World Children’s Day Highlights Urgent Need for More Caregivers in NZ

Across the country, more than 2,000 caregivers play a vital role in supporting children and young people who require care, comfort and stability.

This World Children’s Day, the Government is encouraging New Zealanders to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of the nation’s caregivers—and inspiring more people to consider stepping forward to support children in need of safe, stable homes. Minister for Children Karen Chhour says caregiving is one of the most meaningful ways New Zealanders can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.

Honouring New Zealand’s Caregivers

Across the country, more than 2,000 caregivers play a vital role in supporting children and young people who require care, comfort and stability. These include:

• Respite caregivers

• Emergency caregivers

• Transitional caregivers

• Family home caregivers

“These are people who have opened their homes and their hearts,” Chhour said. “They provide a place where children can feel safe, attend school, and simply be kids.”

She emphasised that caregiving is a shared responsibility—one that extends beyond Government agencies and relies on the compassion and commitment of communities.

Many Children Still Waiting for Stability

Despite the dedication of existing caregivers, Chhour says there are still children and young people hoping for a safe, stable place to call home. Some need short-term support; others require permanent, long-term care.

“This is not just a government responsibility—it is a community obligation,” the Minister said. “We need more New Zealanders willing to step forward, particularly for older children and those requiring specialist support.”

Caregivers Come From All Walks of Life

One of the biggest myths about caregiving is that it requires a specific family structure or lifestyle. Chhour stressed that there is no single ‘ideal’ caregiver.

Great caregivers can be:

• Single or partnered

• Young or older

• Working or retired

• Renting or owning their home

• Part of any cultural or community background

“What matters most is patience, kindness, and a genuine commitment to making a difference,” she said.

Training and Support for Caregivers

Oranga Tamariki provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure caregivers feel confident and equipped.

Support includes:

• Trauma-informed caregiving training

• Peer networks and social worker guidance

• Practical assistance for children’s needs

• Respite options to prevent burnout

• Continued learning opportunities

Earlier this year, the Government undertook a nationwide survey of caregivers, which has already informed several improvements to support services and communication.

Meeting a Diverse Range of Care Needs

The caregiving system requires a wide range of placements to meet children’s different situations:

• Short-term respite care to allow full-time carers essential breaks

• Emergency care for children needing immediate safety

• Transitional care to support young people moving toward independence

• Long-term or permanent homes where a child can grow up feeling secure and loved

Chhour says the demand across all care types remains significant, and the Government is working closely with caregivers, iwi, and community organisations to strengthen the caregiving system.

An Invitation to New Zealanders

The Minister is encouraging anyone who has ever considered caregiving to take the next step and learn more.

“If you’re patient, kind, and committed to helping a child thrive, seriously consider becoming a caregiver,” she said. “Every new caregiver can change a life.”

More information is available at Oranga Tamariki’s website: https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/caregiving/becoming-a-caregiver/

---

tags: