COLUMN | Deborah Hart
Independent Chair
Retirement Village Residents' Council
Empowering Retirement Village Residents: Introducing the Retirement Village Residents' Council
Nestled at the heart of every retirement village is a vibrant community where voices hold significance. The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) is delighted to introduce the Retirement Village Residents' Council, a new initiative designed to amplify the collective voice of retirement village residents nationwide. In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of this independent body and its mission to empower and advocate for residents.
We recognise that there is already an association for retirement village residents. However, many residents have expressed concerns about needing to be adequately represented or encountering difficulties engaging with it. There is room for all voices to be represented, and the Retirement Village Residents' Council consider it vital to understand what residents genuinely want and need.
The Residents' Council's primary purpose is to foster effective communication, engagement, and collaboration among village residents, management, the RVA, and other relevant stakeholders within the community.
This Council was established with a single, clear goal: to advocate for the collective interests of retirement village residents nationwide. It's more than just a council; it's a community where decisions can be made to ensure that retirement village residents fully enjoy the benefits of their chosen lifestyle.
Deborah Hart, a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background, has taken the helm as the Independent Chair of the Council. She brings a wealth of experience as a lawyer, director and chief executive. Currently serving as chair of the Consumer Advocacy Council among her various roles, Deborah's dedication to this cause is unwavering, and she believes in the Council's potential to make a significant impact.
"I am excited to lead this important initiative. The Retirement Village Residents' Council is a special opportunity to give residents a powerful voice, and I am eager to help them address their concerns and advocate for their needs," said Deborah.
Nominations for the Council were sought from retirement villages and their residents throughout the country. Deborah made all the appointments, ensuring that the Council comprised individuals
with a genuine interest in policy matters, a deep understanding of the retirement village sector, and an impartial ability to represent the views of their fellow residents. They are already leaders within their village communities, individuals with integrity, and each dedicated to ensuring that the Council truly reflects the rich diversity found in retirement villages nationwide.
The commitment to diversity extends beyond mere words; it is a driving force behind the Council's mission. The goal is to ensure that the Council's composition is as diverse as possible, encompassing differences in gender, age, ethnicity, disability, background, and geographic regions.
One defining characteristic of the Council is its independence. The terms of reference for the Council emphasise that while the RVA funds the chairperson, secretary, and all meeting and logistical costs, the Council is free to express its opinions and is not beholden to any party regarding its outcomes. It can make public statements without any expectation or control from any party, including the RVA.
This commitment to transparency and autonomy ensures that the needs of residents come first.
The Council is not just another advisory body but a dynamic platform for retirement village residents to share their thoughts and insights with stakeholders, including the RVA. It provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to engage with residents directly, gaining valuable insights into their needs, desires, and vision for the future.
For more information and updates on the Council's initiatives, please visit www.residentscouncil.org.nz.
