Carers welcome progress after years of pressure: “A good first step”
News release, 18 November 2025
The Carers Alliance and Carers NZ have welcomed the Government’s commitment to consult on a new national Action Plan for Carers, describing the announcement as an “important and constructive first step” toward addressing issues that have affected carers for many years.
“It’s encouraging to see renewed focus on carers, and consultation is a good place to start,” says the chief executive Carers NZ, the peak body for carers, Laurie Hilsgen. “But this is long overdue, and the need for better, more reliable support is increasingly urgent.”
Carers Alliance co-chair, and the chief executive of Alzheimers NZ, Catherine Hall agrees: “The original Carers’ Strategy dates back to 2008. Since then, pressures on carers have grown significantly while access to essential supports, especially respite, has declined. Every day, thousands of families are navigating caring roles with less help than ever before.”
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) developed the draft action plan alongside the Carers Alliance and an Advisory Group representing diverse carer needs. The Carers Alliance of more than 60 national not for profits, collectively support millions of New Zealanders caring for friends and family who have health conditions, disabilities, or palliative care needs.
Hall says the sector was pleased to have partnered with MSD and looks forward to the feedback generated by the consultation, which runs from 17 November to 12 February 2026. More information is available on the MSD website.
More than one million New Zealanders provide care for a family member or friend who needs help with daily living. Many are of workforce age, yet their responsibilities often force them to reduce hours or step away from paid employment entirely. Infometrics estimates the economic value of this largely unpaid care at $17.6 billion per year.
Most carers are women, many unable to save adequately for retirement. Research shows three-quarters report anxiety or depression, and new survey findings indicate that loneliness and social isolation are widespread.
“These pressures are not new,” says Hall. “As our population ages and more complex care shifts to the home, families are carrying heavier loads for longer.”
The proposed Action Plan aims to recognise this essential contribution and set a long-term roadmap for improving carers’ recognition and appreciation, health and wellbeing, and financial security.
Both Hall and Hilsgen are urging carers to take part in the consultation process.
“This is a critical opportunity for Government to fully understand the realities carers face every day, and to hear workable, practical solutions directly from those with lived experience,” they say.
For more information contact: Laurie Hilsgen – Carers NZ CEO and Alliance Secretariat, 021 702 922, info@carers.net.nz
Catherine Hall – Carers Alliance Co-Chair, 027 381 2369, catherine.hall@alzheimers.org.nz
