A record number of finalists and wins cited for Ryman villages nationwide in both aged care and retirement living categories in 2025 NZ’s Best Awards.
Ryman Healthcare has been announced Best Provider Nationwide at the 2025 Seniors New Zealand Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care facilities, marking the sixth time Ryman has won this prestigious title.
The recognition, which was previously known as the Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards, came with a historic haul of 15 awards celebrating individual villages for excellence in aged care and retirement living.
Ernest Rutherford Village took out the win for Best Aged Care Large Village South Island, while nine other Ryman villages were also cited as finalists in aged care.
These were Anthony Wilding, Charles Upham, Diana Isaac, Ngaio Marsh and Rowena Jackson in the Large South Island category and Bruce McLaren, Logan Campbell, Malvina Major and Princess Alexandra in the Large North Island category.
On top of that, three villages; Diana Isaac, Northwood and Keith Park, were named finalists in for retirement living in large facilities in the South and North Islands respectively.
And in an extra special addition to that, Diana Isaac Retirement Village was presented with an Enduring Excellence Award 2025 for demonstrating consistent award excellence for more than five years, with this being only the sixth time this award has been presented in the last decade.
Ryman CEO Naomi James said the results were a huge endorsement of the care and commitment shown by village teams nationwide.
“It is an absolute testament to our incredible teams who go above and beyond every single day. Everyone, from village managers to caregivers and laundry assistants, plays a vital role in creating the vibrant, welcoming communities that enrich the lives of our residents. Their consistent and compassionate commitment to excellence, paired with genuine kindness and heartfelt care, shines through in everything they do,” said James.
“That’s why it means so much to see this reflected in the feedback from thousands of residents, families and visitors. Our teams should feel immensely proud of this recognition. I know I certainly am! And I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share a review, your words mean the world to us.”
This year’s winners and finalists are recognised as being in the top five percent of facilities across the country. Entry into the award required more than three online reviews in the past 12 months, with only those with a 90 percent weighted average score or higher making the list.
General Manager of Seniors New Zealand, Tania Ryan, said nearly 5,000 reviews were received with 273 facilities qualifying.
“The voices of New Zealand seniors and their families have spoken! These awards aren’t decided in a boardroom, they’re based on the lived experiences of residents and families,” said Ryan.
“That’s what makes them so meaningful. The results showed the ‘incredible commitment of staff and communities to support senior New Zealanders with outstanding service and respect.”
She added that it’s a chance to celebrate the facilities that residents love and trust the most.
“We’re pleased to recognise Ryman’s National Group Excellence Award and their many finalists this year, alongside Ernest Rutherford’s category win. Ryman’s spread of recognised villages and care centres across both islands shows a strong, resident-centred focus.”
Diana Isaac Village Manager Amy Amtman said receiving the Enduring Excellence Award for 2025 was just ‘phenomenal’.
“What makes this team so special is their unwavering commitment to our residents and their deep sense of care. These achievements reflect years of dedication, heart and teamwork. I couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside such an inspiring group of people,” said Amtman.
Sam Ferrick, Village Manager at Ernest Rutherford, which won the Aged Care Large South Island category, was equally thrilled, and partly put it down to the team taking the opportunity to gain new qualifications and build their skillset.
“This combined with the stability of our workforce means residents and families are supported by people they know and trust. That consistency has shaped a culture of excellence and genuine connection,” he said.
“The way the team includes, listens and supports families is such an important part of what we do. It’s often the small things, the conversations, the laughs, the little moments of kindness, that make the biggest difference. This award reflects the care, kindness and professionalism they show every day.”
While there were nine villages that were finalists in the aged care category, it was a particularly special achievement for Bruce McLaren.F
As well as passing both their RVA and certification audits with flying colours in September, they were also announced as Village of the Year in the 2025 Ryman awards.
“It’s our year,” said Village Manager Chantelle Hill, who said the whole village was ‘just buzzing.’
“It’s such an amazing achievement and it’s all down to our wonderful team.”
Another honourable mention goes to Keith Park Village, which has previously won Small Village of the Year in 2022 and was a finalist in the 2024 awards.
“This recognition fills me with immense pride,” said Village Manager Kim Dawson.
“This award belongs to every team member who contributes to making Keith Park Village a place where residents thrive and feel at home.”
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