Kiwi Dads at Play: What Influences Fathers' Childcare Involvement in New Zealand?

Abstract

Fathers' involvement in childcare plays a critical role in promoting gender equality in caregiving, supporting children's development, and enhancing men's own well-being. Yet, in many countries–including New Zealand–mothers still bear a disproportionate share of childcare responsibilities, contributing to what is known as the gender care gap. This paper examines what drives variation in paternal involvement in early childcare, using data from the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) birth cohort. We identify key factors that help and hinder fathers' engagement, such as job-related constraints, household income dynamics, and personality traits. Importantly, the analysis shows that leave-taking and daily involvement are shaped by different drivers, with, for example, conscientious fathers being more involved in daily care while simultaneously being less likely to take paternity leave. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of what shapes fathers' roles in caregiving, with implications for families, employers, and policymakers.