“The Government’s announcement that they are progressing work on the Retirement Villages Act 2003 review and focusing it on the areas of highest importance is great news for Bay of Plenty” said Bay of Plenty MP, Tom Rutherford. 

“The review received 11,000 public submissions during consultation in 2023, with a high level of agreement in some areas.

“These areas include updating the Act to bring it in line with sector best practice, strengthening transparency, and looking at changes to increase protections for residents. 

“Additionally, the Government has agreed that the next steps of the review should focus on three key priority areas:
 

• Maintenance and repairs of operator-owned chattels and fixtures. 
• Managing complaints and disputes.
• Options for incentivising or requiring earlier capital repayments when residents move out of a village.
   

“These key priority areas will guide the review to meet its goal of ensuring adequate consumer protection, balancing the rights and responsibilities of operators and residents, and ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector.

“This is welcome news for the Bay of Plenty electorate.

“It reaffirms the Government’s genuine commitment to work with the sector and safeguard the interests of the those living in our 11 retirement villages.

“The review will now continue through 2025 before Cabinet agree to legislative change in 2026.

“Any amendment bill will likely be introduced in the next Parliamentary term.”