Retirement Villages Association appoints new executive director

3 September 2024

The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) has appointed Michelle Palmer to be its new executive director.

Ms Palmer has previously held senior leadership roles in both the public and private sector, including at the Ministry of Health, Department of Conservation, Hutt City and Christchurch City councils, chief executive of Marlborough Winegrowers Association/Wine Marlborough Ltd and executive director of Natural Products New Zealand.

She replaces John Collyns, who retired as the RVA’s executive director last month after 17 years at the organisation.

“Michelle brings strong leadership and a wealth of experience to the RVA,” says Graham Wilkinson, president of the RVA.

“She has a deep understanding of sector membership organisations and is passionate about the retirement villages sector.”

Ms Palmer says she is looking forward to leading the RVA as executive director.

“I am excited to be part of the next stage of the sector's journey, especially with potential changes coming from the review of the Retirement Villages Act.”

She is a fellow of Salzburg Global, a member of the Institute of Directors and is currently serving as a trustee on the board of Greyhounds as Pets (GAP).

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Palmer
RVA Executive Director
021 241 5807
[email protected]