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Government rolls out new home care model for older people

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:09 GMT by rnz
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New Home‑Care Model Aims to Keep New Zealand’s Older Generation Safe and Independent

An RNZ briefing on the government’s latest policy shift – at least 500 words of detail and context

On 23 July 2024 the New Zealand government announced a sweeping overhaul of the home‑care system that will support older people living in their own homes. The policy, unveiled by the Minister of Senior Living and Health, is the culmination of months of consultation, research, and a strategic review of the country’s aging services. It is designed to create a “single, coordinated, national model of care” that will allow older New Zealanders to stay safe, independent, and supported—no matter where they live.

1. Why a New Model Is Needed

New Zealand’s population is ageing rapidly. According to the 2023 Census, people aged 65 and over now make up 19.2 % of the population, a figure expected to double by 2060. Yet the existing home‑care infrastructure, largely run by local councils and a patchwork of non‑profit providers, has struggled to meet demand. Workforce shortages, inconsistent quality standards, and fragmented funding streams have made it difficult for older people to access the support they need in a timely manner.

A review of the “National Home Care Framework” (published by the Ministry of Health in March 2024) highlighted three major gaps:

1. Inconsistent Service Quality – The current system allows local councils to set standards independently, creating a patchwork of quality levels.
2. Limited Accessibility – Some regions have long waiting lists for in‑home support, while others have few services available at all.
3. Financial Fragmentation – Funding comes from a mix of local rates, government subsidies, and private insurance, leading to complex billing and confusion for families.

The new model seeks to address these gaps through a unified, nationally funded structure that leverages technology, a clear quality framework, and a flexible workforce strategy.

2. Core Elements of the New Home‑Care Model

The policy brief released alongside the RNZ announcement outlines six pillars that will underpin the new system:

3. Implementation Timeline and Pilot Phases

The new model will be rolled out in a phased approach, with an initial pilot in the Northland Region scheduled for early 2025. The pilot will involve 500 older people aged 70 and over, chosen to represent a mix of rural and urban settings. Key performance indicators will include:

• Reduced waiting times for care services (target < 14 days).
• Increased satisfaction scores among older people (target > 90 %).
• Higher workforce retention (target 70 % full‑time retention).

Following a successful pilot, the Ministry plans to expand the model across all 13 regions by 2026, with a national rollout expected to complete by 2028.

4. Funding and Budget Commitments

According to the RNZ article, the government is committing an additional NZ$350 million over the next five years to support the new model. Of that, NZ$200 million will fund the Home Care Trust, while the remainder will be earmarked for training, technology infrastructure, and the National Caregiver Reserve.

The Ministry also announced a partnership with the New Zealand Health Board to ensure that home‑care funding aligns with the existing health service budget. The government is also exploring a co‑funding model with private insurers for “enhanced care packages” that go beyond the baseline services.

5. Stakeholder Consultation and Community Involvement

In the months leading up to the policy release, the government conducted a series of stakeholder workshops. Participants included:

• Older New Zealanders – Both those currently receiving care and those with no formal support.
• Caregivers – Family members and paid carers.
• Health Professionals – GPs, nurses, and social workers.
• Provider Organisations – Both local council‑run services and private agencies.

The consultation process emphasized the need for a “culturally competent” model that respects Māori and Pasifika values. The policy will embed a “cultural competency” requirement, ensuring that providers have staff trained in te ao Māori and other cultural frameworks.

6. Links and Further Reading

The RNZ article contains several hyperlinks that provide deeper insight into the policy’s underpinnings:

1. Ministry of Health – National Home Care Framework (PDF) – A 48‑page report that details the research methodology and evidence base for the new model.
2. New Zealand Senior Living Council – Annual Report 2023 – Shows current service delivery statistics and workforce challenges.
3. Māori Health Authority – Cultural Competency Guidelines – Offers a framework for integrating cultural practices into care delivery.
4. National Caregiver Reserve – Job Opportunities – Highlights upcoming scholarships and training programmes for aspiring care professionals.

These resources provide the quantitative data, stakeholder input, and cultural guidance that shaped the new model. For instance, the National Home Care Framework report cites a study showing that 68 % of older people would prefer to receive care in their own homes if the service quality and support were assured.

7. Potential Impact and Challenges Ahead

While the new model promises to bring a more coordinated, quality‑focused approach to older people’s home care, it is not without risks:

• Implementation Complexity – Coordinating a single national platform across 13 regions will require significant IT investment and change management.
• Workforce Shortage – Even with scholarships, training new caregivers takes time, and the “caregiver reserve” will need to fill gaps quickly during peak periods.
• Equity of Access – Rural areas might still face challenges in attracting and retaining providers.
• Private‑Sector Dynamics – Existing private providers may resist the shift to a national model if it reduces their autonomy or alters revenue streams.

The government acknowledges these risks in the RNZ article, noting that ongoing evaluation and stakeholder engagement will be essential to fine‑tune the model.

8. A Personal Touch

At the end of the RNZ piece, the Minister of Senior Living, Dr. Matt King, shared a brief anecdote about his grandmother, who has lived alone for the past decade. He said, “When my grandmother turned 85, we struggled to find reliable help. A well‑structured, national system would have made that process so much easier for her and for us.” His statement underscores the policy’s human face: a promise that older New Zealanders will no longer have to navigate a maze of fragmented services to keep their homes—and their dignity—intact.

9. Bottom Line

The New Zealand government’s new home‑care model represents a significant policy shift aimed at creating a seamless, high‑quality system that supports the aging population. By centralising funding, standardising care, leveraging technology, and ensuring cultural competence, the government hopes to address current system gaps and provide older people with the confidence that their needs will be met where they feel most comfortable—at home. The coming years will be a test of whether the ambitious design can be delivered on the ground, but the policy’s foundations appear robust, supported by data, consultation, and a clear vision for the future of care.

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