11. DARIEN FENTON (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Statistics
Has he received any reports about the number of newborn babies in New Zealand?
Hon DARREN HUGHES (Minister of Statistics) Link to this
Yes, indeed. I have received a report from Statistics New Zealand that shows that last year 64,040 babies were born in New Zealand—the highest number for 44 years. One hundred percent of these babies are born into a country where there are 14 weeks’ paid parental leave, 20 free hours of early childhood education, free before-school health checks, and low doctor and pharmacy fees, and where three out of four families can get Working for Families tax credits. We have a plan for the future for these new Kiwis.
Hon DARREN HUGHES Link to this
Yes, I have. This 44-year high in our birth rate means a replacement rate of—[ Interruption]
Madam SPEAKER
Simon PowerI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister does not often get an opportunity to speak, and I would like to hear what he has to say.
Hon DARREN HUGHES Link to this
It is not as much fun in silence, Madam Speaker. This 44-year high in the birth rate, which is 2.2, is above the required replacement rate. This is particularly good news, I can tell the member, as similar countries to ours have a birth rate below the replacement rate. I refer to countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and—the Opposition will be delighted to know—even Australia.