Skip to content
All articles

Friendship, delicious food and live music.

Christmas parties are one of the highlights of Real Living's calendar, so we're over the moon that we've been able to go ahead with the celebrations despite Covid. In compliance with the government regulations, the villages have organised several functions to conform to the maximum capacity allowed under Red Light restrictions.

Epsom Village decided to take the party outside and celebrate a Kiwi Christmas with an Al Fresco Lunch. The residents loved the colourful decorations with balloons filling up the pool and the Live Concert featuring the High Jacks.

The residents were treated to a VIP visit from Santa and one of his elves, who stayed long enough to take pictures with all the residents in the magical photobooth.

The residents have been able to choose their favourite background for a Christmas memento - from the traditional Christmas tree to a tropical island getaway.

Pakuranga Park is our biggest village so they had not one, not two, but four Christmas dinners. The Activities Coordinators, Kirsten and Chris, put a lot of effort in every detail, starting with gorgeous table decorations created by the residents during the lockdown.

The table centrepiece combined elements from nature such as dried fruit from the village with crafts made by the residents during the lockdown.

The residents also had the opportunity to capture the special night with a photobooth next to the village's extraordinary Christmas tree, complete with a Santa Village and a fully-functioning train track.

Pakuranga Park's Christmas tree was built by one of the village's nurses, Ria Byron, with the help of her 7 year old granddaughter.

Remuera Gardens residents enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Lounge with a live concert featuring Silver and Strings. The Auckland flute and guitar duo entertained the villagers with lovely melodies and some Christmas classics that got some feet tapping.

Christmas costumes are always a good idea. Remuera Gardens enjoyed the visit of three special elves, Village Manager Karen Cottle with Activities Coordinator Louise Smith and Sales Manager Lyn Ellis.

At Real Living we always go above and beyond to make the Christmas functions a memorable occasion for the residents. This year the atmosphere was even more cheerful than normally, with the staff and villagers being so thrilled to be able to gather again after such a long lockdown.

They all toasted for a more "ordinary" or at least less rocky 2022.

Latest articles

All News
Where Location Meets Lifestyle
Epsom Village
News
Epsom Village
News
28 August 2025

Where Location Meets Lifestyle

Imagine living just a short stroll from Newmarket’s shopping, theatres, cafés, and train station — while still enjoying the peace and security of a leafy village community. That’s exactly what Epsom Village offers: comfort, convenience, and companionship in a village where residents and staff know each other by name. With a choice of rarely available apartments starting from $520,000, there’s never been a better time to discover life at Epsom Village.
Read more
Kenneth’s next chapter at The Avenue
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
26 August 2025

Kenneth’s next chapter at The Avenue

Our newest residents at The Avenue couldn’t be happier. Take Kenneth, for example. Like many retirees, he wondered if it was too soon to make the move—he was still active, mowing lawns and managing his home with ease. But within days of settling into The Avenue Apartments, those doubts disappeared. Surrounded by new friends, modern comforts, and a welcoming community, Kenneth quickly realised he should have made the move sooner.
Read more
Art in August Returns!
Warkworth Oaks
Events
Warkworth Oaks
Events
01 August 2025

Art in August Returns!

Art in August is back this weekend! Head to the Southgate Room at the Warkworth Hotel and explore an exhibition of over 200 stunning artworks – from captivating seascapes and striking animal portraits to bold abstracts and mixed media pieces. This year’s show brings together renowned local and Marlborough artists, the fresh creativity of talented Mahurangi College students, and the beautiful works of Warkworth Oaks residents, proudly exhibiting for the fourth year in a row. All proudly supported by One Mahurangi.
Read more