Public views are being sought on how the scheme can better reflect modern arrangements of shared care and actual expenditure for raising children, along with the contributions made by both parents.  The penalty and debt rules are also being looked at. 

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said in a media statement:

"Families have evolved and their domestic and financial situations have changed, and are often more complex today than they were in the past.

"Today both parents are far more likely to be working than was the case in 1992, and often separated fathers have a far greater involvement with their children than they used to have," he said.

"We need a child support scheme that works better and we need New Zealanders - particularly those whose lives are impacted by it - to contribute to a national discussion on this very important issue," he said.

"While we need a scheme that serves children better and is fair to parents, we do not want people in this system if it can be avoided."

The discussion document titled "Supporting Children" is available from the Inland Revenue Department website click here

To give your opinion click here to go to the Online consultation

Consultation ends on 29 October 2010.