A new Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group began work this month to provide expert advice to the Government on long-term reform of the country’s aged-care system.

In late December, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello appointed the group’s 10 members, who have specialist knowledge across aged care and primary care, home and community support services, aged residential care and funding models.

“This group will identify the changes needed to the aged-care funding model, in order to build a sustainable system and one that is easier for people to access and navigate,” Costello said.

Former Minister of Health David Cunliffe, currently chair of faith-based aged-care provider Selwyn Foundation, was appointed group chair. Fellow members included Brien Cree, Shelley Cunningham, Suzanne Dvorak, Dr Richard Lowe, Murray Penman, Mike Peters, Max Robins, Allan Sargeant, and Helen Watson.

The group’s term began on January 12 and was expected to complete work by mid-2026, however a one-year term was set to provide flexibility if needed.

The group would provide an independent report and a set of recommendations around three areas: the funding model needed to support sustainable services, particularly a sustainable supply of standard aged-care beds; how the costs of providing aged care could be reasonably shared between those receiving care and the Government; the changes to contracting arrangements and regulatory settings needed for aged-care services to remove red tape, support cost-effective delivery of services, support service innovation and increase cohesion and integration between aged-care services, wider health services and disability support services.

Costello said “New Zealand has very good aged care, provided by dedicated people. However, a number of reviews have found that our aged-care model is out of date”.

“We are committed to addressing this and building a system that provides the right care in the right place, that is sustainable and will endure as our population ages.

“These are significant policy issues, with major political considerations attached and that’s why an independent group is required.

“The goal is that the group’s recommendations will inform any future government’s policy and funding decisions.

Costello said the Government was committed to a bipartisan approach to addressing challenges as part of the commitment in the National-NZ First coalition agreement.

The group would be supported by the Ministry of Health, which would provide a secretariat and engage with additional experts as required.