Residents’ Council Meets with Minister for Seniors, Hon. Casey Costello
The entire governing body of the Retirement Villages' Residents’ Council was hosted by the Minister for Seniors, Hon. Casey Costello at the Beehive this week. She was joined by officials keen to understand the work of the Council.
We updated the Minister on our work advocating for the interests of retirement village residents across New Zealand. The discussion was constructive and underscored the importance of ensuring residents’ voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.
The Council will continue to keep the Minister informed as we progress our work.
Newly appointed Chair of the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council Carol Shepherd and Council member Denise Whitehead had a positive catchup with the Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford today. Carol outlined her actions as the new Chair to Minister Rutherford who wishes her well in her new role.
By Julie Shepherd, board member of the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council OPINION: Debate about retirement village reform is both necessary and welcome. The sector touches the lives, homes and financial security of tens of thousands of older New Zealanders, and it is entirely proper that Parliament examines whether the balance between residents and operators is fair. But reform must be grounded in realism, respect for the rule of law, and an understanding of the consequences of what is being proposed. Without that, advocacy risks becoming theatre rather than a serious contribution to public policy. Read the full article HERE
