Welfare Guardianship - Ministry of Justice NZ

If someone needs help making decisions for themselves about their personal care and welfare, the Family Court can appoint a welfare guardian for them.

For the court to do this, it must mean the court believes a welfare guardian is the only way to make sure the right decisions are made for the person.

People who can apply for a Welfare Guardian Order for themselves or someone else are:

• a person who is totally unable to make or communicate decisions about their own care
• a relative or attorney of the person who the Order is for
• a social worker employed under the Children, Young Persons, and their Families Act 1989
• a medical practitioner or doctor
• a representative of any non-profit group that provides services and facilities for the welfare of the people covered by the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988
• the superintendent, licensee, supervisor or person in charge, if the person is a patient or a resident of a hospital, home or other institution
• any other person with the court's permission.