Resthaven Village Sold to Otago Care Home Operator

Presbyterian Support Southland has sold Resthaven Village to Phantom Eldercare, with the family-owned care home operator taking over on July 1, 2026.

Phantom Eldercare runs multiple aged care facilities across Otago. The sale finalises a conditional agreement signed in March.

PSS will now begin an 18-month handover process designed to maintain stability for the 50-year-old facility's residents and staff.

"For 50 years, our organisation has had the privilege of supporting residents, families, and the wider community. We're confident Phantom Eldercare will continue to deliver this legacy of care into the future," PSS Board chair Craig Smith said.

The sale represents a significant shift for Presbyterian Support Southland, which has operated the village since its establishment. Smith acknowledged the weight of the transition.

"We extend our sincere thanks to residents, families, and the community for their trust in us and their support over many decades. It has been an honour to serve this community, and we remain committed to ensuring the transition ahead is calm, respectful, and centred on residents' wellbeing."

PSS engaged with unions, residents, families and staff throughout the sales process. The organisation says it secured commitments that transitioning staff would move to "the same or better terms" under new ownership.

Chief executive Matt Russell framed the sale as strategic consolidation. Rather than expanding operations, PSS is focusing its aged care resources.

"Our commitment remains the same — to support older people across the wider Southland region — but we must do so in ways that are flexible, sustainable, and responsive to what our community needs now and into the future," Russell said.

Both organisations will work with staff, suppliers and contractors over the coming weeks to ensure uninterrupted care during the transition.

The sale removes PSS from direct residential care operations while Phantom Eldercare expands south from its Otago base. For Resthaven's residents, the change means new ownership but promises of continuity in daily care and staffing.