News

Christmas functions have been an absolute success at Real Living. The villages have combined delicious food, elegance, live music and a good sense of humour to celebrate the magic season. After such a trying year it has been lovely for the residents to finally get together and toast for a more "ordinary" 2022.

Real Living villages are full of talented residents who have the opportunity to show off their talents during Christmas time. Pakuranga Park and Epsom Village organised Market Days for the villagers to sell their creations, from knitted Christmas decorations to homemade cards. Some of the residents donate their proceeds to charity or send their homemade items straight to the SPCA, Middlemore Hospital or Auckland City Mission.

To celebrate International Volunteer Day we’re sharing the stories of some of our most valuable volunteers at Pakuranga Park. Our resident volunteers help the village run more smoothly providing vital help to lots of their neighbours. Some of them, like Mike and Marilynn, also have a very active volunteer life outside the village. They’ve been involved in lots of projects, from Meals on Wheels to Crime Stoppers.

Auckland City Hospital has 100 Blue Coats volunteers, way-finders who make sure that patients and visitors find their destination without stress. Epsom Village residents Margaret and Lesley are two of those volunteers. They love helping people and find this role extremely rewarding.

Remuera Gardens has more than 130 different kinds of roses in their spacious landscaped gardens. The roses are in full bloom now and their dreamy fragrance is filling every corner. The village’s gardener, Aaron Sweden, is so passionate about his job that he looks after every rose as a masterpiece.

At Real Living we’re very grateful for all the cultures that make up our villages. Remuera Gardens recently celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The residents had a real taste of the traditional sweets, and they were thrilled with the dance demonstration performed by the staff.

Pakuranga Park’s new cookbook has just been released and is full of delicious recipes submitted by our talented residents. “Tried and true: A Taste of Real Living” was developed during the lockdown and it’s the perfect Christmas gift if you like real, foolproof recipes.

Christmas is fast approaching, and our residents’ creativity is in full swing! At Pakuranga Park the Villagers have been busy crafting homemade decorations, baking delicious treats and preparing presents for the Women’s Refuge. On Thursday 11th of November the village will have a Market Day for the residents who want to sell their unique gifts to their neighbours.

At 77 years of age, Neville swims 2km three times per week. While most of us are having our first coffee, he’s down at the beach to train. His devotion for exercise started when he was young: he has 11 marathons under his belt, innumerable medals, and he is the current New Zealand Ocean Swim Series champion in his age group.