The retirement living and aged care sector offers remarkable opportunity for people living in provincial New Zealand who seek fulfilling careers locally. It has experienced substantial growth recently, making it an ideal choice for those who want to build careers without leaving their communities.
In Kerikeri, for example, Metlifecare (Oakridge) is building a 65-bed care home, and Arvida (Te Puna Waiora) has plans to introduce as many as 60 aged care beds. Quail Ridge Country Club has a facility on its radar, too. All of this much-needed new aged care accommodation will complement the 66-bed care facility we’ve been operating at Kerikeri Retirement Village for ages.
But it’s one thing building these facilities. And quite another to staff them with suitably-qualified people. Because, at the moment, there’s a massive shortage of care staff nationally.
That’s why we at Kerikeri Retirement Village are delighted to be part of a group of local and national organisations working to create opportunities for the Far North to ‘grow our own’ qualified workforce. We are developing a recruitment drive within high schools, and an initiative to tempt older people back into the work-force.
The organisations backing this initiative are the retirement village operators I mentioned above, Claud Switzer Home in Kaitaia, iwi health providers Ngati Hine Health Trust, Hauora Hokianga/Hokianga Health and Whangaroa Health Services Trust, Mid-North iwi Ngāti Rēhia, training and skills development providers Te Pūkenga, Careerforce and Ringa Atawahai Matauranga, the regional arm of Te Whatu Ora (Ministry of Health), and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
As illustrated above, there is growing demand for aged care staff. Given that the Far North has a higher unemployment rate than much of the country, this a golden opportunity to create a local workforce.
Our sector offers a multitude of career pathways, making it an ideal choice for those looking to develop their careers. Many start out as cleaners and basic care assistants. However, this is just the beginning of the journey. From these entry-level roles individuals can explore numerous opportunities for professional development. They can specialise in various areas within care and benefit professionally from learning the complexities, and love, of aged care. This allows for career growth and increased earning potential.
Beyond caregiving, there are opportunities in administration, management, healthcare, podiatry, therapy and catering. Even trade apprenticeships.
This diversity of career pathways enables individuals to transition into roles that better align with their aspirations, while remaining connected to their communities.
The demand for skilled professionals in this sector is projected to continue growing as New Zealand's aging population increases. It’s a sector that not only fills a critical societal need but also provides an avenue for rural residents to establish fulfilling and rewarding careers locally.
In conclusion, the retirement living and aged care sector is a beacon of opportunity for individuals in rural New Zealand. The sector's growth, the variety of career paths it offers, and its ability to address the scarcity of jobs in rural areas make it an excellent choice for those looking to build and grow their careers while remaining rooted in their rural communities.
