15 May 2009

Finding Time for Our Families

Today New Zealanders are celebrating Families Day for the first time.

The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) welcomes this opportunity to focus on the important role of the family unit and encourages people to reflect on the benefit of spending time as a family.

Families Day is based on a resolution from the United Nations General Assembly to promote the value of families and the issues relating to them. This year the focus is on mothers and families: challenges in a changing world.

NCWNZ is concerned that in the current economic climate the pressure to make ends meet could affect the ability of families to achieve a positive balance between work and family.

The Families Commission has released a report this month entitled ‘Finding Time’. This report outlines the effect that long working hours are having on New Zealand families and highlights future policy development.

According to NCWNZ, there is significant room for improvement when it comes to policies relating to families, particularly with regard to paid parental leave and the promotion of practices that allow parents to spend more time with their families and partners.

NCWNZ is a strong supporter of The Families Commission.

“The research that it under-takes is indispensable in the formation of robust policy, it is this research which helps Government keep pace with the changing dynamics of families and today’s pressures” says NCWNZ National President Elizabeth Bang.

NCWNZ sincerely urges the Minister of Social Development to recognize the valuable role that the Families Commission plays and take steps towards making family life a celebration every day of the year.

ends

© Scoop Media