The Government has launched a new action plan Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to better recognise and support the 500,000 to 1 million New Zealanders who provide informal or unpaid care to a loved one.
With an aging population, longer life expectancies, and progressively complex health needs, Mahi Aroha recognises the increasingly important role informal carers play in helping those in their care live fuller lives. Developed in partnership with the Carers Alliance, and an advisory group with members representing key carers’ organisations, it sets out a long-term course that is guided by ambitious outcomes and focuses on three priority areas that carers told us are most importance to them:
- Recognition and appreciation
- Health and wellbeing
- Financial security.
To ensure progress is made, an additional priority has been placed on monitoring and evaluation of Mahi Aroha over time, which will contribute to strengthening accountability across government.
Mahi Aroha outlines a set of actions and initial steps under each priority area, which are the things we’ll do first to make progress. The ongoing Action Plan will be reviewed and built on over time to ensure it stays relevant for the needs of carers and the wider community.
View Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan
Uploaded: 25/09/2026