Celebrating International Day of Friendship - FOOD IN A MINUTE CREATIVE MINDS Residents with many talents - Metlifecare
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WINTER 2021
Celebrating International Day of Friendship
FOOD IN A MINUTE CREATIVE MINDS
Delicious dishes for surprise guests Residents with many talents
- FROM THE CEO -
New beginnings
I’m delighted to be writing this introduction, having exciting time for me to be joining the company
just completed my first week as CEO of Metlifecare. with the ambitious goals we want to achieve, and I
What a week it’s been! I’m grateful to have received can’t wait to play my part as CEO. Having worked
such a warm welcome from the residents and team in the retirement village sector for more than 15
members I’ve met so far and I’m really looking years, I’m absolutely passionate about this industry
forward to catching up with everyone at our villages and, more importantly, the people. All of our team
over the next couple of months. members working in Metlifecare’s villages and care
homes, or playing a support role, are people that I’m
Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge and thank Glen Sowry exceptionally proud to work alongside, and I feel very
and Andrew Peskett for the role that they’ve both privileged to lead.
played in the Metlifecare journey to date. It’s a very
Speaking of new beginnings, I want to extend a very
warm welcome to our first residents at our newest
village, Pohutukawa Landing. I hope you’re enjoying
your stunning new homes! We’ve received an
exceptional level of interest in what will be our 27th
village, Fairway Gardens, over the last few weeks
as well. I have no doubt there will be some keen
golfers within that group, who will be delighted at the
prospect of living in New Zealand’s first retirement
village on a golf course. It’s great to see these
beautiful East Auckland villages coming to life.
One of the things I really
enjoy about meeting residents
is having the opportunity to
hear their stories
On the other side of town, my wife Celia We had lots of laughs putting together this
and three children, Dominic, Annabelle and International Day of Friendship-themed issue.
Christian, have actually been part of the A big thanks to the residents who shared their
Metlifecare family for a number of years, friendship stories and to the ‘The Fab Five’ for stepping
as my mother Joan has been a resident at up as our cover stars!
Pinesong since 2012. I hope when residents
We thought it would be fun to pay tribute to the
see me next time I’m catching up with
original Fab Four, with a Beatles-themed photo shoot
Mum, or visiting other villages, that you’ll
on the cover, and it was great to see the camaraderie
come and say hello too.
amongst ‘The Fab Five’ men - all of whom met at The
Avenues in Tauranga.
One of the things I really enjoy about
meeting residents is having the opportunity The cover photo was taken by Alan Arnold, who
to hear their stories and this issue of The is also a Greenwood Park resident and a valued
Villager certainly illustrates how many contributor to various Metlifecare publications. Alan
talented and interesting people we have covered a number of famous crime scenes during
living within our village communities. his career as a forensic photographer and shared his
story, along with four other creative residents in this
Over the next few pages, you’ll also get to issue too.
read about some of the residents who were
referred by a friend to a Metlifecare village, Keeping with the friendship theme, Fred Parangi, our
or have made wonderful new friendships sous chef at The Poynton, shared his favourite recipes for
since moving in. These are just a few of when friends pop by unexpectedly. We also have some
the amazing stories that have been shared great tips on how to make new friends as we get older.
with us to celebrate International Day of Thanks for reading and
Friendship on 30 July and I hope you enjoy happy International
reading them as much as I did! Day of Friendship for
Friday 30 July.
Warm regards,
Haley
Earl
EA R L G A S P A R IC H
CEO - METLIFECARE
metlifecare.co.nz 3
SIMPLY
THE BEST
Wednesday 12 May
was International
PO Box 37463,
Nurses Day and Parnell, Auckland 1151
Metlifecare took Metlifecare.co.nz
the opportunity to 0800 909 303
say thank you to
/Metlifecare
our nurses, who
/Metlifecare
work incredibly hard
The Villager is published for
to make each day
Metlifecare Ltd. Metlifecare’s
the best it can be The Villager has a distribution of
for the residents in 9,500 and is available online at
their care. It’s been Metlifecare.co.nz
a challenging year Editor: Haley Coe.
with COVID-19 For all editorial enquires,
please contact the editor at
lockdowns and more@metlifecare.co.nz
associated nurse
Contributors: Vanessa
shortages, so we feel Trethewey, Jasmin Bull, Anna
very lucky to have Murdoch, Haley Coe, Vern
the wonderful team of nurses that we do. Walker, Alan Arnold, Sherry
Amatenstein, Samantha Martin
Did you know? 12 May was also International Receptionists’ Day. Published and printed by:
A big thank you to all of our Metlifecare reception team members ICG www.icg.co.nz
for providing such a warm and welcoming environment for residents Senior Account Director:
and visitors, and for being such a key part of our village teams. Our LauraGrace McFarland
receptionists often have to wear many hats and juggle various tasks, Design: Julian Pettitt,
while problem-solving, organising and responding to a range of queries. Conor Fox
Thank you, we appreciate all you do!
Contents The Villager is printed on FSC-MIX
source pulp from well-managed
forests and other controlled sources.
We print using BIO-inks that contain
materials which are based on renewable
resources including wood resin (rosin,
2 From the CEO 17 Loving life in the bay colophony), and vegetable oils linseed
oil and soy bean oil.
5 Village life 18 A day in the life of the Fab Five
The contents of The Villager are
9 Slice of history 20 From the pitch to The Poynton protected by copyright and may not
be reproduced in any form without
10 Happenings 21 Crestwood's four amigos written permission of Metlifecare.
Opinions expressed in The Villager are
13 Development news 22 Making friends as we age not necessarily those of Metlifecare,
the publisher or editor. Information
14 From Scotland to Glenfield 24 Our Pinesong contained in The Villager is correct at
the time of printing and while all due
15 Full Potential Plan Roadshow 26 Creative minds
care and diligence has been taken
in the preparation of this magazine,
Metlifecare is not responsible for any
16 Shifting the stigma 32 Mother's Day tips & tricks mistakes, omissions, typographical
errors or changes to product and
of dementia 33 Recipes service descriptions over time.
4 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021
- NEWS -
Village life
A sneak peek behind the scenes.
BAYSWATER’S CONCERT FOR HOPE
When Bayswater Village booked Social Convenor, Maureen Rolfe-
Mike King for an inspirational Smith, and Metlifecare Regional
talk in March, little did they Events Coordinator, Sam Martin,
know it would result in a month along with Shirley Paul and her
of fundraising for Mike’s youth- team, set out to fill the gumboots
focussed charity, ‘I Am Hope’, Mike had given them with cash.
and together they would raise
more than $3000 for critical After a month of fundraising
mental health services. events, the grand finale was a
concert called ‘Lost and Found’,
Bayswater’s Resident written and coordinated by
Entertainment Committee Sam Martin and performed by
Convenor, Shirley Paul, was so Bayswater residents, together
moved by Mike’s speech that with local Bay of Plenty theatre
she vowed to help raise as much artists. Mike King and his wife
money for ‘I Am Hope’ as she enjoyed the evening of prose and
could, with activities centred
song and were overwhelmed when
around ‘Gumboot Day’ in May.
it was revealed that the concert
Gumboot Day challenges people
had raised another $1374 which, And the total is still climbing!
to walk a mile in the shoes of
together with generous Bayswater When everything is tallied,
those suffering with depression.
Residents’ Committee and residents are hoping to raise over
Together with the entertainment Metlifecare donations, took the $3500 to help youth in crisis.
committee, Bayswater’s Resident total to $3032. Well done, Bayswater!
metlifecare.co.nz 5
- NEWS -
A FRIEND IN NEED IS A
FRIEND INDEED
Longford Park resident Frank Varney
loves to play snooker, but he also needs an
oxygen bottle with him at all times. Hauling
the bottle around the table made playing
snooker impossible and eventually restricted
Frank to watching from the side lines. Fellow
resident Dave Sims decided to help and
headed off to the Men’s Workshop to build
a mobile unit to hold Frank’s oxygen bottle.
Now the snooker shark is back in business,
moving freely around the table and playing
the game he loves. Frank says Dave and his
ingenious invention (pictured here) have
quite literally changed his life!
GREENWOOD PARK FASHIONISTAS STRIKE A POSE
It was a showcase of style and comfort when Greenwood Park village residents hit the catwalk recently for
the annual Black Pepper fashion show. Nine male and female residents strutted their stuff in new season’s
outfits, much to the delight of the audience. Black Pepper staff member Lyn took on the role of MC, while
the rest of team were busy managing backstage. A fabulous afternoon was had by all.
6 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021
- NEWS -
SYMPHONY OF SOUND
"Truly amazing. Stunning. Note perfect!"
A recent visit from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
(APO) was all this and more for residents at Forest Lake
Gardens, who were treated to a magical evening of music
and entertainment.
The event kicked off with dinner and a dazzling
performance by village resident Elizabeth Barker and her
daughter Miriam, who played the keyboard and cello.
Forest Lake Gardens group ‘Young at Heart’ were hot on
their heels, belting out a dynamic line up of show tunes.
Residents were stunned to discover one of the singers was
village social coordinator Pippa Bennett!
After a short interval, an APO quartet performed a
beautiful selection of musical pieces that received rave
reviews from residents and staff alike.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Other major events may be up in the air but that didn't
stop Metlifecare's Pinesong village.
