Have your say on the draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan

Carers' Strategy Action Plan basics 

The Carers’ Strategy Action Plan involves multiple government agencies working together to better recognise, support and empower carers. 

A carer is anyone who looks after family, whānau, aiga, friends, or others who need help with everyday living due to disability, illness, injury, or age. At least one in 10 New Zealanders in a carer. 

The Action Plan sits under the broader New Zealand Carers’ Strategy, which was first launched in 2028. The Action Plan turns the Strategy’s vision into concrete actions and priorities. 

Previous Action plans have applied for three to five years, but this one will be ongoing, with no set end date.  

View the Action Plan, including summaries in alternate formats  

Action Plan priorities 

The Action Plan focuses on three priority areas developed in consultation with the Carers Alliances and Carers’ Strategy Advisory group.  

 Recognition and appreciation 

The aim is for carers to be valued and the support they require is recognised and protected. Immediate actions for the government include: 

• launch a National Carers Appreciation Day in 2026 

• consider how cultural safety can be better integrated into existing services for carers (cultural is about creating spaces where people feel respective valued, and free from discrimination based on their cultural identity)  

• explore ways to improve service access and navigation for carers    

Health and wellbeing 

The aim is for health and wellbeing outcomes to be equitable between cares and non-carers. Immediate actions in the plan include: 

• promote the availability, diversity, flexibility, and importance of respite and break options for cares 

• get an understanding of the current availability of respite care across the country 

• expand community pathways to better support frontline professionals (e.g. GPs, Needs Assessment Services Coordinators (NASCs)) to refer carers to appropriate supports and networks. 

Financial security 

The aim is more financial supports and improved educational and employment pathways to enable carers to meet their needs and plan for the future. Immediate government actions include: 

• develop a picture of available financial assistance and identify gaps and inconsistencies  

• map out the potential pathways available to different carers, family, whānau, and aiga  

• develop an understanding of the supports provided by employers to carers to inform potential government actions. 

 
Have your say 

Consultation on Carers' Strategy Action Plan closes on Thursday 12 March 2026.  

You can email your submission to CAPsubmissions@msd.govt.nz or mail it to  

Carers' Strategy Action Plan 

Ministry of Social Development 

P.O. Box 1556 

Wellington 6140 

Alternatively, you can complete a survey about the Action Plan on the Ministry of Social Development website. 

Complete the survey 

Find out more about the Carer’s Strategy Action Plan on the Ministry of Social Development website