HCHA Open Letter on Fuel Costs and In-Between Travel Funding
Home and Community Health Association
Sector evidence
Sector body
10 August 2026
Next review not yet scheduled
New Zealand
High confidence
published
SNZ editorial review
Evidence boundary: This record summarises the cited source. It does not establish local availability, individual eligibility, or professional advice.
Short Answer
HCHA's letter to the Minister of Finance argues that rapidly rising fuel costs and inadequate In-Between Travel reimbursement threaten continuity of home care, especially in rural and remote communities.
Key Points
- •HCHA estimated that 40,000 to 45,000 care and support workers rely on vehicles for essential work.
- •The letter warns of service refusal, worker exits, provider failure and hospital pressure if travel costs remain underfunded.
- •HCHA asks direct government funders, including Health NZ, ACC and MSD, to increase reimbursement rates immediately.
- •The request concerns the true cost of commissioned service delivery; it is not a grant programme for technology vendors.
Full Summary & Notes
HCHA's letter to the Minister of Finance argues that rapidly rising fuel costs and inadequate In-Between Travel reimbursement threaten continuity of home care, especially in rural and remote communities. It asks Health NZ, ACC and MSD to fund an immediate emergency uplift while a durable sector solution is developed.
Document Details & Metadata
Related Resources
Elizabeth Knopf’s March 2022 desk review examines aged residential care as an input to the Productivity Commission’s immigration inquiry.
Edward Miller’s joint E tū/CICTAR report advocates greater transparency over aged residential care public funding and corporate tax arrangements, drawing on company financial statements and a Bupa New Zealand case study.
These five-page terms define the independent Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group’s remit across home/community support and aged residential care, including respite and transitional services.
The Office for Seniors delivered the Digital Literacy Training for Seniors programme from 2019.
NZGCP's Autumn 2026 market report describes a strong headline year for New Zealand young-company investment with capital concentrated in later rounds and VC-led deals.
RNZ reports headline findings from a January 2024 Sapere analysis for Health NZ comparing public spending on subsidised residential care and home and community support.