A leading aged care nurse has been recognised for excellence, with the latest Nurse of the Year award shining a spotlight on leadership in one of the country’s most under-pressure health sectors.

The Aged Care Association has named Bini Mathew, a clinical nurse manager at Brightwater Home, as its 2026 Nurse of the Year, highlighting the growing importance of strong leadership in aged residential care.

The award, now in its second year, recognises nurses who are driving high standards of care while supporting both residents and staff in complex environments.

Sector leaders say the recognition reflects the critical role nurses play in caring for older New Zealanders, with aged residential care providing round-the-clock clinical support to tens of thousands of people nationwide.

There is increasing focus on leadership within the workforce, as the sector faces ongoing challenges including staffing shortages, rising demand, and the need to deliver culturally safe and high-quality care. Nursing leadership is widely seen as key to improving outcomes for residents and strengthening teams on the ground.

Experts say strong clinical leadership in aged care is becoming more important as the population ages, with nurses expected to lead multidisciplinary teams and navigate increasingly complex health needs.

The award also highlights the contribution of migrant and internationally trained nurses, who make up a significant part of the aged care workforce in Aotearoa.

Advocates say recognising excellence helps elevate the status of aged care nursing and encourages continued investment in a sector that remains vital to the wellbeing of kaumātua and whānau.

The honour comes amid wider calls for better support, resources and workforce development, as the country prepares for growing demand on aged care services in the years ahead.

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