# Opinion/Media Capture — The Post: Budget 2026 Missed the Chance to Stabilise Aged Care **Source:** [The Post — Business Section](https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/361015120/budget-2026-missed-chance-stabilise-aged-care) **Author:** Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association New Zealand **Date Published:** 28 May 2026 **Date Captured:** 10 June 2026 **Status:** Saved from live web (op-ed by sector leader) **KB Folders:** 02_Aged_Residential_Care, 05_Funding_and_Subsidies, 16 Political/12_Media_Releases_and_Public_Statements --- ## Summary The CEO of the Aged Care Association (and former Minister for Seniors, NZ First) argues that Budget 2026 contained "many announcements about health" but "what was missing was any meaningful action to stabilise aged residential care." The op-ed serves as both a sector critique and a campaign launch document ahead of the 2026 election. --- ## Key Arguments ### The Core Problem - Aged care facilities provide hospital-level care, dementia care, rehabilitation, respite, and end-of-life care to thousands daily - "We care for more New Zealanders than our hospitals do, yet once again the sector has been left waiting" - The Government established a Ministerial Advisory Group on Aged Care for long-term reform — positive step — but everyone knew recommendations wouldn't arrive in time for Budget 2026 ### Consequences of Inaction - Facilities being mothballed because funding model no longer covers true care costs - Specific example: "One of New Zealand's leading charities announced the closure of another 40-bed facility ... driven by a lack of sustainable funding" - Older couples separated by bed shortages - Families face longer travel times to visit loved ones - Hospitals remain under pressure with no discharge pathway ### Root Cause > "The funding model was designed for a different era, when residents had lower levels of need and providers faced fewer regulatory, workforce and clinical costs." - Today's residents enter care later, with more complex conditions and higher support requirements ### Three Practical Steps Government Could Have Taken 1. **Targeted infrastructure grant fund** for standard aged care beds in communities under pressure - "Just 1% of existing infrastructure funding over four years could stabilise capacity" 2. **Support greater use of aged care facilities** for rehabilitation, recovery, and respite services — reducing hospital pressure 3. **Admission and discharge payment** to encourage short-term stays, transitional care, and respite for family carers - Would help older people regain strength at home; carers avoid breaking point ### Call to Action - Reform and stabilisation "are not mutually exclusive — we can and should do both" - **Challenge for all political parties:** What is your plan for aged care? How will you ensure access to care close to home? What will you do in your first 100 days to stop bed and service losses? - "New Zealand's older people have waited long enough. They deserve more than another promise that help is coming someday. They deserve action." --- ## Political Context - **Author background:** Tracey Martin was NZ First Minister for Seniors (2017–2020); now ACA CEO. Her NZ First connections mean this carries political weight — NZ First is in coalition government and positions itself as seniors' champion - **Election framing:** Op-ed explicitly makes aged care an election issue — intended to force National, Labour, NZ First, Greens to make specific pre-election commitments - **Timing:** Published on Budget day (28 May 2026) — designed for maximum media impact alongside Budget coverage --- ## Cross-References - `02_Aged_Residential_Care/2026 - Funding Reform Tracker.md` - `05_Funding_and_Subsidies/2026 Issue Brief - Budget 2026 Implications for Older New Zealanders.md` - `17_Automated_Research/02_FINDINGS/2026-06-10_2359_Prompt03B2_Budget2026SeniorsImplementation.md` --- _Captured for NZ Seniors Knowledge Base — Automated Research Agent_