# Alzheimers NZ Position Papers — January 2026 Update

**Source:** Alzheimers New Zealand  
**Date:** January 2026 (position papers); uploaded March 2026  
**URL:** https://cdn.alzheimers.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Alzheimers-NZ-position-papers-January-2026-update_All.pdf  
**Accessed:** 9 June 2026

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## Overview

Alzheimers NZ calls on all political parties to recognise dementia as a national health priority ahead of the 2026 General Election. Three position papers outline practical solutions.

**Key Message:** Tackling dementia now will deliver positive political and fiscal outcomes.

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## Position Paper 1: Progressively Implement the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan 2026–2031

### The Problem

| Statistic                                        | Value                |
| ------------------------------------------------ | -------------------- |
| People with dementia in NZ (2025)                | ~83,000              |
| Projected by 2050                                | 170,000              |
| Projected annual cost (2050, inflation-adjusted) | $10.65 billion       |
| New cases per hour                               | 3 people (~500/week) |
| By 2050, new cases per hour                      | 4 people             |
| People aged 65+ by 2028                          | 1 million            |

Health inequities worsening — dementia increasing faster among Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian communities.

### Five Priority Actions

1. Promote brain health — reduce dementia prevalence
2. Ensure timely and accurate diagnosis + comprehensive management planning
3. Improve community dementia support services
4. Support formal and informal dementia workforces
5. Provide more effective governance for the dementia sector

### Expected Outcomes

- Reduce number of people with dementia
- Relieve pressure on hospitals and aged residential care
- Better, more equitable support for families
- Lower future government costs

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## Position Paper 2: Fund Community-Based Dementia Services Appropriately

- **Funding ask:** $127.3 million over three years (including current $11.8M/year)
- Current funding covers only **13%** of people with dementia
- ~37,600 people without needed support
- Wairarapa service receives zero government funding
- Community-based dementia support costs $11.11/day vs significantly more for ARC/hospital

### Benefits of Investment

- Reach 37,400 families with early and ongoing support
- Free up hospital and ED beds
- Keep people at home longer
- Better support for families and care partners

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## Position Paper 3: Create an Older Person's Health & Aged Care Strategy

- NZ needs a bespoke strategy for good quality, integrated, accessible services
- Independent, evidence-based pricing structure covering entire continuum
- Designed with sector involvement
- Supports both providers and workforce
- Covers community services → aged residential care → end-of-life sectors

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## Cross-References

- **07_Dementia_and_Health**: Core policy document for dementia advocacy
- **05_Funding_and_Subsidies**: Funding gap analysis for community dementia services
- **16 Political & Campaign Intelligence**: Election 2026 advocacy material
- Budget 2026 response: https://alzheimers.org.nz/news/budget-2026-fails-to-meet-fast-growing-dementia-challenge/