The Aged Care Commissioner, Carolyn Cooper, has expressed concerns about the potential unintended consequences of a new funding model for aged care being developed by Health New Zealand, particularly in provincial towns facing service shortages. She emphasized the need for careful consideration of the impact these changes may have on access to healthcare for older people, citing specific challenges faced by residents in towns like Wairoa. Additionally, an ACCPA survey revealed that only half of aged care providers believe that new reforms from the royal commission will enhance care quality and safety, with many indicating that the transition timelines are too rapid. The sector is also grappling with rising costs and funding pressures, which heighten concerns about sustainability and service delivery. Meanwhile, discussions around asset testing for state-subsidised residential care highlight a growing affordability crisis for ageing New Zealanders, with potential policy changes that could shift more costs onto individuals. This situation underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between taxpayer-funded healthcare and individual financial responsibility in aged care.