Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

Firstly, I join Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pukenga in mourning the loss of Māori horticultural pioneer, Dr Kihi Ngatai OSM.

Having attended his tangi myself, it was beautiful to see Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson issue a poroporoaki to his whānau on behalf of our government, acknowledging Mātua Kihi's contribution to Māori welfare, our primary industries and his leadership for Tauranga iwi.

Kihi dedicated his life to caring for the whenua, his whānau, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for our community. It is through all of these things his legacy lives on.

Recently, alongside the Māori Health Authority, a Matariki public holiday and the other election promises this government is continuing to deliver thanks to the mandate New Zealanders gave us, there is one fact I feel is flying under the radar.

That is that our law changes extending an employee's minimum sick leave entitlement from five to ten days a year came into effect in workplaces around Tauranga Moana from July 24.

Please note, whānau become eligible for this increased entitlement at different times over the next year, in line with your work anniversary date.

As a business owner myself, I am proud of this huge win for our hard-working community - especially in creating a healthier, well-rested workforce, and being fairer for working parents who often have to stretch sick leave over their needs and that of their tamariki.

Together, we're better empowering kaimahi to stay home when sick and put whānau first.