The latest Carers’ Strategy Action Plan is focused on improving the wellbeing of the one in 10 New Zealanders who care for a loved one with a disability, health condition, illness or injury. This document builds on the work of the two previous five-year action plans which support the cross-agency New Zealand Carers’ Strategy developed with the New Zealand Carers Alliance in 2008.

It includes a range of actions that we will help carry out with other government agencies and sector organisations over the next five years. These actions are focused on:

• Recognising carers and their contributions
• Improving the way carers can navigate the support and services available to them
• Supporting the wellbeing of carers
• Helping carers who want to balance their caring role with paid work or study.

The Action Plan includes a new focus on target populations (Māori, Pacific, young and older carers) and a family, whānau, aiga-centred approach will form part of the implementation approach.