Supreme Court recognises family carers of disabled adults as employees

Tuesday 9 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 9 Dec 2025, 3:49pm

In this story Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that two parents caring for severely disabled adult children are employees of the government. Recognised as homeworkers, the carers are entitled to the minimum wage and associated benefits. This landmark decision could affect thousands of resident family carers across New Zealand.

How they headlined it

2:34pm3:49pm

1. StuffTue 9 Dec 2025, 2:34pm

   Victory for family carers in years-long legal battle (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 9 Dec 2025, 2:37pm

   Family carers win landmark Supreme Court case defining them as homeworkers (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 9 Dec 2025, 2:55pm

   Supreme Court rules disabled family carers are homeworkers (opens in new tab)

4. RNZTue 9 Dec 2025, 3:49pm

   Full-time carers' appeal for employee status upheld by Supreme Court (opens in new tab)