16923 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

16923 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What contingency arrangements, if any, exist to ensure older New Zealanders and disabled people receiving government funded home-based care are not left without essential care during a fuel disruption?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that if New Zealand was to move into phase 3 or 4 of the Fuel Response Plan, the Government’s approach would prioritise life supporting and essential health services. The expectation is that Home and Community Support Services would be included among those prioritised, reflecting their essential role in providing ongoing clinical and personal care. I also note that home and community support workers have already received a temporary increase from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre to help offset rising fuel costs.