11. Question No. 11—HousingTANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Associate Minister of HousingQuestion No. 11—Housing11. TANGI UTIKERE (Labour—Palmerston North) to the Associate Minister of Housing: What is the Government doing to ensure the rights of retirement village residents are protected and enhanced?Hon BARBARA EDMONDS (Associate Minister of Housing): Meitaki Mr Speaker. We are committed to ensuring secure safe affordable housing for older New Zealanders. Since the Helen Clark Labour Government first introduced legal protections for residents 20 years ago the retirement village sector has grown substantially. As the sector has grown concerns about consumer protection have increased. Today I've released a discussion paper that seeks public views on a review of the legislative framework. There are improvements that can be made to better serve the housing needs of older New Zealanders. Our housing challenges have grown over the generations and we are determined to address them. Tangi Utikere: What are the main objectives of the retirement villages review? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: It is a big decision to move into a retirement village. It is essential that protections for residents and intending residents are strong and working as intended. The overarching objectives of the review are to ensure adequate consumer protections to residents and intending residents; an effective balance between the rights and responsibilities of residents and operators; the ongoing viability of the sector and its ability to provide a range of retirement housing options and consumer choice; and the rights and responsibilities of residents and operators are appropriately defined including where they may differ for different occupancy rights.Tangi Utikere: Does the review respond to recent concerns raised by the Retirement Commission and Commerce Commission?Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: I acknowledge the work by the Retirement Commission which has helped to pave the way for the review. It consulted on options for change in 2022. Submissions were sought on issues such as repayment times for capital sums and weekly fees continuing after terminations. The Retirement Commission confirmed many issues remained unresolved and problematic. It recommended that a full review of the legislative framework be carried out. The Commerce Commission has also launched an investigation into complaints about unfair terms in occupation rights agreements. That investigation is being conducted independently and at arm's length; it is at an early stage. Its findings might feed into the review but do not impact the consultation phase. Tangi Utikere: Have the proposals in the discussion paper been tested with the sector? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS: Officials developed the discussion paper working with the Retirement Commission Government agencies and the sector including both village operators and residents. I acknowledge the important role the sector plays in catering for the needs of older New Zealanders. The current legal framework has supported the significant growth of the industry. The growth of the retirement villages sector should not be at the expense of fair and appropriate legal and consumer protection. I acknowledge that the Retirement Villages Association has driven positive changes in the sector to improve consumer protection. These changes are largely voluntary and only apply to their members. Some changes do not apply to villages with fewer than 50 units. I'm looking forward to submissions from all stakeholders including residents and village operators.