We are encouraging all family carers to have a say in the MSD DSS disability consultation that starts on 10 February. We know you are frustrated, but it's in our interest to find that bit of energy to move forward.

The consultation briefing material includes a proposal for carers to have their own assessment and supports. It is the first time that a government consultation has raised this as an option. We think it's important - to stop the habit of government treating family carers as an afterthought ... like they don't matter. You do matter. Your mostly unpaid Mahi Aroha has an annual value of at least $17.6 billion.

Our society would crumble without you. NZ must sustain and value and recognise you. Here is a chance to encourage more flexibility in how funding can be used for disabled people ... and for family carers to be supported and valued.

Even if you send two sentences in an email to the submissions team, or attend an online meeting, or find time to go to one of the community meetings, or take the online survey (details to come), or maybe join Carers NZ and friends for one of the four online meetings we'll host at the end of Feb (details to come), or any of the above ... thank you, whānau, for helping to move the dial forward. None of us can do everything, but most of us can do something. Share far and wide, and help if you can.

https://carers.net.nz/msd-disability-support-services-dss/