The NZDF has enhanced the statutory entitlements under the Parental Leave and Protection Act in an attempt to retain the experience and skills of those Service members who take a period of Parental Leave. These enhancements include: payment of a Parental Returning Incentive, which is six weeks salary which is paid six months after return to work; entitlement to 10 days’ ‘Special Leave’ on pay for both the pregnant Service member and her partner prior to the birth of the child for reasons connected with the pregnancy; reduction of the requirement to serve 52 weeks between subsequent periods of Parental Leave to 26 weeks on a case by case basis; and payment of Employment Conditions Abroad allowances if on Parental Leave while serving overseas.