WELLINGTON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter on Monday outlined her plans prior to and following the birth of her baby.
The minister will stop flying and remain based in Auckland from July 15 up until the baby's birth, due on August 6. She will continue to carry out her ministerial duties from Auckland until she goes into labor.
The minister will take leave from her ministerial duties from the time of going into labor for a period of up to three months. Whilst on maternity leave, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage will be acting minister for women.
All arrangements have been approved with the Speaker of the House, as well as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who gave birth to her first child in Auckland on Thursday.
After giving birth, Ardern will take a six-week maternal leave, during which her deputy Winston Peters steps in as acting prime minister.