Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council: What have we achieved so far and what’s next

30th January 2025

This article has been supplied by the Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council.

The Retirement Villages’ Residents’ Council has been in existence less than 15 months. 

It hit the ground running to fulfill its mandate to contribute to a fair and sustainable retirement village sector that meets the needs of residents.

It has done this work by honouring its values to be impartial and fair, collaborative, evidence-led and to always act with integrity.

So, what has it actually done and what does it hope to achieve in the next 12 months?

Achievements so far

Advocacy: The Council submitted a comprehensive review of the Retirement Villages Act in lightning speed, drawing on input from residents, the RVA, RVResidents, statutory supervisors, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and key stakeholders.

It has continued to refine its stance on key areas in the review. At the moment, for example, it is working on a project to better understand existing dispute resolution schemes as to their jurisdiction and appeal rights with a view to ensuring a more appropriate service could be offered to residents. 

Collaboration: The Council has worked to improve cooperation between key stakeholders and will continue to seek solutions that work for all, as it believes there is a symbiotic relationship between operators and residents.

The collaborative nature of the Council has ensured it works with both residents and those representing residents as well as retirement villages and operators.  Its spokesperson, village resident, Carol Shepherd says, “it is fundamental to the work of the Council to, where possible, formulate win-win solutions that will work for all residents, and operators as well.”

Engagement:  The Council has established communication channels through key decision-makers, meeting with residents and operators, its regular newsletter,  its Facebook page and website, which are regularly updated.  The Council has been hugely gratified, and surprised, by the number of people every week who sign up to receive updates from the Council.

In the last 12 months, Council members have been meeting with residents throughout the country to better understand their needs and to inform residents on the work of the Council.  It has also met with operators to help ensure that wishes of their residents are heard and understood.

What’s next?

The Council is focused on achieving positive outcomes from the Retirement Villages Act review.
Carol says, “In talking with residents the issue of transition to care is regularly raised as a key issue. The Council will therefore work on improving solutions.

Th Council is also looking to increase its profile and work, now that it is fully operational.
The Council, like many others, is concerned that the Government has delayed necessary changes. It will collaborate with both RVResidents and the RVA to help accelerate progress.
We need Auckland and Wellington voices!
The Council is seeking new board members from Auckland and Wellington to augment its 8-person governing board. Nominees must:

• Reside in a retirement village,
• Be nominated by a residents’ committee or two residents, and
• Be selected by independent chair Deborah Hart.

If you know of anyone who could fit the bill, please do ask them to put themselves forward. 
Nominate HERE. 

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