News

What a stunning success for Real Living’s Art and Craft Expo, the second edition of this annual expo that showcases the extraordinary talent of our residents. More than 500 people visited the exhibition that was open to the public for three days. The showcase was not only a feast for the senses, but it also raised over $1200 for Blind Low Vision NZ.

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?

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!”

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.

Team building exercises contribute to establishing a stronger connection between staff members. Pakuranga Park recently organised a fun day for their staff called the Amazing Race, with challenges that involved playing snooker, blind tasting, dressing up and even jumping in the village pool! Staff members really enjoyed interacting with each other in a different setting and there were many moments of uncontrollable laughter…

Don’t miss out Uxbridge Arts Centre’s latest exhibition: Dreaming in Colour. Pat Basse is one of our residents at Pakuranga Park and her work has been exhibited around New Zealand over the years. This exhibition displays a collection of pieces that grew from the artist’s memories as a 4-year-old evacuee during WW2. During these troubled times she found solace in her dreams, and as an adult Pat was able to recreate them in her art. Come to view her captivating paintings at the Uxbridge Centre until the 12th of May.

Pakuranga Park residents are very lucky because they live within close proximity to many of Auckland’s finest attractions, including Howick Historical Village. Always a charming destination, the Village comes to life every second Sunday of the month with a Live Day: the residents who attended the Village Fête on the 12th of March had an absolute blast!

Our extraordinary Sales Manager at Pakuranga Park, Kate Wynn, is leaving the team because she’s moving with her family to the South Island. These last few days, Kate has been receiving many cards and messages from all the residents that she’s met over the years. “I feel really blessed to be getting so many thank you messages. I’m excited about our new adventure but also extremely sad to be leaving. I love everything about Real Living: the village, the staff, the fabulous residents. It’s been a fantastic journey.”

“We’re 100% happy.” “We love it to bits.” “We’re a lot more relaxed.” These comments are just a sample of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we are getting from the new residents at the Ruru apartments in Pakuranga Park. Our brand new two-bedroom luxury apartments are filling up fast, so if you want to see it for yourself, call Kate on 095765990 or 021855735.