- Hon Penny Simmonds
The Government has launched today a new action plan to recognise the thousands of unpaid or informal carers across the country who are at home providing care for a loved one.
“It’s a demanding job juggling work, family and other commitments while caring for a loved one. Yet their work is critical in helping New Zealanders to live fuller lives,” says Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Penny Simmonds.
“Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan is about recognising all their hard work and providing a sustainable, long-term roadmap for making progress on the issues carers face.”
Developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Development, and in partnership with the Carers Alliance and an advisory group of organisations representing carers, the whole-of-government Action Plan focuses on making progress in three key priority areas – health and wellbeing; financial security; and recognition and appreciation.
“The issues carers face are complex and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it was important to work with advocacy and representative groups across all types of carers to identify key priority areas for making progress,” says Minister Simmonds.
“Unlike previous action plans, this one does not expire; it’s ongoing, sets realistic outcomes that will make a difference, and holds government and partners to account on achieving them.”
Minister Simmonds says there was a high level of interest during the plan’s development, including nearly 600 responses from the online surveys and submissions, and a high turnout across the online and community workshops.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the carers, and those in care, who took the time to share their insights and help build Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan,” says Minister Simmonds.
“Particular thanks goes to our long-term partners, the Carers Alliance, who openly shared their knowledge and expertise while representing and advocating for carers throughout the process.”
Link to Strategy Action Plan:
The New Zealand Carers’ Strategy – Ministry of Social Development
