Retirement villages residents deserve a review of the sector

The Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council spokesperson, Carol Shepherd, says a full legislative review of retirement villages, that is currently under way, needs to run its course.”

 

The Council submitted to the review, saying that there were fundamental changes needed, a few of which could be taken care of by code changes, while the majority need legislative amendments.  The Ministry for Housing and Urban Development is due to report back to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, on the review by the end of the year.

 

Ms Shepherd says, “the Council eagerly awaits the Minister’s advice on the changes the government will advance for increased consumer protection for residents, whilst safeguarding the village experience residents choose.”

 

The Council hopes that the changes will include mandatory repayment of capital within set timelines, standardised ORAs, a new independent dispute resolution scheme, ensuring that residents who don’t share capital gains, do not have to share capital losses and the cessation of outgoings and fees when residents depart.

 

To view the Council’s full submission, click HERE

 


by Deborah Hart 29 July 2025
The Residents’ Council made formal submissions and met with the designer of a new complaints scheme for residents, advocating strongly for a fairer and clearer complaints scheme. The Council was also able to meet with operators to explain how a fair and independent complaints scheme could work to the benefit of all. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson has said "the system needed changing." “The existing complaints and disputes system does not meet best-practice standards, and both the Retirement Commission and Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development want to address these issues as part of the broader sector review under way,” Read full article HERE
by Deborah Hart 25 July 2025
We want to know what residents think and we are always looking for ways to better understand resident needs. So the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council this week invited residents to take part in a short survey about Occupation Rights Agreements — specifically, what matters most when it comes to getting your money back after the agreement ends. Many residents have raised concerns about covering costs after they leave their village or when their estate is managing financial matters. This anonymous survey, conducted by independent firm Talbot Mills Research, will help ensure residents’ voices are heard on this important issue. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will remain open for around a week.  As a thank you, everyone who completes it will go into the draw to win one of three $100 Prezzy Cards. (Contact details are only used for the prize draw and are kept separate from survey responses.) You can take part in the survey and please share this with other village residents — every voice counts. Take the survey HERE