How to Honour Our Mothers
Mothers Day puts the spotlight on how New Zealand policies are impacting on mothers, says Hans Laven, Spokesperson on Social Development for The Republic of New Zealand Party.
“While token gestures have been made with great fanfare, real help for mothers still seems to elude us. Things like adequate reimbursement for one of the most important jobs in the country. Things like child-friendly jobs and workplaces.” said Mr Laven today at his Tauranga electorate office.
“Organisations are often reluctant to hire part time workers because many costs cannot be reduced and the productive return is low. A really useful initiative would be to reimburse employers for their extra costs in order to increase the number of part-time mother-friendly jobs available. The savings made from reduced separations, better-adjusted children, lower DPB payments and lower stress-related health costs would more than pay for such an initiative.”
“Many more workplaces could and should provide child-care facilities or allow mothers to bring children to work when necessary. A society that includes rather than excludes children makes a better society for mothers.”
Mr Laven accused successive governments of misleading mothers by encouraging them to break up their family units through the ready availability of the DPB.
“Government pays mothers only if they separate from their children’s father. For many, the promise of the DPB as a viable lifestyle is a cruel hoax that results in poverty. Perhaps we could try rewarding mothers adequately for their work within their families instead.”
Mr Laven challenged government to show true respect for mothers by making their crucial role more rewarding and viable in the modern era.
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