Waiheke Retirement Village
Questions we are often asked
The retirement village lifestyle offers many benefits, including:
- The companionship and social interaction that thrives in a village community.
- The sense of safety enjoyed because of the added level of village security.
- The removal of the burden of home and garden maintenance.
- The freedom to lock-up and go away on holiday without having to worry about your home.
- Peace of mind, knowing that there is assistance available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
- Access to a range of facilities for the exclusive enjoyment of village residents.
Yes. At the time of entering the Village, residents must be 65 years old and able to cope with the day-to-day running of an independent home.
All units have call buttons that give an immediate 24-hour emergency response. Along with this we actively encourage a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ Programme in the Village.
Yes. Waiheke Retirement Village grounds are beautifully landscaped to harmonise with the environment of the Village and we encourage our residents to take an active part in their development. In conjunction with the landscaping, garden plots are located around the property for the resident’s own use.
Yes, but you will need to have the Village Manager’s approval to keep a pet. We will, however, be considerate of your needs.
Yes, your unit/villa is your own home so naturally you can have visitors at any time, however, your guests are not allowed to stay with you permanently. Two guests can stay for a total of 90 days during a twelve-month period. Consent from the Operator is required for longer periods of time. Your guests may use any of the village facilities during their stay, provided they are accompanied by the resident they are staying with.
We will ensure your home is looked after. It is your own home and therefore you may come and go as you please. One of the many advantages of Village living is that you can go on holiday for a week, a month, or a year, with the peace of mind of knowing that your home will be secure and maintained. All we ask is that you advise us of any extended period of absence or of any change of plans you may make while you are away.
Residents are required to pay a Weekly Fee which is a contribution toward the general costs of operating Waiheke Retirement Village. An example of the costs covered by the Weekly Fee include:
- Council rates
- Insurances for buildings and other risks
- Operating costs of the community facilities
- General building maintenance and upkeep of community facilities
- Staffing costs including village management.
The Weekly Fee, which is set at the time you enter the Village, is a fixed amount for your entire period of occupancy of your unit/villa. The Weekly Fee will not be varied regardless of any changes to the operating expenses of the Village.
No, the Weekly Fee charges cease after the resident has left the unit/villa and removed all possessions and vehicles.
You are responsible for your private utility charges such as electricity, telephone, contents insurance, appliance maintenance and any medical, hairdressing and other personal requirements. You are also responsible for the costs of any damage to the interior or exterior of your home if caused by you.
As you can imagine, building and maintaining the shared facilities and Village infrastructure such as the community centre, indoor heated pool, and the extensive landscaped grounds requires on-going expenditure for refurbishment, upgrades, or replacements. These amenities are for the benefit of everybody – the Deferred Management Fee shares the cost equitably among all the residents.
The amount any single resident is required to contribute is 10% per annum of the Entry Payment for the first three years of occupation to a maximum of 30% of the Entry Payment. This is not an additional upfront fee as it is deducted following termination of your Occupation Right Agreement and at completion of settlement to a new incoming resident.
Once the Deferred Management Fee is fully accrued, it will not be charged again.
We can help you access a full range of care services through the Waiheke Health Trust.
Your unit/villa is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system and you will receive prompt attention in an emergency. Also, home help is available in your own unit/villa on a user pays basis.
The Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) is a contract between you and the Village, and it sets out your right to live in your unit/villa and to enjoy the services and facilities at Waiheke Retirement Village.
The Retirement Villages Act 2003 requires each village to be registered as a retirement village under the Act, at which point, a Memorial Notice is registered against the title to the village property to ensure that the village land will always be used as a retirement village. Such a notice has been registered over the title to Waiheke Retirement Village’s land. In addition, your interests are protected by means of a Memorandum of Encumbrance which is registered on the Village title and is held in the name of Covenant Trustee Services Limited, the Statutory Supervisor. The Memorandum of Encumbrance is like a first mortgage over the land and acts as security for the performance of the Operator’s responsibilities under the ORA.
The Retirement Villages Act 2003 requires each village to observe a Code of Practice which sets out minimum standards around how the Village operates.
These include:
- Staffing of the village,
- Safety and personal security of residents,
- Fire protection and emergency management,
- Transferring residents within a village,
- Meetings,
- Complaints,
- Accounts,
- Maintenance and upgrading,
- Terminating the Occupation Right Agreement by either the operator or resident,
- Communication.
A copy of the Code of Practice will be provided to you when you complete an Application for an Occupation Right Agreement.
Covenant Trustee Services, the Statutory Supervisor, is appointed to ensure the Operator meets its obligations. These obligations are clearly described in your Occupation Right Agreement, the Disclosure Statement, and the Deed of Supervision. In addition, the Residents’ Committee meets regularly with the Manager and can raise any issues on your behalf. Above all, you can talk with the Manager about your issues, rights, and requests at any time.
Yes. The Waiheke Retirement Village Residents’ Committee is made up of resident representatives elected by the residents themselves. They act as the residents’ voice and liaise between the residents and the Village Management. This committee plays an important role helping to ensure that the Village runs smoothly. In addition, residents are always welcome to talk to the Village Manager about any aspect of the operation of the Village.
Yes. The Operator annually submits financial reports to all residents at the Annual General Meeting. These reports include prior year profit and loss accounts and coming year forecast. These accounts are reviewed by the company Auditors, the Statutory Supervisor and the Companies Office. The Statutory Supervisor also requests a quarterly financial update from the Operator during the year.
If, for some reason you choose to leave the Village, you will receive back the original purchase price of your home, less a Deferred Management Fee of 10% for each of the first three years of occupation, and any other deductions allowed under your Occupation Right Agreement. The balance is refunded to you no more than five working days after the Manager has received payment for your unit/villa from a new resident.
There are no hidden costs. You are not required to pay for any administration or sales and marketing costs when we sell your unit/villa.
We are responsible for all refurbishment costs associated with bringing your unit/villa up to a standard suitable for sale. However, if there is any damage, including damage by pets or through smoking, or unreasonable wear that is beyond fair wear and tear, then you will be responsible for that portion of the costs as determined through an independent assessment.
When you have made the decision to move to Waiheke Retirement Village you will be required to complete an Application Form.
During the Application process we will take the time to discuss your situation and ensure that we have explained the way Waiheke Retirement Village works and answered any questions you may have. We will provide you with a copy of the form of Disclosure Statement, form of Occupation Right Agreement, Code of Residents’ Rights and Code of Practice. You may also request a copy of the Deed of Supervision. We know it is a lot of reading, but we want you to be comfortable that, based upon the information provided, you have made the right decision.
When you have made the decision to buy into the Waiheke Retirement Village, please complete the Application Form and pay the holding deposit required, if any. This deposit is held by the Statutory Supervisor and is fully refundable should you, for any reason, be unable to proceed.
It is compulsory for you to seek independent legal advice before signing the Occupation Right Agreement. We encourage you to discuss this with your Solicitor and if you do not have a current solicitor, we can provide you with a list of Waiheke Solicitors.
If you change your mind after you have signed the Occupation Right Agreement, you may withdraw from the purchase if you provide written notice within fifteen working days from the time you signed.
Should you require any further information, please contact us on: 09-372-2820 sales@lifecareresidences.co.nz