The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) is a voluntary association that represents retirement village operators, managers, and commercial organisations across New Zealand. Their aim is to provide a high standard of living for village residents.
Choosing an RVA member retirement village means that you are protected under the Retirement Villages Act 2003 and the Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008. All member villages are audited by an independent quality assurance agency every three years to ensure compliance with the legislation. This accreditation provides prospective residents with assurance that the village meets appropriate standards.
Residents living in RVA member villages are also afforded several protections, such as the Code of Residents Rights and legislation that protects residents' right to live in the village if something adverse were to happen (such as a flood or earthquake).
The RVA also provides support for formal dispute resolution, and they have a disciplinary tribunal in place. They prioritise consumer protection, with a legal requirement for full disclosure and independent legal advice during the purchase process.
Not all villages need to be registered, and therefore not every village in New Zealand are RVA members. Non-registered villages usually offer freehold titles (often attached to a body corporate) so you may receive a capital gain if you sell). As these may not require an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), you may not be protected under the Retirement Villages Act and associated Codes and Regulations.
Updated: 13 Jul 2023