A major milestone that everyone’s looking forward to is completion of the community clubhouse, which will have a resident-led kitchen, bar, games room with pool table, exercise room, hobby room, library, and multi-use space for events and special occasions. Additionally, the clubhouse will have an alfresco deck area with a barbecue and pizza oven. Alongside, a full-size bowling green will provide sporting action. Construction will be finished in February, so residents can enjoy the new facilities over summer. Walkways and paths are being built to connect housing areas to the clubhouse.

Mauri stone marks new name for retirement community Clubhouse

An inspiring line-up of activities

As the population grows at Te Puna Waiora, so does the activities list. Currently there are groups for ukulele music sessions, swimming at Kerikeri’s public pool, maintaining the community’s boat Alma G, tending a butterfly garden and staying strong with gyro kinesis (a blend of yoga, pilates and tai chi). An activity that everyone loves is helping to maintain the community’s native forest and wetlands.

There’s also a ‘hammer and chatter’ group and a men’s morning tea activity that heads off to a mysterious destination every week (secret bloke’s business!). What’s more, residents are getting organised to help out with the Kerikeri Christmas Parade – in 2022 Te Puna Waiora provided essential manpower (complete with red and white suit) for Santa’s Grotto.

Village manager Monique Hawker loves to hear about new ideas for activities, outings and on-site occasions. And she’s great at helping residents to bring their concepts to life. So if you decide to live at Te Puna Waiora, remember to pack your wish list of things to do.

The story of Te Puna Waiora

As representatives of mana whenua, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia gifted Arvida Group the name for this community. Te Puna Waiora | The Source of Wellbeing reflects Arvida’s focus on Living Well. Puna means a fountain or a spring, signifying regeneration and Waiora means health and wellness.

At the moment, Te Puna Waiora is offering new homes for fully-independent residents. In the future, there will be a care centre for residents who need rest home, hospital-level or dementia care. There will also be a comprehensive Living Well centre with a swimming pool, fitness facilities and health services. Already Korowai Health and Wellness, a provider of ACC and health-related services, has established a base at Te Puna Waiora.