New Oceania Healthcare chief executive Suzanne Dvorak joined the company in July. Photo / Supplied
New Oceania Healthcare chief executive Suzanne Dvorak joined the company in July. Photo / Supplied
This year, Suzanne Dvorak moved here from Australia to become chief executive of retirement village developer, owner and operator Oceania Healthcare. She talks about her time so far, looks ahead to 2025 and highly recommends one book.
How would you describe 2024 for your business?
It has been a yearof change for Oceania. We welcomed new leadership with my appointment as CEO, along with some fresh faces on the executive team. Personally, it’s been a period of learning and discovery. Since arriving in New Zealand and visiting sites across the country, I’ve been struck by the incredible community we have: 4000 residents and 3000 employees all contributing to this business. And while the market conditions have been challenging, the dedication, commitment and respect I’ve seen make me feel incredibly optimistic about what’s to come.
What will be your biggest business challenges in 2025?
This will be sustaining the positive sales momentum we are currently experiencing as we welcome more residents into our newly opened developments at The Helier [St Heliers], Awatere [Hamilton] and Waterford [Hobsonville Point]. We are also excited to deliver to market our first purpose-built dementia home in Meadowbank and complete and sell the first stage of our Franklin [Pukekohe] development.
The Helier at 28 Waimarie St, St Heliers. Photo / Oceania Healthcare
What opportunities do you see in 2025?
The improving market conditions will see more people being able to sell their homes and consider moving into retirement communities. This is a significant milestone for many New Zealanders as they transition to this stage of their lives.
What will it take to kickstart New Zealand’s economy?
There’s no denying that 2024 has been a tough year for many New Zealand businesses, but there are promising signs of recovery. With interest rates declining, we’ve already seen increased activity across our portfolio, and we expect this to continue into 2025. Business confidence surveys indicate growing optimism. My hope is that this leads to businesses looking for new opportunities and eyeing growth in 2025. Confidence to innovate and explore is essential to pushing the economy forward.
How will a Donald Trump presidency affect the geopolitical dynamics?
Decisions made in Washington always have a ripple effect across the world. Geopolitics is unpredictable at best, so we focus on responding to events rather than speculating. Like everyone else, I’ll be keeping a close eye on United States politics, but my priority is ensuring Oceania’s success in the local market.
What are the concrete actions your company has taken to reduce climate change?
As a healthcare company, we recognise that the health of the planet is intertwined with the health of people. Oceania has committed to a near-term, science-based target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by FY2030, from a FY2022 base year. This target is tied to our $500m sustainability-linked loan. We’ve developed an emissions reduction plan that includes transitioning away from gas and diesel, improving energy efficiency, and converting our fleet to EVs and hybrids. Oceania has also assessed its climate-related risks and opportunities to enhance our resilience and published our first climate-related disclosures report earlier this year.
How are you increasing diversity in your business?
Our workforce is predominantly female and this balance is reflected in our executive leadership team and board. We actively encourage and support diversity across all levels of the organisation.
I want to find more time for exercise. I spend a lot of time sitting on planes and in meetings, so this is a priority for me.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
I will be heading to the beach with my two kids, two dogs and my parents. There will be lots of walking, swimming, surfing, fishing and eating.
What would you recommend as a good podcast to listen to over summer?
I spend most of my days talking and listening, so holidays are a time for quiet and reading. If you’re looking for a good read over summer and enjoy drama, I recommend The Instrumentalist – it’s a great story to get lost in.
Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 24 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.
