Love blossomed in retirement village

Both having endured the sad loss of their beloved partners within six months of each other, Maree and Bob took time to reflect and heal individually before discovering a new love connection in each other.

It was through their daily lives within the village that their paths began to cross. “One of my pastimes was taking a walk around the village and every now and again I would see this lady also taking a walk. I would say hello as she walked by,” Bob recalls. The simple greetings soon turned into something more when the two found themselves facing off on the bowling green. “Then one day I found myself playing against her on the village bowling green – and as we passed while changing ends, I asked her if she would like to go for a coffee – and that was the beginning.”

While lawn bowls became an enjoyable shared activity, it was the sense of companionship and understanding they found in each other that truly connected them. 

Despite coming from different backgrounds - Maree, a former interior designer from Orewa, and Bob, a former headmaster from Wainui - the couple found common ground in their new chapter at Arvida Peninsula Club retirement community. After an unforgettable trip to Europe, they decided to marry in Norfolk Island.

Now, eleven years later, they remain active in their retirement village community, with Bob regularly playing bowls and Maree involved with the ‘Peninsula Singers’ and Christian Fellowship Group. The couple also beam with pride now that they are both devoted great grandparents too. 

Looking back, Maree believes while their meeting was destined, you do need to seize the moment later in life. “More than anything you don't have time to wonder maybe I will, maybe I won't. There's no time to waste!”