The Government is promising to investigate stronger protection for the elderly after some people were given just six weeks to vacate a Christchurch retirement village.
Many residents of Merivale Retirement Village have been forced to find new housing if they couldn't fit into a more expensive replacement facility.
The earthquake-damaged building will soon face the wrecking ball, but its elderly residents were left distressed a fortnight ago. They were told some would have to move out by April 1 if they couldn't transfer to a pricier new facility being built next door.
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The saga prompted Ali Jones to start a Parliamentary petition, calling for an urgent inquiry and a "security of tenure" for residents.
"I think it's really important that elderly who do have a fair expectation of living out their days in a place, in their home, are able to do that," Ms Jones said.
Managers weren't available for comment at the village on Sunday.
Long-time resident Jim McCarron told RNZ's Checkpoint recently he felt badly let down.
"The new facility doesn't cater for enough beds - there's 102 people for 47 beds," he said.
Ms Jones says it's not just about this one case, but about a duty of care across the entire sector, particularly given the country's aging population.
She's heard similar stories from around the country.
"A chap in Wellington said that he had a similar situation with a 99-year-old aunt. That's just horrendous."
Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa is concerned about the situation.
"I'm seeking advice from a policy perspective as to what my options are to address this issue, because I would not like to have to address these sorts of issues in the future."
Newshub understands two of the current residents are still trying to find alternative accommodation.
Newshub.
