Skip to content
All articles

"Everybody's heart is in the right place"

David Kelsall is the newest member of Real Living’s close-knit team. He was appointed as the Group Sales and Marketing Manager in February. Only a few weeks into the job he’s already participated in the big launch of our brand new Ruru Apartments. On the 11th of February, around 160 people checked out the stunning Ruru complex at Pakuranga Park, an architectural designed four-storey building with high specification residences. David walked along with the retirees to show them the apartments and chat with them about the “Lock up and Leave” lifestyle that Ruru offers.

Ruru apartments have an open plan kitchen dining area, ideal for entertaining.

Having the opportunity to meet some of the residents is one of the things that David most enjoys about his job. He has 20 years of experience in the retirement industry, from big corporations to smaller companies, and he prefers the closeness that he can find in our villages. “The reason I like the smaller companies is that you really get involved in more than just the sales. You have a really good all-round understanding and knowledge of the whole business as opposed to just your particular area. Also you get to know the residents which is a great part of the job. “

David is chatting with two of Pakuranga Park’s most recent residents, John and Mary Ann, in front of Ruru’s four storey mural.

David’s office is in Epsom Village but he travels regularly to the other villages. He has already established a strong rapport with the Village Managers and Sales Managers which is very important for the success of his role. “By being a family-owned business, it means that the communication is easy and clear, and everybody’s heart is in the right place, everybody is pulling in the same direction to enhance our residents’ lives. From a sales perspective, it means happy and satisfied residents, that’s the best marketing we can have.”

David really enjoys the outdoor areas of Real Living’s villages such as the central garden area at Epsom Village.

David is part of a big family and he enjoys going for regular walks with his wife, especially to the beach. When he’s not at Real Living or with his family, you will find him watching sports. He declares himself a big sports fan across all disciplines. “But if I have to pick favourites, it would be football, rugby and cricket.”

Latest articles

All News
Gold Award Recognition for The Avenues Apartments
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
21 May 2026

Gold Award Recognition for The Avenues Apartments

Congratulations to Kalmar for taking home a Gold Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards for the construction of The Avenues Apartments at Remuera Gardens. The Avenues introduced two premium apartment buildings into a fully operational retirement village, requiring careful planning and collaboration every step of the way. Delivered through challenges including major infrastructure upgrades and post-COVID supply pressures, the project was completed while preserving the character and daily life of the community already in place.
Read more
The Avenues Apartments Award Finalists
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
14 May 2026

The Avenues Apartments Award Finalists

Our brand-new building at Remuera Gardens — The Avenues Apartments, built by Kalmar Construction Limited — is such an impressive development that it’s up for a New Zealand Commercial Project Awards award! The prize-giving ceremony is tomorrow, and we would like to wish the very best of luck to everyone involved in creating such a special place to live.
Read more
Honouring those who served
News
News
25 April 2026

Honouring those who served

Real Living Villages are closely connected to the communities around them, which is why ANZAC Day holds such special meaning for us. Our villages not only honour the day internally with residents, but we also take pride in participating alongside the wider community whenever possible. Today we had the privilege of standing alongside the Mount Wellington–Panmure RSA for their ANZAC Day commemorations.
Read more