The village recently hosted its highly-anticipated Pinesong
Games event, and while there were no hurdles or
high jump, there was plenty of fanfare and a host of
opportunities for village athletes to flex their muscles.
Resident Earl Irving and a team of helpers organised this
year's event, right down to the opening ceremony and
the arrival of the baton. Next up was the raising of the
flag, performed by village resident, and former athletics
coach for Sir John Walker, Arch Jelley.
With the official opening ceremony out of the way,
residents and staff dusted off their sports shoes to battle it
out for medals in a wide range of team tabloid-type games,
from bowls and table tennis, to croquet and petanque.
The fun-filled day was capped off by a unique medal
ceremony which focused on Pinesong's motto of fun,
friendship and participation. Medals were awarded for a
diverse range of achievements - from the best throw to Nail knocking
competition in
the most humorous attempt - and were presented over
the Bloke's Shed
fish 'n chips at the village cafe.
metlifecare.co.nz 7
- NEWS -
ART EXHIBITION DRAWS A CROWD
Art lovers came in droves to an exhibition paintings were up for sale at the exhibition, and
showcasing the creative talents of Edgewater not surprisingly, competition was fierce.
Village resident Adrienne Jury. Held in the
“Adrienne’s daughter came along to assist in the
village community centre, the event drew
selling of the artwork. Eighteen paintings were
crowds from as far afield as Dannemora
sold – some of which could have been sold ten
Gardens, Highlands, Te Tuhi Art Centre, and
times over," says Kaileigh.
even Anchorage Kindergarten, all keen to view
Adrienne’s spectacular paintings. The highly anticipated event has been a long
time coming, having been cancelled three
“The whole centre was buzzing with discussions
previous times due to Auckland lockdowns.
about Adrienne’s exquisite talent, and how
the variety of paintings exhibited the depth of “We were so grateful to be able to finally make
her talent,” says Edgewater Village Manager it happen. Adrienne is a master of her talent and
Kaileigh Rhodes. we are very proud to have her in our village.”
Adrienne has dedicated a lifetime to her art, “Adrienne’s exhibition was so well received that
bringing joy through her use of vibrant colours we will now be showcasing some of the other
and upbeat subjects. After winning a scholarship talented artists in the village with an ‘artist of the
to study at Canterbury Art School, she went on month’ corner in our community centre. Please
to become a prolific painter and taught art at Te come by for a visit and see all that Edgewater
Tuhi for an incredible 34 years. Several of her Village has to offer!”
8 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021
- SLICE OF HISTORY -
Iconic building
gets a makeover
She may be 118 years old, but Mt Roskill’s oldest dame has never looked better.
T
he iconic landmark on became the Convent of the Good “The day we came and looked at
Hillsborough Road (known Shepherd and the beating heart it the weather was terrible – we
fondly by locals as ‘the of the Mount Saint Joseph Home couldn’t even see Hillsborough Road.
house on the hill’) is now sporting for Girls. But it was big, had a shared lift and
a fresh new colour scheme to take lots of storage. It ticked all the boxes
Part of Hillsborough Heights
her through the next 118 years. and we knew it was a very special
Retirement Village since 1985,
Hillsborough Heights village resident place.” It also had unbeatable views.
the house on the hill has enabled
Margaret Lithgow, who has called
Margaret to be an integral part of “Our first evening in the house
the top story of the villa ‘home’ for
Auckland’s historical landscape. the sun was setting and the whole
the last two decades, says she is
sky turned blood red. The view
delighted the historic landmark has “I have such strong memories
was incredible. I can look out my
been given a new lease of life. of this villa, right from childhood
windows and see the Waitemata
when my parents would threaten
“When my husband Hugh and I and Manukau Harbours without
to send me to the naughty girls’
moved in she was pink, and since even having to move my head!”
home if I didn’t behave! I grew up
then she has also been white. Now
in Mt Eden, but even there the Hillsborough Heights Village
she’s grey with blue and white trim,
house on the hill was legendary.” Manager Penny Smith and her
which were traditional colours
team worked closely with Dulux and
from her era,” says Margaret.
interior designer Rebecca Milne to
The homestead has enjoyed a rich select the traditional, yet timeless,
and chequered past. Built in 1903 colour scheme, and Penny is thrilled
by brewer and wine and spirit that the historic building has such
merchant Daniel Arkell, it later an elegant new look.
metlifecare.co.nz 9
Coastal
Villas
Palmerston North Village
Coastal Villas
- HAPPENINGS -
ANZAC
Day at our Palmerston North Village
Coastal Villas
villages
Papamoa
Beach Village
Anzac Day was commemorated
at Metlifecare villages across
the North Island, with special
ceremonies, moving tributes
and plenty of singing. Residents
and staff came together to
acknowledge the fallen, displaying
their medals and memorabilia,
reciting poems, and sharing
poignant stories of loved ones
lost. We will remember them.
