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National may be proposing to increase the amount of paid parental leave that new parents are allowed to take, but about half of all New Zealand employers are already offering more than the statutory minimum.

National said at the weekend it would extend the paid parental leave period from 26 weeks to 30, if it was re-elected.

Primary carers are eligible for 26 weeks of paid leave and another 26 weeks unpaid, at their normal rate of pay but capped at $811 a week.

Some employers are already offering significantly more generous leave policies. Kiwibank tops up employees' leave to 100 percent of their normal salary for 26 weeks plus offers an extra six weeks' paid leave when they return to work. Law firm AJ Park offers 18 weeks paid at 100 percent of salary plus another eight weeks topping up the government payment. Another law firm, Mayne Wetherell, offers up to 26 weeks at 100 percent pay with significant flexibility around the timing of the leave.

Within government, ministries tend to offer a one-off payment equivalent to six weeks' pay when staff go on leave.

Teachers receive a similar payment.

Members of Parliament receive their normal remuneration while on parental leave.

Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane, said for most people, the availability of additional parental leave perks was something that was a pleasant surprise when they came to use it.

"Not a lot of people will be looking at it whenever they are thinking about going in and working with an employer."

But she said the Parental Leave Register, which is administered by Crayon, was a good tool for people to look at potential employer policies, or even those of their current workplace.

O'Kane said employees would value a top-up to 100 percent of their salaries because the parental leave rate was a significant pay cut for many people.

"The more you're paid, the bigger cut you're taking when you go off on parental leave."

She said it tended to be bigger companies that were able to offer more, but most New Zealand businesses were small.

"It's much trickier to top up those different elements of that parental leave package. That's where the government really becomes an important player to be able to support those smaller organisations."

She said the minimum government payment should be higher. "I think if they were more generous you would give parents and children a better start in life."

She said other things would matter, too, like work flexibility when someone returned.

Shannon Barlow, managing director of Frog Recruitment, said extended paid parental leave was viewed positively by jobseekers, but it was not a deal breaker in the current market.

"It's been a difficult couple of years for many job seekers. With unemployment still relatively high and competition for roles remaining strong, we're seeing more people take a 'bird in the hand' approach. If they've found a role that offers career progression, stability and a good manager, they're less likely to hold out for an employer with a slightly more generous parental leave policy.

"Our latest market report reflects that. Career opportunities, work-life balance, management support and trust, and job security are the biggest drivers for candidates this year. Extended parental leave is appreciated, but it sits well behind those broader workplace factors in terms of what influences someone's decision to join or stay with an employer.

"That said, any additional benefit is viewed favourably, particularly one that supports employees through a major life event. It's the sort of initiative that can strengthen an employer's reputation and reinforce that they genuinely invest in their people, even if it isn't the deciding factor when someone accepts a role."

She said the employers that would stand up were those who did not wait for legislation.

"They look at what their people value and build benefits that strengthen their employee value proposition, whether that's enhanced parental leave, higher KiwiSaver contributions, paid life or longevity leave, or paying a living wage rather than simply meeting the minimum wage. Those initiatives help differentiate an employer in the market and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting their people, rather than just meeting the statutory minimum.

"It also keeps New Zealand moving in the same direction as Australia. Australia has just expanded its government-funded Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks from July this year, with reforms designed to increase support and flexibility for families. So anything that gives us an edge over the Aussies is a good thing! National's proposal to move New Zealand to 30 weeks would continue that trend of gradually strengthening parental leave rather than being a dramatic shift."

Research for the Ministry of Social Development in 2021 showed women who were working before having children preferred to take 69 weeks of leave on average. People who were self-employed or working part-time were more likely to want to take less.

Just over half said they expected to get less leave than they wanted. More than half returned to work within nine months.