Otago Daily Times - Council reflects reality of residents’ diverse views

Oversimplifying village residents’ voices won’t deliver fair reform,

Carol Shepherd, Spokesperson for the Retirement Villages' Residents' Council


There is rarely a single legitimate voice for any large and diverse group of people. Retirement village residents are no exception.

More than 50,000 New Zealanders live in retirement villages. They come from different backgrounds, have different financial circumstances, different health needs and very different expectations about ageing. It should surprise no-one that they do not all speak with one voice — nor should they be expected to.

Much has been written recently about who represents residents and what residents want. In that debate, it is important to understand who the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council is — and, more importantly, what we hear directly from residents themselves.


Read full article HERE


26 October 2026
Council member Julie Shepherd writes about her concerns for the future of Retirement Villages.
4 October 2026
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