Health Ministry wanted higher mileage rate increase than Govt, carer says it would've made 'huge difference'

Azaria HowellPolitical Reporter·Newstalk ZB·23 Aug, 2026 05:00 PM3 mins to read‌Health Minister Simeon Brown said home and community support workers play a critical role in delivering essential services to some of our most vulnerable New Zealanders, when announcing increased mileage support. Photo / Dean PurcellThe extra fuel support the Government has been providing home and community support workers is less than the Ministry of Health wanted, but more than Treasury recommended.

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a temporary 30% increase in mileage rates in early April, including the travel reimbursement for support workers who