NURTURE the need

HOW THE LAW PROTECTS BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS

Is it true you have to tell your home contents insurer about any particularly valuable items in your house as otherwise, if they’re stolen, your insurer might not pay out their true value?

Yes, it’s true. If you buy an expensive item such as a ring, artwork or even a flash phone, you need to contact your insurer and tell them about it immediately. Check your home contents policy and find out what their ‘single article limit’ is. In other words, if there were a fire or a burglary, what would be the most they’d pay out for one specific, single article. Most insurers have a limit of about $2000. So if your wedding ring is worth $4000, you would only get half of its value back if it were stolen. That’s if you do nothing. But if you call your insurer and tell them what you’ve bought, and what it’s worth, they can reassess what your premium will be. Often it won’t change at all. But having told your insurer, you will get the item’s full value back if it’s lost. So don’t forget, ring your insurer if you buy something of value.

Obviously, there are differing opinions about where it is appropriate to breastfeed a baby. But what is the law on the matter? For example, can you be kicked out of a restaurant if the owner doesn’t like you breastfeeding?

No, you cannot be kicked out of a restaurant in New Zealand for breastfeeding, even if the owner objects. According to our Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Act states it is illegal for someone to stop you breastfeeding in shops and restaurants, where you are studying, on public transport, in government departments, in public places and at work. If you’re back at work, you should explore with your employer the best ways you can do your work but also take regular breastfeeding breaks. There is no New Zealand law that says your employer has to pay for these breaks, but international labour standards say breastfeeding breaks at work should be paid. If you are treated unfairly because you are breastfeeding or expressing breast milk, it is a form of sex discrimination under the Human Rights Act. If you are being hassled over your breastfeeding by anyone in a position of power, contact the Human Rights Commission for further advice.