Petition to the New Zealand Parliament

To: The Hon Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Health
Urgent Action Required for Dementia Mate Wareware Support in Aotearoa New Zealand
Submitted by: The Vocal Minority in association with Alzheimer’s New Zealand

Introduction

Dementia mate wareware is one of the fastest growing health challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. Right now, around 83,000 New Zealanders are living with dementia mate wareware. By 2050, this number is projected to more than double to 170,000 people — a crisis that will affect hundreds of thousands of families across the country.

Despite the scale of the issue, local dementia support services are struggling to survive due to inadequate funding, leaving many whānau without the essential care they desperately need. The Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan exists, but it has not yet been properly resourced or implemented.

The Problem

• 83,000 New Zealanders are currently living with dementia mate wareware.

• Numbers will more than double by 2050 — a looming health crisis.

• Families and whānau are left unsupported as local dementia services fight to keep their doors open.

• The Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan has been developed, but without Government investment it cannot deliver.

This is not just about numbers — it’s about people. Our parents, grandparents, siblings, partners, and friends. Every day without action, more families face this journey without the support they need.

The Solution

We need urgent Government action. Ahead of the 2026 General Election, all political parties must commit to making dementia mate wareware a top health priority.

We call on Parliament to:

1. Immediately implement the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan with full Government investment.

2. Provide fair and adequate funding for local dementia support services.

3. Develop a comprehensive health strategy for older people, reflecting the needs of our ageing population.

4. Recognise dementia mate wareware as a national health priority, requiring urgent, coordinated action.

5. Ensure the voices of people living with dementia and their whānau are at the centre of all policies and services.

Supporting Statement

Every New Zealander living with dementia mate wareware deserves dignity, respect, and access to quality care. The doubling of cases by 2050 represents not just statistics, but real families who will need help, compassion, and support.