Will's Word: A win for working families, if you can afford it

The Government has announced a new Parent Boost Visa, which allows parents of migrants to stay in New Zealand for up to 10 years. Now, it’s five years, with the option to renew once.

This is a pretty big move. It brings families back together, which is very important, and I think ultimately what it means is more support for working parents, especially with young children, which is very good indeed.

It also means comfort and connection for migrants, ultimately building a life here in New Zealand. Support has been quick to say it will make New Zealand more attractive to skilled workers, which I think is very important.

We do of course have a skilled workers shortage in this country, as more Kiwis decide to head overseas. If people know they can bring their parents, I think that may change things in the sense of being more likely to come and stay here.

It's also a way to recognise the important role family plays in wellbeing too. But there are valid concerns as well that I've seen floating about on social media since this announcement was made yesterday.

The visa requires applicants to have private health insurance, a clean health record and enough income. So that means it may not be possible for lower income families which is a wee bit devastating.

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The Greens have said it favours the wealthy and shuts out others. I can see where they're coming from, that's a valid point. There's also no path to residency, so you could ask, ‘what's the point of all this’? I guess: have 10 years in New Zealand, so that's 10 years with your family.

It also means parents can live here for years, but actually never fully belong. And that's another point that's been floating about since this announcement was made. They must rely on private health care and they have no access to public services.

So they're kind of shut out really. In the end, I think the parent boost visa, it's a step forward for many, there's no denying that but it's also not perfect either. It's important to recognise that too.

At the end of the day, you could characterise it as it brings some families closer while still leaving others behind.

That’s Will’s Word.