Retirement Commissioner welcomes proposed improvements to the Retirement Villages Act 2003, encourages feedback

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson is calling on people to submit their views on the Review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003, following the Government’s release today of a discussion paper detailing options for change.


“I am really pleased to see the review progress to this consultation phase. The proposed changes tabled in the discussion document address many of the issues we have raised, along with important others,” she says.


“The sector provides important and valued housing options for some older New Zealanders and is by no means broken. I acknowledge recent voluntary changes made by the industry itself. But the Act has not been reviewed in 20 years: it’s important for residents, their families and operators that sector-wide best practice is clearly set out in legislation. I encourage all interested parties to submit their feedback on the proposals put forward.”


The discussion paper is calling for feedback on a raft of proposals relating to the three phases of retirement living: moving in, living in and moving out. This spans everything from plain language disclosure statements, partially standardised occupation right agreements, replacing the current complaints and disputes scheme, right through to introducing mandatory timeframes for repayment of capital sums after units have been vacated.


Submissions can be made to Te Tūāpapa Kura Kainga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is leading the review work.


The options paper comes on the heels of the Retirement Commission’s latest investigation into residents’ experiences in moving out of, or within, a retirement village.


  • Research found that the experience can be quite varied, with some residents feeling informed and supported, while others feeling rushed and taken advantage of.
  • A lack of understanding of how the buying and selling of retirement village accommodation differs from the wider residential real estate market can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction among both residents and whānau.
  • Many residents and whānau expect a duty of care from a retirement village to be also applied throughout the exit process, and their interpretation and expectation of this duty of care greatly affected their exit experience.


Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission proposed a review of retirement village legislation in December 2020 and released a white paper setting out issues around the retirement villages framework. The need was confirmed in June 2021 after public consultation on the white paper, in which 3,300 submissions were received. The Commission provided a summary and recommendations report to Government.


The Retirement Commissioner has statutory obligations under the Act to monitor the framework’s effectiveness.


In the Commission white paper, Wrightson said the legislation was at risk of becoming outdated and unfit for purpose. Key concerns were raised about the resale process, weekly fees charged after a resident vacates a unit, flaws in an overly complicated complaints system, confusing documentation and the tricky interface between village and care facilities.


“Retirement villages remain an attractive choice for some older New Zealanders, providing a sense of community and a quality option for those who wish to downsize,” says the Retirement Commissioner.


“This review is an opportunity to assess what updates to the legislation are needed, for both residents and retirement village operators.”

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.

An opportunity to further advocate for residents by ensuring the RVRC Council has presence with politicians.

8 July 2026
Left: Photo of Chair Carol Shepherd and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindel. Right: Chair Carol Shepherd and Council member Denise Whitehead with Minister Potaka.