We’re celebrating 40 years of kindness, care and community this week. Founded in 1984 by Kevin Hickman and John Ryder, Ryman Healthcare was inspired by Kevin’s experience as a private investigator when he witnessed the poor conditions in a fire-damaged rest home.  

It made him think about what he’d want for his own mum, and with that, Kevin and his business partner John set out to build a business that would pioneer modern retirement living and care in New Zealand. They converted a block of flats into their first rest home, and Ryman was born.  

Their vision and purpose was that everything they did had to be good enough for their own Mum, or Dad. Today, with 49 villages and over 14,000 residents across Australia and New Zealand, this ethos continues to guide us.   

It’s a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by a community that cares, and connection is woven into the fabric of Ryman communities. Our team see our residents as family and are always keen for a story and a laugh. 

Perhaps that’s why we’ve been recognised by Canstar Blue in 2024 for having the Most Satisfied Customers, which highlights the outstanding lifestyle and amenities on offer at a Ryman village and complements our tenth win of Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Brand. 

Check out our 40th birthday video to sample a small taste of the Ryman story and some of the laughs we’ve had in Ryman villages over the last 40 years.