About New Zealand’s Best Awards
New Zealand’s Best Awards (formerly the “People’s Choice Awards”) are the annual honours from Aged Advisor NZ recognising excellence in aged care facilities and independent living (retirement & lifestyle) villages. Winners are determined purely by independent reviews and ratings submitted by residents, their families and visitors.
Award Categories
Aged Care Facilities
Small (fewer than 40 beds)
Medium–Large (41 beds and above)
Independent Living (Retirement & Lifestyle Villages)
Small (up to 80 units/homes)
Medium–Large (81 units/homes and above)
Best Multi-Facility / Group Provider (Nationwide)
Overall award for the top-rated provider operating multiple facilities across New Zealand.
How Facilities Qualify & Winners Are Calculated
To enter, a facility must have received at least three reviews in the past 12 months and a minimum of five reviews over the last three years. Entry is free, and Aged Advisor provides freepost forms so every resident can contribute without cost barriers.
An algorithm—developed in partnership with the University of Canterbury—smooths out differences in facility size by calculating a reviews-to-residents ratio alongside mean review scores over a 12-month window. This ensures a 20-bed home has an equal chance as a 120-bed complex.
Regional Winners & Nationwide Provider (2024 Examples)
Best Provider Nationwide
Ryman Healthcare
North Island
Best Aged Care Small: Pinehaven Cottage (Orewa)
Best Aged Care Medium–Large: Malyon House (Tauranga)
Best Small Village: Bream Bay Village (Whangarei)
Best Large Village: Settlers Lifestyle Village (North Shore)
South Island
Best Aged Care Small: Waihi Lodge Care Centre (Canterbury)
Best Aged Care Medium–Large: Waikiwi Gardens Rest Home (Invercargill)
Best Small Village: The Sterling Retirement Village (Kaiapoi)
Best Large Village: Summerset On Cavendish (Christchurch)
