About us

Summerset started from humble beginnings and with a simple vision to create a retirement community that our own parents would be happy to call home; and has since become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing companies.

In 1997 the first Summerset village opened in Whanganui, after founder John O’Sullivan became so disheartened at what was available for his grandmother that he decided to build a village he would be happy to see her living in. His vision of creating a retirement community that his family would be proud to call home and that puts the respect for its residents at the heart of everything it does still guides us today.

Listen to John talk about what motivated him to establish the first Summerset village.

Since then Summerset has been bringing that philosophy to life throughout New Zealand. We now have 37 villages from Whangārei to Dunedin, as well as a landbank of five sites in New Zealand. In Victoria, Australia we have seven properties.

Within our villages we offer a range of independent living options and care; meaning that in the event your needs change, we have support and options within the village.

We are now proudly New Zealand’s second-largest retirement village operator, with more than 8,000 residents enjoying resort-style facilities in secure, vibrant and welcoming communities.