Award winning model now taking shape across Australia

Summerset recognised as New Zealand’s most trusted retirement village and aged care brand

Summerset has been named the winner of the Aged Care & Retirement Villages category at the 2026 Reader’s Digest New Zealand Trusted Brands Awards, earning top honours in the category for the first time.

The recognition follows seven consecutive years of being highly commended and reflects the strong level of trust New Zealand consumers place in Summerset to deliver high‑quality retirement living and care that supports people to live the best of life.

Now in its 27th year, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey is one of the most globally respected independent consumer endorsements. The awards are based solely on the views of everyday consumers and celebrates brands that consistently deliver on their promises.

Summerset Chief Executive Officer, Scott Scoullar, said the award reinforces the strength of Summerset’s model as the business continues to expand in Australia, noting that it’s especially meaningful because it comes directly from consumers and marks the first time Summerset has been named the overall category winner, after many years of being highly commended.

“Trust is something you earn, not something you assume. For us, it’s built every day through the care our people provide, the way we support residents and their families, and the communities we create across our villages. As we grow in Australia, we’re bringing with us the same award-winning approach to retirement living that has earned the trust of New Zealanders for nearly three decades.”

Summerset’s Australian operations are now well underway, with the company’s first Victorian village at Cranbourne North fully open, offering a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living and residential aged care. The village has welcomed residents across all living and care options, reflecting Summerset’s integrated model designed to support people as their needs change over time.

Momentum is also building at Chirnside Park, where homes have sold quickly off the plans, ahead of the village’s scheduled opening in mid‑year. Strong early demand highlights growing interest among Victorians in Summerset’s modern village design, lifestyle offering and care‑inclusive approach.

Construction is also well progressed at Oakleigh South, and with Torquay scheduled to commence soon Summerset is set to further strengthen their presence in Victoria. Together, these developments demonstrate the company’s long‑term commitment to retirement living and aged care in Australia.

“We’ve spent 27 years focused on doing the little things right, every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our model resonating in the Australian market, this award gives confidence that what we’re building here is grounded in a proven, trusted approach.”

Survey participants praised Summerset for its quality care, welcoming staff and modern environments, with comments including: “Very trustworthy, comfortable, modern, lots of extra niceties, and very safe,” “I trust Summerset because they provide quality care,” and “Transparent, caring, do what they say they will do.”

Summerset operates 38 retirement villages across New Zealand and has recently expanded into Australia, offering independent living alongside care and support options, designed to adapt as residents’ needs change over time.