The Green Party has announced new policy aimed at families, including an up to $220 a week Parental Tax Credit for those who can't get paid parental leave.

The announcement is part of their ‘Budget for All Mothers' policy package, which also includes extending sick leave to 10 days.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says the policy package is aimed at reducing time and money pressures for parents, and improving long-term outcomes for children.

"We want every single Kiwi kid to have a great start to life. That's a Green Party priority, and we make no apologies for that," says Metiria.

"Under the Green Party plan, anyone who can't get paid parental leave will be able to access the Parental Tax Credit of up to $220 a week. It's fair and it's right to have universal support for every baby born in New Zealand.

"We will also make wahakura baby pods available to every family in New Zealand, providing a safe sleeping space and essential items for baby's first few months.

"Every parent I know struggles to balance their commitment to work and to their kids. The Green Party will extend sick leave to 10 days, to allow parents and whanau to take time off when needed to look after sick kids, and other people who are dependent on them.

"We will extend before-school, after-school and holiday care subsidies to include all children from low-income families, whether their parents are working or not. No child should be left out because their parent doesn't have a job.”

Council of Trade Unions secretary Sam Huggard believes working people will welcome the announcement of more paid sick leave.

'This is a great announcement. More sick leave is something that lots of working people need, especially those with caring responsibilities for other members of their families.

'According to the State Services Commission, most working people are using a minimum of eight days of sick leave annually. So for those working people on the legal minimum of five days they are either needing to take unpaid leave or annual leave.

'An increase to ten days would also bring New Zealand up to the same level as our Australian neighbours.”