Amid a growth phase, Australasian retirement village operator, Summerset has extended its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, becoming the latest benefactor of Keystone Trust.
The aged care provider and property developer is the latest Key Sponsor Partner (KSP) for the trust; a not-for-profit organisation which supports students with financial and circumstantial needs as they work towards tertiary qualifications in Aotearoa New Zealand’s property and construction sectors.
Summerset’s construction business manager Jason Schrijvers says the business has grown to a point of significance, having recently celebrated its 25th year in operation.
“We now have 32 retirement communities across Australia and New Zealand, and 17 projects in the current pipeline, allowing us to recentre on meaningful initiatives.
“The partnership with Keystone Trust has been fully supported and driven by Dean Tallentire, Summerset’s general manager of construction, and the senior leadership team, which recognise the value of social investment.
“In addition to an established cadet programme, now’s the time for our business to leverage our success and do more to ensure we provide community opportunities and support, particularly for young professionals seeking career pathways.
“Our business employs roughly 2,400 people in various roles, spanning everything from nurses to gardeners, site managers, architects, accountants, technicians and planners – giving us a unique platform to open doors and provide opportunities,” he says.
As a Keystone Trust KSP, Summerset has pledged annual scholarship funding for a student applicant, contributing to course costs, accommodation and materials. In addition, the business will provide mentorship opportunities and pastoral support, which are often some of the most valuable components of the scholarship for successful students.
Keystone Trust general manager Amanda Stanes says she is thrilled with the new partnership, which provides representation within the trust for one of the fastest-growing areas of the property industry.
“New Zealand has a rapidly ageing population with demand for aged care facilities outstripping current supply. It is a sector constantly evolving and positioned to create massive opportunities for our students in the future.
“Practical work experience with this diverse business could see students gain valuable insight into the daily running of such a significant multi-national operation, including the acquisition and development of suitable land sites, architectural considerations, construction, sales and ongoing property management – to name a few,” she says.
Estimates show Aotearoa New Zealand will need an additional 25,000 aged care units by 2033 to meet current demand, underpinning a pipeline of planned works for the sector.
“Summerset reported strong results in the 2022 annual report, and we are pleased to say we are acquiring land sites across Australia and New Zealand, and meeting growth targets within the broad business plan.
“This pipeline of projects will enable us to offer appropriate opportunities for young professionals coming through Keystone Trust, whilst also fulfilling a focal point for Summerset: continued investment into our people.
“We believe in bringing the best of life to our residents, and this goes for our employees too,” Mr Schrijvers says.
Current Keystone student and 2023 recipient of the Barnes Beagley Doherr Quantity Surveying Scholarship, Katie Rousell, has worked alongside various teams as an intern at Summerset since 2022. She echoes Mr Schrijvers’ sentiments about Summerset’s social emphasis, noting the inclusive environment and variety of work experience opportunities received so far.
“Summerset joining Keystone Trust’s sponsorship whānau is a significant win for both businesses and all future Keystone students – I know because I have gained much in my short time as an intern and feel fortunate to be involved with a business that invests so heavily in its people and growth culture,” she says.
For further media enquiries, please contact
Amanda Stanes
Keystone Trust – General Manager
M: 021 689 380
E: amanda@keystonetrust.org.nz
Jason Schrijvers
Summerset – Construction Business Manager
M: 022 585 0091
E: jason.schrijvers@summerset.co.nz
