By Imogen Crispe
Mothers, fathers, children and babies danced, cheered and took a train ride to show support for a bill to extend paid parental leave.
About 80 people descended on Britomart Train Station this morning, decked out in yellow t-shirts as part of the “Get on Board” campaign supporting Labour MP Sue Moroney’s bill to extend paid parental leave from 14 weeks to 26 weeks. The bill passed its first reading in July and is now before the select committee.
Lots of parents brought along their young children for the event, many of them wearing the “Get on Board” t-shirts.
Marion Woodley brought her 10-week-old son and her 3-year-old daughter. She is currently on maternity leave, and does not feel ready to go back to work in a few week’s time.
“I’m going to have to go back to work in two weeks because we have a mortgage and if you have a mortgage in Auckland you need an income.
“We both have degrees and are sensible with money, but I can’t afford to stay home.”
She says there should be more options for mothers.
“I think mums should have the choice to stay with their kids for at least six months.
“I think if you value children you can’t say you want to do something about it and not do something for parents.”
The flash mob was led by TV personality and mum Jacquie Brown, who also feels strongly about the cause, and says 14 weeks is not enough time.
“I think a baby’s life is very important and for parents to get their heads around being parents, it’s not something that can be done quickly.
“We’re not going to sit on our bums and eat Tim Tams. It’s such a crucial time.”
She hopes today’s flash mob will raise awareness of the issue.
“We all think it’s important and letting people know mums care about this, dads care about this.”
Georgia Bates organised the flash mob and hopes it will draw attention to the issue.
“We just wanted to do something really fun and really energetic and really Auckland, right in the heart of the city.”
She says she wanted to get involved because she is of an age where her peers are starting to have children and she and her partner would like to start a family at some point.
“People are really struggling in the economic climate to actually take the time and do what’s needed in terms of looking after babies.
“My partner and I would really like a baby but we’ve got massive student loans and we’re trying to buy a house.”
Labour MP Darien Fenton was also there to show her support.
The group began the flash mob at the back entrance to Britomart, then danced and sang their way down to the platforms where they “got on board” a train to Newmarket. When they got to Newmarket the group collected 40 submission forms to send to the select committee.
Ms Bates says the morning was a success and everyone had a good time.
“It was great…the kids had lots of fun.”
Public submissions on the bill are open until October 5.
3 News