News

Real Living villages are so much more than just a place to live. They’re dynamic communities where anything can happen, including the unfolding of a beautiful love story. That’s what happened to Bob and Cornelia: they met outside of Pakuranga Park but the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 precipitated them moving together into his villa. In June they were engaged and three years later they tied the knot. The wedding at All Saint's Church in Howick, was followed by the wedding reception at the village’s community centre....Where else?

Some of our staff members make the world go round, or more exactly, Real Living. This is the case of Raewyn Morrison, Activities Coordinator at Warkworth Oaks. She loves working in such a “friendly, caring and supportive village” and she takes any opportunity to mingle with the residents, either playing Rummikub or leading the dancing at the boogie class.

Our superstar chef at Epsom Village, Nick Seaman, has more than 40 years’ experience in cooking. He loves his job because “feeding people is like nurturing them” and working in a retirement village allows him the chance to get to know his diners. There’s nothing that Nick can’t tackle, from a Pink Ribbon breakfast to an international midwinter dinner.

At Real Living we know that life doesn’t stop when you retire, but quite the opposite. Our villages offer a wide range of activities to keep you busy, including a big selection of cultural events. At Remuera Gardens they organise regular trips to shows, museums and libraries, and if you prefer to stay at home, they also have a 45-seat tiered cinema for you to enjoy.

Distance swimmer Sandra Blewett MBE is one of our newest residents at Pakuranga Park. Her life story is not for the faint-hearted: she has swum over 56 marathon swims around the world including the English Channel, Cook Strait, and Foveaux Strait. What does she like about Pakuranga Park? “It’s close to the shops, swimming pools and doctors. I can be independent and safe at the same time, and on top of everything… they have their own pool!”

Tom and Jill moved to Warkworth Oaks in 2020 because their apartments fulfilled all the requirements in their wish list. They love that it’s such an easy lock-and-leave option and “within walking distance of everything we need”. On top of that, the village allows them to lead the lifestyle they want, full of exercise and activities, including fitness at the gym, table tennis, indoor and outdoor bowling.

There’s never a dull moment at Pakuranga Park. From exhibitions to music and fashion shows, bowling and quizzes, trips to the countryside and exciting village gatherings. Many everyday activities are initiated by the residents and there’s an abundance of options to suit every taste. You will find real choices, real fun and real people, Real Living at Pakuranga Park.

During the long Covid break, so many of our residents were not able to visit their family living overseas. We’re very happy to see how this is changing and lots of our residents are travelling abroad to reconnect with their loved ones. The reunions are full of joy: “We were catching up online regularly, but seeing them physically and hugging them was so awesome and so emotional”.

At Real Living sometimes we like to follow the traditions, and other times we like to try something new. For the past two years Epsom Village has moved away from the classic Christmas theme for their midwinter dinner. This time, the village decided to celebrate that the residents are travelling overseas again after the long Covid break with an internationally inspired dinner.