Skip to content
All articles

Creativity and generosity abound at Real Living

Louise is one of the most talented residents at Epsom Village. Her grandmother taught her to knit when she was about five years old: "I remember my first effort was a pale lemon jersey for my teddy bear, complete with some “extra” holes!"

With a lifetime of practice now behind her, Louise has chosen to use her skill for a charitable purpose. She's been knitting baby outfits since 2016 and she donates them to Middlemore Hospital.

Louise's nephew is a surgeon at Middlemore Hospital and told her about the need for baby outfits that were made of good quality fabric and easy to wash.

Louise is one of the many residents at Epsom Village who has been sending much needed items to hospitals and charities. The Knitting group at the village has more than ten regular knitters and crochet ladies who send their items to several organisations, from The Red Cross to Auckland's City Mission. Les is one of her most gifted members and she has been creating homemade toys and Christmas decorations for 20 years.

Les' tree decorations are one of the highlights of Epsom Village's Market Day. Always a popular occasion, this year Market Day has been even more successful with all the residents keen to shop and socialise after so many months of lockdown.

Elaine's homemade cards are very popular. She creates Christmas cards but also birthday, "Get well soon" and even cards for the men in your life.
Christine's knitted cards were among the most gorgeous unique presents that the residents could buy to surprise family and friends.

Pakuranga Park's Market Day is also one of the most celebrated events at the village. From candles to leather goods, homemade jams and chutneys, unique masks and jewellery, there's nothing you cannot find at the village's shopping day.

Margaret's Christmas cakes are a legend at Pakuranga Park, with homemade elves and Santa Clauses that are as much a delight to see as they are to taste.

Pakuranga Park residents also donated all these beautiful Christmas Hampers and gifts to the Women's Refuge for them to give out this Christmas.

Real Living Villagers certainly haven't forgotten the true essence of Christmas: a time for giving.

Latest articles

All News
Why Warkworth Is a Great Place to Retire
Warkworth Oaks
News
Warkworth Oaks
News
27 August 2026

Why Warkworth Is a Great Place to Retire

Discover why Warkworth has been recognised as a great place to retire. With its strong sense of community, relaxed lifestyle, beautiful Mahurangi River and everything you need close at hand, there’s plenty to love about calling Warkworth home. Right in the heart of it all is Warkworth Oaks, our 100% NZ family-owned retirement village, where residents can enjoy modern apartment living, great amenities, genuine connections and the best of Warkworth right on their doorstep.
Read more
Pink Ribbon Breakfast with Mrs New Zealand 2026
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
01 June 2026

Pink Ribbon Breakfast with Mrs New Zealand 2026

A wonderful morning of pink, purpose and community at Remuera Gardens, as residents and guests came together for a very special Pink Ribbon Breakfast in support of breast cancer awareness. With Mrs New Zealand 2026 joining us, a fabulous fashion parade, plenty of laughter and a sea of pink throughout the Pavilion, it was a morning filled with warmth, friendship and generosity for an important cause.
Read more
The Colours of Winter at Remuera Gardens
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
07 July 2026

The Colours of Winter at Remuera Gardens

Winter brings its own kind of magic to Remuera Gardens. Across our eight acres of established gardens, more than 150 varieties of camellias burst into bloom, filling the village with colour when many other plants are resting. From delicate pinks and whites to rich reds, camellia season is one of the highlights of the gardening year — and a beautiful reminder that there is always something new to discover at Remuera Gardens.
Read more