When Tauranga mother-of-two Tracey Taylor read the Government's 2014 Budget, she let out a cry of delight in knowing her young children will receive free GP visits and prescriptions to age 13.

Coupled with extending the 14-week paid parental leave scheme by four weeks, Tracey believes the Government is finally providing relief to young families – especially those who haven't previously been eligible for assistance.

Tauranga mother-of-two Tracey Taylor is thrilled both of her children – four-year-old Alex and two-week-old Josh – will receive free GP visits and prescriptions to age 13.

The moves are part of a $500m family package announced in this week's Budget. It includes $90m for free GP visits and prescriptions – currently limited to age six – and $172m to boost the paid parental leave scheme.

The current 14-week paid parental leave scheme extension starts April 1, 2015, with two weeks; and another two weeks start April 1, 2016.

'When I read it, I just went ‘woohoo' out loud because that's [free GP visits] going to save me a lot of money,” says Tracey, who has a four-year-old son, Alex, and two-week-old baby, Josh.

'Alex is turning five next year and I was thinking I'll have to start paying for his doctor's visits – and also for poorer families that wouldn't have taken their child to the doctor simply because they don't have the money – I'm absolutely thrilled.”

Tracey is also pleased with the extended paid parental leave – but wished it could begin now, when she needs it.

'But I'm pleased for everyone going forward. It just means it takes a bit of stress off and gives you another month at home with your baby.”

Tracey says many people in paid employment already take six months to one year off to raise babies – but for some, taking more time than the current paid 14 weeks isn't an option.

'So getting paid for 18 – it gives an extra month to enjoy your baby and not worry about money.”

While not benefitting from the $42m injection into the parental tax credit, increasing from $150 a week to $220 a week, and extended entitlement from eight to 10 weeks, Tracey is still happy with how the 2014 budget caters for families.

'I just think it is fantastic National is thinking of people in my position because Aaron [my husband] and I never get anything.

'He's [Aaron] got two older children, so we pay child support as well, and have our two children – but apart from Alex receiving free 20 hours' childcare, we were never eligible for anything.

'It seems like it [the Budget] really will benefit the middle income earners – and when you want to time to have children, having that extra help – for people, who normally do work and pay tax – I think it's great that they're finally thinking about that.”

But Welcome Bay mother-of-four Rachel Blennerhassett says she'd have liked to see free GPs visits and prescriptions extended to children aged 16, or 18, if at school.

'I have two [children] currently under 13, but I guess by the time this kicks in my 12-year-old will probably turn 13 – so it's probably only going to affect one of my children.”

Rachel has a son Campbell, 17, daughter Emma, 15, and Keegan, 12, and Macsen, nine.

'The ironic thing is I'd have most liked it [free GP visits] to go to Keegan, who has diabetes.”

Rachel says 16-18 year olds are still dependants – 'and the reality is, as children get older the amount of health assistance they need from GPs becomes less, so they wouldn't really be draining funding.

'I think too if funding was available more young adults would get themselves seen, or parents would be more willing for them to get seen, rather than just trying to get through illness without help.”

Rachel says even subsidised teens' GP visits would be beneficial.

'If it was $5 a visit, a token gesture – but when you have to go the doctor's and fork out $35-$40 plus prescriptions, one visit for say tonsillitis can end up costing you close to $100.”

Tauranga-based early childhood education provider Footsteps is happy with a $156m additional spend on helping ECE remain accessible and affordable.

Founder and CEO Kevin Christie says about 60 per cent of his organisation's referrals come from Child Youth and Family or other government agencies.

'Demand for Footsteps' services has grown significantly – enrolments have quadrupled over the last five years – indicating the extent of the need for its services.”

'In my view, children should become an asset, not a liability. By investing in a solid platform for learning, growth, health and stability for our children, we are also investing in our economy by reducing the need for rehabilitation services in the future.

The Government spend of $33m in 2014/2015 to help vulnerable children, including eight new children's teams is also applauded, says Kevin.

'The question is, now that we've ticked the right box by allocating additional funding, how will this investment in children and families really affect the bottom line?

'How will the extra $500 million support package for families prevent abuse and neglect, and drive quality education?”

Plunket CEO Jenny Prince welcomes the additional investment in families but says her organisation still wants paid parental leave increased to 26 weeks as a medium-term goal for future New Zealand families.