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

 


2 February 2026
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
10 December 2025
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