Skip to main content
Top of the Page

Te Ara is a comprehensive professional development programme designed specifically for staff working in New Zealand’s retirement village sector. Whether you're a new team member or an experienced leader, Te Ara helps you build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in your role and contribute to high-performing village communities.

With a growing library of topics, Te Ara offers practical, industry-relevant learning that covers everything from operations and leadership to resident wellbeing, compliance, and customer service. Modules include video presentations, key policies, interactive tools, and insights from sector experts—making it easy for learners to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

The self-paced structure gives learners the flexibility to study in their own time, while regular check-ins and support ensure engagement and progress. Participants also benefit from opportunities to connect with peers through online forums and development days, creating a supportive network of like-minded professionals across the country.

Whether you're looking to upskill, onboard new staff, or prepare future leaders, Te Ara delivers a pathway to meaningful, career-enhancing learning.

Check out our different options below!

If you already have an active Te Ara account, click here to log in.

For more details, please read our Te Ara policy.

Price: $225 +GST  (to purchase individually click on the CHOOSE YOUR MODULES button in our Learning Library below)

(Individual purchase also available at $100 +GST per module - just click on the CHOOSE YOUR MODULES button in our Learning Library below to select the modules you'd like)

30 days access per module (90 days for the entire programme)

 

The RVA Essentials Certificate is an e-learning programme consisting of three modules designed specifically for staff working in New Zealand’s retirement village sector. Ideal for onboarding new team members, these modules form a key part of induction training by introducing the core legal and operational principles that underpin daily village life.

The programme focuses on the Retirement Villages Code of Practice and Residents’ Rights, helping ensure a smooth transition into the workplace and a shared understanding of the responsibilities and expectations across all roles. Suitable for staff at all levels, the content provides valuable knowledge for anyone interacting with residents and their families.

 

 

   Elements of the Code of Practice and Code of Residents’ Rights: Understand complaints, residents’ privacy, access to resident’s dwellings, emergencies, residents’ rights to consultation, courtesy, and respect.

 

   Advertising and Selling: Understand the basic sales/resales process and how to comply with the Retirement Villages Act 2003, the RV Code of Practice 2008 (with variations included April 2017), Occupation Right Agreements, and the rights & obligations of the stakeholders.

 

   Managing the Village:  Find and understand relevant information and documents that need to be complied with key requirements of the RV Code of Practice 2008 which includes variations from April 2017. Learn how to provide guidance to other village staff in relation to complying with the Code of Practice.

Price: $600 +GST 

(Individual purchase also available at $150 +GST per module - just click on the CHOOSE YOUR MODULES button in our Learning Library below to select the modules you'd like)

30 days access per module (180 days for the entire programme)

 

Our Foundation Programme is built around six modules designed to develop core competencies and confidence in village management. These modules provide a strong starting point for anyone looking to grow their skills and understanding of the retirement village environment.

Recognised by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the Retirement Villages Residents Association, and sector Operators, the Foundation Programme is considered essential learning for those aspiring to lead with confidence, capability, and care.

 

 

   Resident Wellbeing: Establish a service model that supports independence and promotes resident wellbeing.

 

   Resident Committees: Investigate why resident committees exist, how to support them to contribute to a harmonious village and why they can be an invaluable resource for a Village Manager.

 

   The Customer Experience: Achieve quality customer experiences, from inquiry to termination, by placing the resident at the centre of all that you do and understand how the customer experience can impact sales results and marketing spend.

 

   Complaint Management: Develop and implement a robust complaint and dispute-handling process through best practice ideas, building trust, and monitoring personal response.

 

   Annual General Meetings: Understand the purpose of the village’s AGM including the statutory, operational, financial and management reporting required to meet your legislative obligations.

 

   Time Management: Managing competing priorities, identify strategies and activities to achieve more when time is scarce.

Our Learning Library offers a wide selection of standalone modules covering diverse areas of village leadership and operations. From property and sales to advanced topics for aspiring or current Village Managers, the modules are designed to support continuous growth and professional excellence.

Each module helps foster a shared understanding across teams, equipping staff with tools and insights to improve performance, support compliance, and enhance the resident experience.

Purchase individual modules to suit your needs — or enjoy significant savings when you buy six or more at once. Or, for the best value, subscribe annually and get unlimited access to our full library of modules for 12 months!

Individual Module Price: $150 +GST per module (30 days access per module)
Bundle Discount: $100 +GST per module when purchasing six or more modules at the same time - the six modules don't have to be all for the same person! (Please fill in the contact form below if wanting to purchase a bundle)


Annual Subscription: $1,500 +GST for full access to all modules in the Te Ara Learning Library for 12 months. (N.B. Does not include the 3x RVA Essentials modules)

Library Membership: $300 +GST for access to all your completed modules for 12 months. Library membership is available to our annual subscribers who have completed all (or nearly all) modules in the Te Ara Learning Library.

 

 

If purchasing on behalf of someone else, please complete the contact form below outlining the following details of the learner:

  • First name
  • Surname
  • Village
  • Job Title
  • Email address
  • Phone number

 

Online payment for Te Ara modules is by credit card only. Should you wish to pay by invoice, please contact us using the form below.

 

Contact Te Ara

For any further enquiries, complete the form to contact our team:

Back to Top

Level 13
342 Lambton Quay
Wellington Central
Wellington 6011
NEW ZEALAND Ph: +64 4 499 7090 

© 2024 Retirement Villages Association