Overlapping parental leave is the right idea – we just need more fathers to take it

Getty Images The National Party’s proposal to extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks has made the issue an early talking point in the election campaign. And while voters’ attention will likely focus on the financial impact of an extra four weeks of leave, the provision allowing parents to overlap paid leave may prove the more significant change in the longer term. However, we know fathers can be reluctant to take advantage of paid parental leave if they perceive doing so might affect…