About us.

Christine Frost moved to Warkworth Oaks during the lockdown in 2020, after years of living in Tauranga. “It has been the best decision of my life. My family and friends live close-by, and the village allows me to socialize with like-minded people. On top of that, it’s so convenient, you can walk everywhere. At one stage I didn't use my car for a month!"

Being only 68 years old, Christine is one of our youngest residents, and she has no intention to slow down anytime soon. She is also involved with the village’s community garden, the UFO (Un-Finished Objects) craft group, patchwork & quilting group, and she also volunteers driving residents to appointments.

“Living in Warkworth Oaks allows me to have the perfect balance between my Village life and my life outside the Village. I can choose when and how to participate, and that’s the best of it! I've also made so many new friends!"

Diana Burslem picked Epsom Village because of the location and proximity to her friends and also because it’s independent living: “You can join into everything, or you can be completely apart. There’s happiness amongst the people and friendliness, and a lot of people who had interesting lives.”

Diana is one of the most active, social and friendly members of our community, and she volunteers her help every time she can.

Diana worked as a teacher for more than 40 years. Around 2004 her sister set up a company to publish Readers, the books that junior school children use to learn how to read. For Diana it was a “natural progression” to get involved in her sister’s company and start writing books for children. “I love my job, I don’t get enough of it, it’s a passion!”

Diana is another of our busy and happy villagers, who likes to live life to the fullest.

When Laurie Mills moved to Pakuranga Park around 12 years ago, he became one of the youngest people in the village. “Real Living has an entrance age of 55, and I was only 61 years old. I must have been very happy since I can’t believe I have been here 12 years!” Laurie always knew that retirement village life would be great for him, and he already had friends at Pakuranga Park. “It was never a question of NOT coming here, I didn’t look at any others!”. On top of everything, the village is really close to all the things he loves around the area, including Howick Little Theatre.

Laurie has been involved with this community theatre since he started acting and directing in the late 70s. He had a “day” job in the Reservations/Ticketing sector of the airline industry, but he devoted all his free time to his passion, the theatre world. “One of the things I love about theatre is that, unlike other hobbies, it’s gender free and intergenerational, so you’re always meeting such a variety of different people and age groups”.

Remuera Gardens Clinical Manager, Megan Batra, is one of Real Living's most valued employees. She oversees the running of the rest home with health and safety protocols at the top of her priorities.

When Megan moved from India to New Zealand in 2009 she discovered a new calling: the aged care industry. After 13 years of experience, she started working as Remuera Gardens’ Clinical Manager in 2021. She loves the friendliness and ease of communication she finds here: “In a small retirement village you’re able to make more connections. You can spend more quality time with the residents and the staff.”

Megan is in charge of 16 staff members. Glaiza Tamiao is the clinical nurse coordinator of her close-knit team. Both they work together to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.