Single parent Borrell Watene recently moved back to Hawke's Bay to look for work that was compatible with the school hours of his two children; something that worked around his kids' schooling. His Work and Income case manager floated an idea that he take part in a new pilot programme, called He Huarahi Hou (New Pathway), offering flexible work hours for single parents at apple giant T&G as well as offering lifts to and from work if needed.
He has not looked back and has been working at T&G's packhouse in Whakatu since March, alongside five other parents also taking part in the work program. "I drop my kids off at school then come to work, then finish work and go and get my kids," Watene said. "It's been good working five hours a day ... in the past I have had jobs where I have worked eight hours or 10 hours a day, then I miss out on time with my kids."
Source: nzherald.co.nz