Be where you want to be.

Tom and Jill moved to Warkworth Oaks in 2020 because their apartments fulfilled all the requirements in their wish list. “We looked everywhere but we didn’t like the other villages. Warkworth Oaks ticked all the boxes. The apartments were brand new and safe, with an easy lock-it-and-leave option, and the village is within walking distance of everything we need”.

Although they have both been retired for a few years now, they’re as active as always. They’re very involved in the village and they’ve made lots of friends, on top of that, Tom is the Vicechair of the Residents Committee. Tom and Jill have lots of hobbies and besides initiating indoor bowls at Warkworth Oaks, they have been playing outdoor bowls since 2002.

Warkworth Oaks has allowed Tom and Jill to keep leading the lifestyle they want and it will hopefully help them fulfil their dream to spend their time between Queensland and New Zealand. “When we visited Warkworth Oaks there were only four or five apartments left, we’re so happy we got in before they were gone!”

Raewyn Morrison started working with Real Living shortly before the village was completed in 2018. Five years later, she has become an integral part of the heart and soul of the village. She knows all the residents and enjoys occasions that allow her to mingle with them and forge deeper connections. “Being a small village, we see a lot of our residents on a regular basis. I’m very proud to be part of such a friendly, caring, and supportive village.”

Raewyn is in charge of the Events Calendar at Warkworth Oaks, and one of her favorite parts of her job is organizing the Weekly Mystery Trips. Most Wednesdays, Raewyn takes the residents to a different location around Warkworth and the surrounding area. She loves exploring the natural surroundings with the residents, but she’s also grateful to be working in such a conveniently situated village: “The location of Warkworth Oaks right in the middle of town is incredibly practical. It’s great to see our residents out and about in the township – whether they're going shopping or enjoying walks around the area.”

Mary and her husband Gary moved to Warkworth Oaks at the end of 2020. “We love this area, because if you want you can go to Whangarei for a day trip, or you’re just a short car trip away from Albany or Silverdale. We love our apartment because it has a long hallway where we can store all our music CDs, we’re passionate about music so we have thousands.”

Mary worked most of her life as Category Manager at the Auckland’s Head Office of Woolworth’s. After a brief stint being an estate agent on Waiheke Island, she decided to redirect her energy to charity work. She started cooking meals for Warkworth Hospital for dementia patients. After that she took a part-time job at the Hospice’s op shop, a role that she loves and she’s held for 9 years now.

Mary started baking shortbread to sell in local markets. When she moved to Warkworth Oaks she gifted some packets to her neighbours who quickly started to ask for more. Now she regularly bakes shortbread and other goodies for the village and she always ends with empty hands!

Graham and Carol Ward are one of the most sociable couples at Warkworth Oaks, our newest retirement village located right in the heart of beautiful Warkworth. They moved there immediately after the 2020 lockdown, after living for two years in the Coromandel, where they felt a bit isolated.

“We came to Warkworth Oaks because it’s so handy to everything, you don’t need to drive a car anywhere, you just fall out of the door and you can go to restaurants, shops, medical centres…”

Before finally settling down in Warkworth Oaks, Graham’s career had taken him to Rarotonga, Singapore, Japan or Malaysia. He worked for 25 years for Air New Zealand, with his most exciting role being the General Manager at the Cook Islands branch.

Graham and Carol never thought they would move into a retirement village, but their daughter convinced them to visit Warkworth Oaks and they instantly felt in love with the apartments. The couple loves the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere at the village, where they have made lots of new friends. They like to participate in most social activities, they’re involved with the bar and the community garden, and of course they’re always ready for a party!

Christine Frost moved to Warkworth Oaks during the lockdown in 2020, after years of living in Tauranga. “It has been the best decision of my life. My family and friends live close-by, and the village allows me to socialize with like-minded people. On top of that, it’s so convenient, you can walk everywhere. At one stage I didn't use my car for a month!"

Being only 68 years old, Christine is one of our youngest residents, and she has no intention to slow down anytime soon. She is also involved with the village’s community garden, the UFO (Un-Finished Objects) craft group, patchwork & quilting group, and she also volunteers driving residents to appointments.

“Living in Warkworth Oaks allows me to have the perfect balance between my Village life and my life outside the Village. I can choose when and how to participate, and that’s the best of it! I've also made so many new friends!"

My partner, Patrick, and I have lived in the Oaks for two years, having relocated from Auckland, after a life-time career in librarianship in public and academic roles.

We love the fact that we are self-contained and have everything we need right on our doorstep. The apartment being lock-up and leave is a bonus because we like to travel.

We can interact with the other residents and also engage in outside interests as much as we like. It’s a great lifestyle!

Moving to Warkworth Oaks has given me a new lease on life. I like everything about living here and particularly enjoy being so close to shops, cafes and medical services.

I lived in Pakuranga for the past 40 years and for the last few years there I was housebound as I did not drive. Moving here meant that wasn’t a problem any more, and I’m also closer to family.

I delight in the view from my apartment of the Mahurangi River and the oak trees, and enjoy watching life go by on the street.

I enjoy a busy lifestyle commuting to Auckland for work at Mitre 10 in Ponsonby, which I love immensely. With my wife, Pat, we have adopted six children.

We can be regularly seen walking around the Warkworth township and the surrounding area. Our latest project is a small lifestyle property at Totara North on which we have enjoyed project managing the building of a tiny house.

The facilities here are tremendous, the staff friendly, the residents welcoming and being right in the heart of Warkworth is key.

I am the Warkworth Oaks groundsman and general maintenance man. I enjoy being part of the team in the village atmosphere. It makes a great change after having spent most of my working life on my own in jobs such as commercial fishing and tree/hedge trimming.

I’m a keen multi-sport athlete and have taken part in the Iron Man Coast to Coast challenge several times. In fact, I was the oldest person to have completed the one-day race at the age of 65!