Extra leave gives more time with little one

When Natalie and Shaun Cattell welcome their second baby in a few weeks they will have more time and money than with their first.

The Mt Wellington couple will be $4000 a year better off with Labour’s new Families package than after the birth of their son Torin, now 2.

And instead of delving into savings to spend time with their new baby the family will have 26 weeks paid parental leave.

“It’s massive, it will allow me to be at home with the new baby for the first six months without having to use our house deposit,” Cattell said.

“It’s an extra 10 weeks at home, which we are extremely grateful for.”

Cattell teaches design and visual communications four days a week and husband Shaun is a full time production accounts manager.

Four years ago they made the hard decision — a baby or a house.

They decided they wanted to start a family so used their savings to allow Natalie six months off work when Torin was born.

“We are happy with our choice but buying a house is still high on the dream list.”

When the new baby is six months old Cattell plans to return to work.

Cattell said the extra paid leave and a lump sum as part of a teacher’s maternity package meant part-time work when she does return.