We’ve just received word that our application for $25,000 to MSD’s Community Response Fund for Auckland has been successful. The $25,000 grant recognises the importance of our work and the increased demand we are experiencing in Auckland.

Father & Child supports the ‘Income Splitting’ Bill currently before select committee. The bill would treat parents who live together as an economic unit for taxation purposes rather than tax them as individuals, as is presently the case. The present taxation system disadvantages families with only one income earner compared to a family where the same earnings are split about equally over both parents. This affects almost all parents who just had a new baby.
Father & Child believes that choices over how parents divide income earning and caring responsibilities should be tax-neutral.
The bill is not expected to make it into law as it does not have the support of either National or Labour. It was brought into parliament by United Future leader Peter Dunne under a coalition agreement with National.
Father & Child’s support for the bill does not indicate support for any political party.
Full text submission here: Submission Income Splitting

The Ministry of Social Development has produced a new resource called ‘Supporting Teen Fathers’ aimed at those working with young dads. It was developed in consultation with local researchers and practitioners, including Father & Child. The resource covers conceptualisation of a service through to delivery and evaluation. Order from MSD, ph (04) 916 3300, or contact Father & Child.

Click here for more detail.
Father & Child would like to start an office in Wellington in response to requests from the local community, and is looking for a well-organised dad to make it happen. The position is initially for 10 hrs/wk and fixed term for 3 months to find out if a Wellington office is financially feasible and attracts enough support from funders. Equivalent positions in Christchurch and Auckland are permanent and we expect this to happen in Wellington as well.