Partnering with Ryman Healthcare
Ryman Healthcare is one of New Zealand's most successful and recognisable retirement village and aged-care providers, with a history that spans four decades. Founded in Christchurch in 1984, the company has grown from a single village into a trans-Tasman enterprise, operating more than 40 retirement villages across New Zealand and Australia. Listed on the NZX since 1999, and regularly placing amongst New Zealand’s largest listed companies, Ryman has built its reputation on an integrated model that combines independent living, assisted living, and full continuum care on the same site—allowing residents to “age in place” with dignity and security. The company has been a pioneer in designing purpose-built communities that not only provide care, but also promote connection, wellbeing, and independence for older people.
Our Partnership
Over the past five years, Citycare Property has developed a strong working relationship with Ryman Healthcare, providing services that support the smooth operation of several of their villages throughout New Zealand. Our work spans the delivery of open space maintenance and, more recently, the refurbishment and maintenance of residential apartments.
Open Space Maintenance
Citycare Property teams and subcontractors manage a variety of gardens, grounds, and surrounding land across Ryman villages nationwide. What began as bush-clearing services in Auckland has expanded into a comprehensive programme that includes:
- Garden maintenance – from high-walled gardens to shared beds and landscaped areas in several village complexes.
- Tree pruning and mulching – undertaken sensitively to maintain the character of each village.
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Bare land care – maintaining undeveloped sites adjacent to villages in a neat, safe condition, ready for future expansion.
Our teams are mindful that they are working in residential environments with older, sometimes vulnerable people. This requires not just technical expertise, but also empathy and attentiveness. For example, the same gardener is often assigned to a village so residents get to know them, building trust and a sense of familiarity. Where residents prefer to maintain their own gardens, our staff adapt accordingly, offering support only where needed. This balance of professionalism and personal connection is central to the success of our work.
Renovation and Refurbishment Projects
Over the past 12 months, Citycare Property has also been engaged to manage and deliver refurbishment projects in Ryman villages, including Frances Hodgkins in Dunedin and several Wellington sites. Each apartment undergoes a full renovation prior to a new resident moving in, with carpets, curtains, kitchens, and other finishes being upgraded and/or replaced.
These projects are often logistically complex, with challenges such as narrow lifts, restricted working hours, and the need to minimise disruption for surrounding residents. On one occasion, plumbing access required a short-term relocation of a resident in a neighbouring unit—careful liaison and strong communication ensured this was handled smoothly and respectfully.
Our approach combines in-house delivery with trusted subcontractors, all of whom are carefully briefed on Ryman’s expectations and resident sensitivities. Noisy work is tightly scheduled, dust and nuisance are minimised, and communication with residents is proactive and considerate. Feedback from Ryman has been extremely positive, with residents often expressing appreciation for the professionalism and friendliness of our teams.
Our Commitment
Working in retirement villages requires more than just technical skill—it requires respect, patience, and empathy. Whether maintaining gardens or renovating apartments, we ensure our teams and subcontractors understand they are working in people’s homes, not just on building sites. This sensitivity, combined with strong project management and clear communication, ensures projects are delivered to a high standard while maintaining the comfort and wellbeing of Ryman Healthcare residents.