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 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.

Left: Photo of Chair Carol Shepherd and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindel. Right: Chair Carol Shepherd and Council member Denise Whitehead with Minister Potaka.

You’ve worked hard, contributed for decades, raised families, supported communities — and now retirement is your time to enjoy the rewards of all that effort. But what does “enjoying retirement” really look like? One of the biggest challenges as we age is loneliness. Research shows that staying busy, connected, and feeling useful are some of the most important things we can do for our health and wellbeing. Here in New Zealand, volunteering is part of who we are. More than half of all adult Kiwis volunteer in some way, and many community organisations simply couldn’t function without retirees who bring a lifetime of skills, wisdom, and experience. Living in a retirement village can make an enormous difference too. Studies show it can add years to your life — thanks to safety, companionship, and easy access to support. In a connected community, people look out for one another. Neighbours notice if you’re not at morning tea, someone offers a lift to the supermarket, others help organise outings or social events. As residents often say, “People notice if I don’t turn up.” That feeling of being expected — of being needed — is powerful. Just as important is having a sense of purpose. We all want to feel that what we do still matters. Friendships, shared activities, and being part of a community that genuinely cares about your presence can be a strong antidote to isolation.  Staying engaged, staying relevant, and staying connected isn’t just enjoyable — it’s vital for our health, independence, and overall quality of life.

How Long Are Villas Taking to Re‑license? A Look at the Trends Market research from UMR and Primary Purpose shows clear patterns in how long it takes for ORAs to be re‑licensed after a resident leaves. What the data shows: Between 2020–2022, “approx. 75% of all ORAs were relicensed in under 6 months” and around 90% within 9 months. In 2023, as the housing market softened, only 62% were relicensed within 6 months, with 84% completed by 9 months. In 2024, performance remained similar: “Research suggested that 65% were sold at 6 months. What this means in practical terms: In strong housing markets: ~75% relicense within 6 months Another ~15% by 9 months Most of the remainder by 12 months In tougher markets (like now): 60–65% relicense within 6 months 20–25% by 9 months Around 10% between 9–12 months Final 5% at the 12‑month mark. This information helps set realistic expectations for residents and families navigating the resale and repayment process.

Our June 2026 Newsletter is available HERE

Here’s the latest update from the Retirement Commissioner, who “monitors the effects of the Retirement Villages Act 2003” and receives formal complaints data every six months. Complaints Trends (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026) Key points from October 2025 – March 2026: 289 complaints were received — “up 10% from the previous period’s 262 but lower than 2024 and 2023.” 83% were resolved , an improvement on the previous 81%. 89% of registered villages reported , representing 450 of 504 villages. 70% of villages had no complaints , slightly down from 72%. Top complaint categories: Service quality (20%) Resident behaviour (15%) Maintenance/repairs (12%)  73% of complaints were resolved within 20 working days , showing steady responsiveness across the sector. This data helps residents, families, and operators understand where improvements are being made — and where more attention is needed.

Council Member Tom Parsons writes an article: Understanding the facts behind the headlines. Read the full article here

Council Member Denise Whitehead has written a series of articles on Retirement Village Choices. You can read all three articles here