25-27 June 2012, Wellington

Celebs head to this year’s RVA Conference

It is hard not to name-drop when talking about the upcoming Retirement Villages Association conference in Wellington in June.

Following the Trade Me Property opening cocktail function, comedians, MPs, broadcasters, and actors will come together for the opening night celebrity debate. Chaired by broadcaster Jeremy Corbett, with teams led by comedians Raybon Kan and Paul Ego, the moot is ‘that age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill’. While not an entirely original topic, Kan, Ego, and company promise to deliver a novel and entertaining take on the familiar argument of age versus youth.

More famous names creep into the programme on day two, with 2010

New Zealander of the Year, Sir Ray Avery, taking the stand.

The second day will also provide delegates an opportunity to glimpse across the ditch to see what is happening with the Australian retirement living industry, with Andrew Giles, the chief executive of the Australian Retirement Villages Association, and Jim Hazel, director of Adelaide and

Bendigo Bank, looking at the Australian retirement village model going forward and the implications for New Zealand operators.

The eagerly awaited INsite /RVA Manager of the Year award builds momentum in the afternoon as each of the finalists have their say (see page 20 to meet the x finalists ). They will be kept in suspense until the National Bank Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner that night, when the winner will be announced.

The programme for the final day is packed with interesting topics and perspectives, kicking off with one of New Zealand’s top lawyers and business women, Mai Chen.

Delegates will hear from experts in dealing with emergencies, which, in light of Christchurch’s bitter experience, will be a timely topic for discussion.

A representative from the Association of Residents of Retirement Villages will also take the stand to give a fresh look at the issues concerning residents.

Things are sure to get interesting as Martin Taylor of the New Zealand Aged Care Association, Chris Fleming, DHB Lead CEO Aged Care, and Simon Marks of Anthony Harper Lawyers discuss the issue of Occupation Right Agreements in residential accommodation beds.

Sean Plunkett will chair a panel discussion on a retirement village’s value proposition, where residents, operators, market analysts, property experts, and others will question whether the industry offers value for money.

In addition to a full and varied programme, the RVA conference also boasts a well-supported trade show and social activities, including the Programmed Property Services Golf Tournament for those keen to take part. This year’s conference is not to be missed!

RVA Conference takes place from 25th to 27th June, 2012 at Te Papa, Wellington

See www.retirementvillages.org.nz for more information.

Keynote speaker:

Sir Ray Avery, 2010 New Zealander of the Year

Entertaining keynote speaker Sir Ray Avery is a successful pharmaceutical scientist, a founding member of The University of Auckland school of medicine’s department of vlinical pharmacology, and former technical director of Douglas Pharmaceuticals who, over the past thirty years, has made a major contribution in the development of New Zealand’s pharmaceutical industry. He is a compelling motivational speaker with great stories to share.

However, it is Avery’s groundbreaking work in the developing world that has brought him respect and recognition internationally.

As technical advisor to the Fred Hollows Foundation, Avery designed and commissioned two state-of-the-art Intraocular Lens Laboratories in Nepal and Eritrea. Today, these laboratories supply 16 per cent of the world’s market for these products, and thanks to Ray’s innovative lens manufacturing technology, the cost of lenses is less than $6, thereby making cataract surgery available to the poorest of the poor.

Working throughout Africa and Asia, and exposed to the raw and real shortcomings in healthcare, Avery was determined to use his knowledge of pharmaceuticals, science, project management, and product design to tackle big health issues throughout the developing world at a practical and sustainable level.

His work has been recognised by his peers and Avery has received numerous awards, including a Rotary Paul Harris Medal, The Bayer Research and Development Innovator Award 2008, World Class New Zealand Award for Biotechnology 2009, TBWA Disruption Award 2010, Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the Year 2010, and The Blake Leadership Medal 2010.

In 2011, Avery was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit Knight of the Grand Companion in the New Year Honours for services to philanthropy. His book Rebel with a Cause is on its fourth reprint.