Not that I can help with your topic, but are you thinking in addition to existing parental leave entitlements? If so, that's pretty cool.

https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/eligibility/
https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/types-of-parental-leave/

Many moons ago I worked for an amazing company who offered a lump sum equivalent to 3 month's salary as an incentive if you agreed to return for at least a year. You also received assistance towards childcare (registered practice or proven direct relation) until the child entered education (5 year's old).

It was an absolute lifesaver for me and I was with the company for 17 year's in total.

Yes Trudy. Something like that. Say you get paid $1000 a week, you get $717 from the tax payer for paid parental leave. I'd top up $283 a week for, say six months. I'm going to have to do something for the men that take time off as well.

@julie - I have the lump sum sort of sorted. I'm offering the person who fills the gap a lump sum as compo if I bring the Maternity fixed term to an early close. Food for thought past the year mark. Best I get the first year covered first.