Details

Unique Approach

The approach is design-led, non-institutional, caring and community orientated. Qestral creates places, spaces, facilities, homes, food, events and activities to be proud of.

The dedicated team come to work each day to help the residents lead a life worth living, full of: health, wellness, fun, good humour, music and of course magic.

Financial Security

There are no hidden surprises in the financial arrangements.

The interests of the village residents are protected by a Statutory Supervisor (Covenant Trustees - the largest trustee company in the aged care industry) who monitor audited financial accounts and have a significant overview of operations within the villages.

Have Peace of Mind

A code of practice applies to the day-to-day operation of the village, and a code of rights outlines the rights and obligations of residents, village management and staff.

Qestral owners and operators are experienced industry leaders and innovators, and the company is substantially resourced (capital).

Village Guarantees

Qestral's design-led focus means that the villages are open, expansive and non-institutional.

Buildings are a maximum height of two storeys
All houses are architecturally designed and available in a range of styles
Houses are mainly stand-alone with space between

Qestral guarantees that:

Weekly service fees or the village contribution fee will not alter during a resident's tenancy, unless the level of care changes. This effectively means that expenses such as rates, insurance, outside maintenance and garden upkeep are fixed for the period of a resident's occupancy.

All fees (such as the weekly service and village commencement and contribution fees) will cease when a resident leaves the village, and will not be delayed until a unit is sold.

No one - not Qestral, nor any of its villages, nor banks, or any other party, have financial priority over village residents (we suggest that you confirm this with your solicitor - under the 2003 Retirement Villages Act).

If within 90 days from the date of occupation, a resident decides to no longer remain in a house or apartment in the village, they will receive a full refund of the purchase price without any deductions for village contributions.

Experience

The senior management team, who are also part-owners and directors, have been operating aged care facilities for over 25 years and are highly experienced in caring for the elderly.

Directors (and part-owners) John Ryder, Simon O'Dowd and Wendy Fleming were founding members and trustees of Health Ed Trust (NZ) Inc - a charitable trust that has educated over 25,000 aged care workers in NZQA approved courses. The trust has merged with the Industry Training Organisation, Careerforce.

Shareholders and Directors

John Ryder M.Com (Hons), FCA, CMA

Executive Chairman

Read more

John is a chartered accountant, cost and management accountant, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Accountants, and was joint founder and joint Managing Director (for 18 years) of listed company Ryman Healthcare.

He was a national executive member of both the NZ Aged Care Association and the NZ Retirement Villages Association, and the 3rd person to be elected to the Australasian Housing Hall of Fame, for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Seniors Housing Industry in New Zealand. John has written an investment book: Global Investing – a Guide for New Zealanders . He has been a director of three listed public companies and, in 2021, John was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

Simon O’Dowd

Managing Director

Read more

Simon has been the National President of the NZ Aged Care Association for over 20 years – which has as members around 80% of the employers in the overall New Zealand aged care sector. He is also on the board of the Retirement Villages Association.

Simon has been actively involved in representing the sector on most of the major government and industry study groups, including the ARRC negotiations with district health boards, and was a founder and trustee of NZQA education provider Health Ed Trust (Inc). Simon has owned and managed care facilities for over 25 years.

Jeremy O’Dowd

Director

Wendy Fleming RGON, CRSNZ

Director

Kerry Mason FNZIA

Director

Read more

Kerry is a registered architect and a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. He was a founding partner of Christchurch architectural firm +MAP and was previously Managing Director of Warren and Mahoney.

Kerry has won a wide range of awards for residential, resort and commercial buildings and is highly respected for his design skills. Qestral’s modus operandi is to provide residents with individuality and flare in their houses, apartments and care facilities and Kerry’s appointment to the Board signifies the importance the company places on innovative design.