Retirement villages are explained

Almost 60 people from as far afield as Kaitaia turned out for last month’s Retire and Live meeting at Cooper’s Beach.

The big attraction was John Collyns, executive director of the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand, who had travelled from Wellington to explain the pros and cons of retirement villages.

His presentation provided what those who were contemplating moving into a unit, villa, apartment etc. what they needed to know.

He urged his audience to be sure to see a certificate of accreditation, to consult a solicitor before signing anything, to ask questions — and understand the answers — check if there was a care facility, and not to leave it too late in the expectation that their family would look after them.

He pointed out that residents had legal protection against eviction, that a statutory supervisor should be overseeing the running of the village, and that would be a 15-day opportunity to cancel after signing.

Anyone who wants further information should contact Retire and Live president Margaret Foster, or go to the RVA website (www.retirementvillages.org.nz — information for residents), or www.trademe.co.nz/property — Retirement Villages.