Retirement village celebrates 30 years of community and care

The village has also been looking forward with the celebration of the refreshed café area and the opening of 18 brand-new Care Suites.

Residents and team members gathered to celebrate the anniversary, with Hastings District Mayor Wendy Schollum helping to officially mark the milestone by cutting ribbon and cake. Joining her was Village Manager Wendy Campbell and long-time residents Bobby Gee and Sandra Lawry, who have called the village home for the past 21 years.

The celebration reflected on three decades of growth, from a modest beginning in 1995 as a rest home with 34 beds, to one of the region's largest retirement communities today. Originally developed on the site of the former DB Te Mata Hotel, the village has expanded to include independent living with Villas, and Apartments.

The village is also entering a new phase with the opening of 18 Care Suites, introducing a new care offering and providing residents with more choice and flexibility as their care needs change.

Mayor Wendy Schollum acknowledged the contribution the community has made to Havelock North over the past three decades. “It’s important local people have options as they get older and this village provides a range of options. It’s wonderful to celebrate such a milestone with everyone here,” Mayor Schollum says.