Rātū 5 Māehe 2024 Tuesday 5 March 2024
All in good taste
MTB magic
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Egg Sheeran
Marlborough Cake Decorators Guild members Kerrie Stronge and Michelle Dawson with some of their creations, including Egg Sheeran, centre. Photo: Paula Hulburt.
School spirit PAGE 20
Resthome owners fix potential problems PAULA HULBURT
Under fire rest home operators facing claims of misleading residents have been quick to fix potential problems. Consumer NZ and the Retirement Village Residents Association of New Zealand (RVResidents) had reported 12 operators nationwide to the Commerce Commission. Three of these operators, Arvida, Oceania and Heritage Lifecare, have homes in Blenheim. Claims were not centred on individual villages. Allegations were mainly around marketing material relating to continuity of care and residents paying extra when they shouldn’t have to. “Although many village websites make bold claims about offering a “continuum of care”, many villages’ terms limit a resident’s rights and access to these additional services,” says Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy. “We are concerned the advertising used to promote many retirement villages has led people to believe they are assured of additional or hospital level care at their facility,
when in reality, that care is not guaranteed.” Avida Ashwood Park, and Redwood Lifestyle Care & Village have carried out minor changes in response to concerns. Operators told the Marlborough Weekly the issues were minor and no more action was needed. A spokesman from Arvida said they had amended the sentence [on their website] and noted the commission did not intend to further investigate the complaint. An Oceania spokeswoman says they moved quickly to respond to concerns raised. “We received a low-level compliance letter from the Commerce Commission with no further action required. “CEO Brent Pattison spoke with an Investigator from the Commerce Commission on 18 January and has responded accordingly to all the concerns raised. “Oceania takes these matters seriously and is a strong supporter of accurate marketing across the sector.” The Commission has put 12 retirement village operators on notice because their conduct risks breaching the Fair Trading Act.
Thursday 21st March 2024
Clinic Open Day Come along to our clinic open day and meet the team and find out more about hearing, hearing loss and how we can help you.
www.blackmoreaudiology.co.nz 03 579 3092 · 21 Francis St, Blenheim · www.blackmoreaudiology.co.nz
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