Pay affects staff quality

National Radio reported that Ryman Healthcare had made a profit of $120.8 million, 75 per cent from villages.

I am a resident at Hilda Ross Retirement Village, Hamilton – a Ryman Healthcare village. From my experience dating back to August 2009, Ryman’s inadequate paying of staff has led inevitably to staff lacking the qualifications and even suitability for their employment in a retirement village.

Here, a large percentage of staff – administration, medical and activity co-ordination – fall into this category.

However, my townhouse is eminently suitable and the Occupational Lease Agreement is financially viable for me.

More publicity of this type will hasten Ryman’s realisation that to pay qualified staff for their services will not only raise the image of Ryman Healthcare Villages, but increase their profits still further. The number of empty townhouses here at Hilda Ross Retirement Village is increasing. It will be most meaningful to me to enjoy the services of such staff in the not too distant future. MOIRA M HARTNEADY Hilda Ross Retirement Village Hamilton

In 1996, John Luxton said in the house if all producing dairy companies of New Zealand did not combine, there would be legislation to enforce it. That did away with the Dairy Board. KEITH BRAWN Te Awamutu