Political panel discuss shows MPs understand the issues

Alzheimers NZ’s online pre-election political panel generated lots and lots of questions.  Far too many to get thru’ on the night, despite the best efforts of panel facilitator, and former Chief Executive, Catherine Hall. 

The number of questions and issues raised by the 100-plus online attendees shows just how invested and engaged the audience was – and how keen they all were to get answers from the MP panellists – Hon Casey Costello (NZF), Sam Uffindell (N), Ingrid Leary (L), Todd Stevenson (A) and Lawrence Xu-Nan (G). 

Unfortunately, the one-hour session didn’t allow for exhaustive debate or extensive questioning, but it did show the MPs were all aware of and concerned about the pressure in the aged care system. 

All spoke eloquently about the issues affecting New Zealanders living with dementia mate wareware, and their care partners and whānau. 

They readily acknowledged that things needed to change – that ‘the system’ we have now is not fit for purpose. 

Also heartening was the fact that all the MPs expressed support for the Ministerial Advisory Groups recommendations concerning much-needed changes to the aged care policy settings. 

That bodes well for positive change under a new Government, no matter its composition. 

All that was missing from the panel discussion was definitive policy commitments and funding promises – as you’d expect from MPs whose Parties have yet to announce their health policies. 

But the fact the MPs gave of their time and were prepared to engage with us and our audience, indicates that we do have some support at the Beehive, especially with MPs who are very likely to be in Government after November 7. 

All we can do now as we await the election and the formation of a new Government, with perhaps a new Health Minister, is to ensure dementia stays on the health policy radar. 

Best case is that at least one of the main Parties recognises dementia mate wareware in its health policy and announces definitive policies – and funding – to provide appropriate and much-needed support to New Zealand’s rapidly growing dementia mate wareware community. 

Fingers crossed!