: Kiwi Parents (Full PDF)

Made in NZ: Kiwi Parents

A discussion document

Introduction

Background – Where We Stand Now

1. Since its inception, United Future’s focus has been the promotion of strong families and vibrant communities.

2. As we stand roughly 15 months out from the next general election, it is an appropriate time to begin our formulation of policy for the 2008 election.

Our Focus

3. We know that is it within the family that a person’s most profound development occurs. To raise a great society it is everyone’s responsibility to strengthen families, to equip parents to do the best they can, to value the role of parents in society and to recognise that parenting is a vocation.

4. We know that parents are key contributors to the social and economic wellbeing of the nation. New Zealand faces many challenges. To remain competitive we must have generation after generation of top workers and entrepreneurs. We need more of our population working for a better society. Ultimately parents provide the values and strength of character that makes a great citizen. Consequently it is time to stop making parenting in New Zealand difficult. We are developing this policy because we need it for a better future for everyone.

Our Aim

5. This document seeks to ensure United Future policy addresses the concerns and stresses of parents and those who work at the grass roots of family life. We value first-hand experiences.

6. Not every idea mentioned in this document will become United Future policy. Some ideas are mentioned with the sole aim of hearing your views on a policy.

7. Our coverage of “family policy” in this document is not exhaustive, but we have signalled some of the ideas we are keen to get feedback on. We are obviously keen to hear back any other worthy ideas not covered in this document that you feel needs inclusion and consideration.

8. We have chosen ideas that are either our policy at this time and we want confirmation/criticism of them, or ideas that are popular and we want to know what your views are on them.

9. Consequently, we have mentioned both the pros and cons of ideas so that you know we are flexible and not tied to any idea.

Our Hopes

10. United Future is a centre party. After the last two elections, we have signed Confidence and Supply Agreements with the Government of the day. It is our intention to continue to be a partner for the Government of the day for 2008.

11. Our hope is that you will work with us to develop our policies so that any gains from future agreements implement policies that reflect what is truly important for New Zealand parents.

12. To make this happen we need your feedback and support. Your responses to this document matter. They will help us form United Future policy for 2008.

Overview

The outcomes we seek are to:

13. Ensure parents have access to the skills and knowledge they need to be better parents;

14. Ensure families have the resources to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children;

15. Ensure children have access to the things that build character;

16. Understand and provide age appropriate support;

17. Prepare the next generation. Most will become parents - how can we ensure they have the skills and enthusiasm to parent well?

See... Made in NZ: Kiwi Parents (Full PDF)

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