To read the media release, click HERE

"Like many others, I enjoy retirement village life and have embraced this new phase wholeheartedly. But there’s a lot that needs fixing, which is why the last Government launched a review of retirement villages."

To read the summary of feedback for Retirement Villages Act 2003 Review, click HERE

Our December newsletter is available today. See below link. You can subscribe by pushing the button at the top of the newsletter or by emailing: info@residentscouncil.org.nz with the subject "Subscribe to Newsletter", we will then add you to our database for updates/newsletters.

We agree with the Retirement Commissioner - the review is too slow. The Council is working with other key stakeholders to try and agree on key developments that are required and to speed up the process for implementation. Read more here .

The Government appears on the right track in signalling changes to better balance the needs of residents of retirement villages and operators and ensure this critical industry remains viable. "We welcome the direction of travel for future reform following the review of the industry carried out by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development," said Carol Shepherd of the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council (Council). The next stage of the review including key priorities for further work was announced by Ministers on 16 October 2024. This includes the intention to bring new legislation to reform the Retirement Villages Act to Parliament in the next term. "The Council has advocated for legislative change to provide improved consumer protections for residents and ensure the industry is sustainable so this is much needed, albeit slower progress than we would have wanted. "The country faces big challenges in this sector with the population of villages set to more than double from 50,000 residents today within the next 20 or so years. "It is pleasing that the Government has recognised the need to balance the needs of residents and the need for a sustainable industry. As our population grows and ages, residents need to have choices, their assets need to be better protected and the industry must be able to provide affordable options. "Specifically, the Council is pleased the Government has decided to look at options for incentivising or requiring early capital repayments when residents move out of a village. "This has been a big issue for residents. They quite rightly want their capital returned to them or their families quickly and interest should be paid as well if the process takes too long. "The Council also welcomes the intention to prioritise work on better managing complaints and disputes and who should pay for the maintenance of operator-owned chattels and fixtures. These are also areas of great concern for residents. "The Council looks forward to working with the Government on the next stage of the review to ensure changes that benefit residents," said Carol Shepherd. To view the Government announcement, click HERE

New Council Appointed

Our first newsletter is available today. See below link. You can subscribe by pushing the button at the top of the newsletter or by emailing: info@residentscouncil.org.nz with the subject "Subscribe to Newsletter", we will then add you to our database for updates/newsletters.

Easier Resolution of Complaints The Council has been working on an effective new dispute resolution process that could support both residents and operators to resolve their complaints. It believes residents need an easier way to complain and have their complaints dealt with effectively and efficiently by a new independent service. To see what our dispute resolution system would look like, click HERE .