Skip to content
All articles

Shaun Wallace, a big fan of Remuera Gardens… and kiwi onion dip!

Shaun Wallace is an English barrister who shot to fame in 2004 when he won the BBC’s legendary Mastermind. In 2009 he became a “chaser” on the UK television series The Chase, where contestants play against a professional quizzer who attempts to prevent them from winning a cash prize.

Shaun is currently in New Zealand as part of a tour organised by Quiz company “Believe it or not”, participating in five events to raise money for local charities. On Tuesday, a few hours after landing in New Zealand, Shaun paid a surprise visit to Remuera Gardens, one of the villages that regularly hosts “Believe it or not” quizzes. Residents from all Real Living villages were invited to participate in Shaun’s Q&A, followed by a Meet and Greet where they had the chance to take pictures with him.

Shaun signed copies of his autobiography

The New Zealand company “Believe it or not” was established in 1998 and pioneered the Quiz industry in New Zealand. Owner Brendan Lochead, who is a very good friend of Shaun Wallace, has a special connection with Remuera Gardens since his mother-in-law, Wendy, is one of the village’s beloved residents. Brendan was at the village with Shaun on Tuesday and they both had a lovely afternoon mingling with the residents at the Beattie Lodge, which was at full capacity.

Shaun and Brendan (standing on his right) have been friends for many years.

Shaun Wallace confessed to the audience that he loves New Zealand and he’s a big fan of kiwi onion dip. He was thrilled when he discovered that among the audience there was Rosemary Mount, the lady who invented the iconic dip, who lives in one of Real Living’s villages. Shaun ran to hug Rosemary and they both shared their admiration for each other.

Rosemary Mount invented Kiwi Onion Dip when she was working as a Home Economist for Nestle in the late fifties.

Shaun also revealed that he’s 63 years old, so the residents quickly invited him to retire in New Zealand. Some of them let him know that Real Living’s entry age is 55 so he could move to our villages anytime he wishes to. Shaun said he was not ready to retire anytime soon but he would consider the offer… since New Zealand would be a great place to retire!

On Wednesday night Shaun will host his first charity event at the Grand Hall in Eden Park. His tour around New Zealand will take him to Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Invercargill and Kaiapoi. Shaun is hosting a series of quizzes in these locations to raise money for different charities, such as the Cyclone Relief Fund, Lifeflight and Youthline Southland.

If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz

Latest articles

All News
Bowls and new friendships
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
07 July 2025

Bowls and new friendships

What makes a retirement village truly special? It’s the sense of community that grows within its walls. At Remuera Gardens, our newly opened Avenue Apartments are seamlessly connected by a vibrant hub featuring a bowling green and the Pavilion—the social heart of the village, where friends come together to enjoy a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and share good company. Every Wednesday, residents gather for a friendly game of bowls on the green—a tradition that captures the spirit of village life. Want to experience it for yourself?
Read more
Pink with Purpose at Real Living
Pakuranga Park
News
Pakuranga Park
News
18 June 2025

Pink with Purpose at Real Living

When it comes to supporting a good cause, our residents have hearts of gold! The Pakuranga Park Social Club recently hosted a Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, raising a sparkling total $2,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. The village was awash in a cheerful sea of pink—from the delicious treats to the residents’ vibrant outfits. But the best part? The joyful laughter and sense of community that filled the room as friends came together to support such an important cause.
Read more
"It was exactly what we were looking for"
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
06 June 2025

"It was exactly what we were looking for"

It’s not every day you find a home that ticks all the boxes—but that’s exactly what happened to John and Veronica, two of the very first residents at The Avenue Apartments in Remuera. “We’ve never looked back and are loving our new lifestyle in our independent apartment,” they say with a big smile, relaxing in their spacious and sun-filled living area.
Read more