Councillors have voted to provide a childcare subsidy for elected members, in a move that is hoped to bring more diversity to this year's local body elections. Northland Regional Council governance support manager Chris Taylor suggested the council decline the childcare allowance, saying it was an unbudgeted expense and inconsistent with what was provided to employees. The New Zealand Union of Students also supported the childcare allowance, saying it would help reduce barriers for people standing for council. Supplied Councillor Penny Smart says the new childcare allowance will cover only a proportion of the costs of childcare for parents. The new childcare allowance rules will come into force once the results of this year's elections are official.

Source: Stuff July 16, 2019 03:56 UTC