Initial Research Findings

The Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council has undertaken research that has included quantitative and qualitative research, as well as regular surveying of residents.

As an evidence-led organisation, the Council relies on its research as well as its in-depth understanding of retirement villages, to inform its advocacy. Its research highlights some complex issues that warrant careful and further investigation.

It is releasing key themes and implications, whilst noting that further investigation is warranted into some areas. Those investigations are ongoing.

Research undertaken thus far in 2025 finds that:

·        There is a strong preference for there to be a choice in retirement village living.

·        There is a strong preference for a fair and independent complaints scheme.

·        There is a strong preference for a Standardised Occupation Rights Agreement.

·        There is a strong preference for clarity over ownership of chattels and fixtures and responsibility for repair.

·        Views on termination and repayment were highly dependent on personal situations of people now living in retirement villages.

·        There was a preference for repayment of capital so that families/estates did not have to wait, with the next highest rank need             being funding for their aged care.

·        Most residents want a mandatory capital repayment within 3-6 months or less. There are indications that longer waiting times           for repayment of capital would generally be accepted by residents if it helped avoid higher costs to pay for it. 

·        Both qualitative and qualitative research, as well as surveys, indicate most residents would accept a longer wait if interest                   were paid immediately or if a lump-sum was paid within 5 days.

·        There is little appetite for higher costs with the majority of residents opposed to paying higher deferred management fees                     (DMF) or weekly fees to secure faster repayment. However, if costs have to be met, increased weekly fees were the least                        acceptable option, followed by DMF and capital input.

·        In quantitative research most residents would like changes to apply to them, but qualitative surveying indicates that many                   residents worried about the impact of costs and some thought retrospectivity was fundamentally unfair.
 

About the Research

Initial quantitative research was independently undertaken by Talbot Mills in August 2025, with 290 residents responding. Initial qualitative research was independently undertaken by Talbot Mills in August 2025, with 23 resident interviews.

Surveying by the Council has been undertaken over the past 18 months during village presentations to 950 residents throughout NZ with 25% of them completing a survey.

Welcome to our new Council member Lynette Jordan

15 July 2026
Lynette Jordan brings extensive experience in public service, community leadership, and volunteer coordination to her role within the Retirement Villages Residents Council. Over a 23‑year career in the New Zealand prison service — including a decade in senior leadership as Superintendent — Lynette contributed to national policy development, supported legislation through Select Committee processes, and helped shape operational policy into law. Beyond public service, Lynette has held key community‑focused leadership roles, including managing Events Centres and leading a Hospice retail team, where she coordinated and supported more than 120 volunteers. She has proudly served as a Justice of the Peace for over 10 years and currently works as a Service Desk Coordinator, preparing rosters and supporting day‑to‑day service desk operations.  Now living in the Freedom Lifestyle Village at Rotorua Lakes, Lynette is an active member of the Residents Committee, contributing to the wellbeing, connection, and engagement of her village community.

Plan for your Future

13 July 2026
Plan for the Future A common misconception is that retirement villages and rest homes are the same thing – they are Not. A retirement village is for independent living and usually for people in their 70’s who are active and want convenience, community and security. A rest home is about care – it offers day-to-day health assistance when one requires ongoing support or 24hour care. Not all villages have a rest home facility on site and not all rest homes are able to offer a rest home bed or a respite bed when you need it. So, what happens when you become a little frail, can manage those day-to-day tasks but do find it a struggle and maybe no longer have the convenience of the car to get around but don’t want to lose your independence or rely too heavily on family, neighbours & friends. The best time to think about how you will manage, how aged care may affect you, is well before it is needed. Having an enduring power of attorney for care and welfare in place is a good start. Be aware that some family members can become very difficult when aged care is discussed and they don’t want to lose ‘their inheritance’ on rest home fees. They could argue “stay in your own home, we’ll help you” and “well be there for you”. The bottom line is to educate yourself in advance. The less you need to put into place when and if the time comes the more at rest you will be to enjoy your retirement years. Start the conversation before you have to. It’s a known fact that families who have discussed these difficult issues in the early stages are best prepared to navigate the way forward. Tell your family what you want – perhaps stay at home with outside support but with family in the overseeing role, or move when the time seems appropriate. Most family members come with good intentions – many adult children gradually become carers without consciously deciding to and because the assistance builds up slowly it is not always recognised until it becomes mixed with heaps of other emotions – time off work, fatigue, financial pressure and even resentment.  The goal isn’t to remain in your own home at all costs, its about being safe, connected and independent for as long as possible. If everyone is onboard with your feelings, your wants and your needs any move can be a genuine positive experience for everyone. Take time out to plan those what ifs. Discuss them with your family. Ensure they understand your point of view. Write down the facts if need be – then put it away in the bottom drawer and get on with life.