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- By Casey Costello, Minister for Seniors
I recently attended the opening of Oceania’s Franklin Village in Pukekohe.
It was another reminder of how much growth and development is happening around the Franklin area – and how important it is to have as many options as possible for how we live as we age.
When we discuss aging, it almost always leads to health care, with aged care a direct responsibility of mine as minister, as well as support for older people as Minister for Seniors. In this space, I am proud to be an MP with New Zealand First.
New Zealand First prioritised aged care by ensuring it was part of our coalition agreement, so that real change is achieved. This included an agreement with a select committee inquiry into aged care, with its recommendations now feeding into a Ministerial Advisory Group on aged care that will provide specific recommendations for change.
I have written previously about the importance of delivering a health system that supports us all to age well and a funding model that supports this system. Simply put, this is about the right care at the right time and in the right place.
What I have learned as I’ve travelled New Zealand and visited care homes, hospitals and providers is that we have amazing people, dedicated and skilled, delivering quality care. We also have first-class facilities, like Franklin Village, being built in some areas.
Overall, though, the existing system is outdated and does not support the delivery of the range of services people need throughout the country.
We need real change. New Zealand First has committed to an enduring, bipartisan approach to aged care, and from what I have seen and heard, I know we need a system that provides care that is easier for people to access and that supports the providers of these services to invest and grow capacity.
Like many parts of New Zealand, Franklin has experienced significant growth, but people need access to a range of services and care options to be able to remain living in the community they know.
Aging in the place we know is not solely reliant on health services. It includes housing options, social connections, secure and safe communities, and access to amenities and infrastructure.
We need to ensure no community is left withering on the vine. This means services are expanded, economic investment and development are made easier, and local voices are not lost when decisions are made.
Whether it is something as common sense as simplifying the process to build subsidiary dwellings or fast track legislation to support development, New Zealand First continues to deliver practical outcomes.
