SDS Network Aotearoa's submission to the New Zealand Government's Carers’ Strategy Action Plan Consultation .
Date: February 2026
About SDS Network Aotearoa
The Self-Directed Support (SDS) Network Aotearoa is a collective of individuals, providers, and advocates committed to embedding genuine self-direction within funded health and disability support services across Aotearoa New Zealand. We advocate for systems that enable people and whānau to exercise real choice and control over their lives and the services they use.
Carers are foundational to the sustainability of New Zealand’s health and disability systems. Without unpaid carers, these systems would not function.
The Carers’ Strategy Action Plan must therefore move beyond aspirational language and deliver enforceable, measurable changes.
Overarching Position
The current draft Action Plan relies heavily on passive and non‑committal language such as ‘consider’, ‘explore’, ‘map’, and ‘develop understanding’. This language does not create obligation, does not require delivery, and does not guarantee improved outcomes for carers.
We strongly recommend replacing passive terminology with directive commitments including ‘implement’, ‘deliver’, ‘fund’, ‘measure’, ‘report’, and ‘remedy’. Each action must include defined performance indicators, public reporting requirements, and clear cross‑agency accountability.
Rolling Action Plan
A rolling Action Plan can support sustainability and responsiveness. However, without strict accountability mechanisms, it risks becoming an ongoing exercise in consultation without delivery.
We recommend mandatory public reporting no less than every three years, clearly defined milestones, transparent performance metrics, and structured engagement with carers and representative networks.
Recognition and Appreciation
Symbolic initiatives such as a national Carers Appreciation Day are welcome but insufficient. Recognition must be accompanied by tangible system change including funded respite access, financial support reform, and culturally safe service delivery.
Government must commit to implementing integrated culturally safe service models and delivering targeted supports for priority communities with measurable outcomes.
Health and Wellbeing – Respite Reform
The nationwide shortage of respite is critical. Language such as ‘strengthen’ or ‘promote’ is inadequate given the scale of unmet need.
Government must implement nationally consistent, flexible self-directed respite options, including expanded Individualised Funding access. Agencies must publicly report on respite capacity, unmet demand, and regional inequities, and be required to remedy shortfalls.
Financial Security
Financial insecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing carers. Many experience reduced workforce participation, long‑term income loss, and increased poverty risk.
The Action Plan must move beyond mapping exercises and commit to implementation of practical financial reforms. This includes improving access to carer allowances, increasing flexibility within existing funding envelopes, trialling innovative funding models, and reducing administrative burden.
Data, Information and Transparency
Improved data collection must translate into public transparency and system accountability. Government should deliver integrated cross‑agency reporting, accessible eligibility information, and clear navigation pathways for carers.
Governance and Lived Experience
Governance structures must formally include lived experience representation. Oversight must be participatory, transparent, and outcome‑focused. Carers must be embedded in decision‑making processes, not consulted retrospectively.
Conclusion
Carers sustain New Zealand’s health and disability systems. The Carers’ Strategy Action Plan must therefore be practical, measurable, and enforceable. A strategy that ‘considers’ and ‘explores’ will not change outcomes. A strategy that implements, funds, measures, and reports will.
SDS Network Aotearoa stands ready to engage constructively to ensure the Action Plan delivers real, durable improvements for carers and whānau across Aotearoa.