New Zealand Launches Ongoing Action Plan to Support Unpaid Carers

The New Zealand Government today launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, a long‑term roadmap to support the country’s thousands of unpaid or informal carers. Developed by the Ministry of Social Development in partnership with the Carers Alliance and an advisory group representing carers, the plan focuses on three priority areas: health and wellbeing, financial security, and recognition and appreciation. Unlike earlier plans, it has no expiry date and sets realistic outcomes that the government and partners will be held accountable for. The draft received nearly 600 responses from online surveys and submissions, and a strong turnout at community workshops, underscoring high interest from carers and their families. The action plan aims to acknowledge carers’ hard work and provide sustainable, evidence‑based progress on the challenges they face.