Palmerston North Village
Papamoa Beach Village
10 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021Kapiti Village
Greenwich
Gardens
Edgewater
Edgewater Hibiscus Coast The Poynton
Hibiscus Coast
The Poynton
Hibiscus Coast
Hibiscus Coast Powley Powley
metlifecare.co.nz 11- HAPPENINGS -
Mother’s Day
celebrations
From beautiful cards and mouth-watering
cooked breakfasts to decadent high
teas and visits from loved ones...
Mother’s Day at our villages was Powley
a day to remember.
The Avenues Crestwood
Powley Powley Powley
Coastal Villas Coastal Villas
12 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021- DEVELOPMENT NEWS -
Pohutukawa Landing
– a new community with plenty of heart
Pohutukawa Landing, Metlifecare’s newest village, may have just opened
its doors, but it’s already a treasured part of the local community.
N
estled in the heart of Metlifecare answered their call With construction of the Village
Beachlands, along the by acquiring land in 2018 and Green currently underway (and
stunning Pohutukawa working closely with locals to scheduled for completion in July),
Coast, many of the 32 Stage One design a village that not only new residents will soon have a
villas have now been completed celebrates its unique location, but central hub in which they can
with the first residents moving also reflects the wants and needs gather and socialise - complete
into their new homes last month. of those in the area. with stunning pavilion, dining area
and an outdoor fireplace. Once
A vibrant mix of locals and From helping choose the name
the Green has been completed,
retirees from across Auckland, of the village, to having their
work will begin on the highly
the founding residents are excited say in the interior design and
anticipated Club House.
to be embarking on their next life landscaping, the community has
chapter, in a bespoke development played a starring role in shaping With so much to look forward to,
that will deliver a new benchmark the look and feel of the $250 life at Pohutukawa Landing looks set
in retirement living. million development. to keep getting better and better!
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback
already. The villas are lovely, and
the location is unbeatable,” says
Village Manager Jane Gregory.
It has been a long time coming.
Beachlands and Maraetai
residents have campaigned for
years to have a retirement village
in the area – prior to Pohutukawa
Landing opening, their closest
retirement village was nearly 20
kilometres away.
metlifecare.co.nz 13- RESIDENT PROFILE -
From Scotland
to Glenfield
It’s a long way to go to retire, but a trip to New Zealand saw Helen and David Douglas
decide to move from Scotland to Metlifecare The Orchards on Auckland’s North Shore.
We heard from Helen all about their colourful lives and selling a painting to royalty!
H
i Helen, what made you decide to move us visiting 15 villages and finally deciding we wanted to
from Scotland to New Zealand for your live at The Orchards. We moved in and we have never
retirement? Both of our sons married New looked back. The reason we chose The Orchards was
Zealand girls. Our youngest son and his family now its size. There are only around 130 residents, which
live in Perth and our elder son has twin girls here in gives the feeling of being a big family.
Auckland. They persuaded us to come and live either
in Australia or New Zealand, so that they could take Helen, you’re an
care of us in our old age. We’d visited both countries established artist, tell
and decided on New Zealand. us about some of your
career highlights?
Tell us about your life in Scotland. We married in I joined the Upper
1970 and moved to Fife, where we had our two sons Deeside Art Society in
and lived in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire for around 30 2005 and we exhibited
years. Our life in Aboyne was very happy. It was sad to our work at Balmoral
leave all our friends, and it was a big decision to make, Castle when the
but we love our life here in New Zealand. Queen was in residence
(from April until the
What made you choose Metlifecare The Orchards?
end of July). Our other
It was on our 2015 trip to New Zealand that David saw
exhibition was in Ballater and the Duchess of Cornwall
an advertisement for a retirement village, which led to
opened this every year when she was at Birkhall with
Prince Charles. It was at the 2015 exhibition that
Helen and David Douglas
Duchess Camilla bought one of my paintings.
Are you still enjoying painting in your retirement?
Yes, I have kept up my art and have exhibited at The
Estuary in Orewa and The Lake House in Takapuna.
We hear David is a writer - tell us more! David
has published four of the 13 books he has written.
He wrote them initially for our granddaughters,
however some of the residents have bought them
for their grandies too. Poems David has written
have also featured in the Village Manager’s weekly
update. Life is good here at The Orchards.
14 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021- FPP ROADSHOW -
Full Potential Plan
Roadshow
Touring 25 villages through April and May, to talk to staff and residents about our Full Potential
Plan, Acting CEO Andrew Peskett and General Manager Operations Richard Callander quickly
became likened to The Two Ronnies! Here they are pictured at Gulf Rise, Hibiscus Coast Village
and Greenwich Gardens, with Sam Franklin from EQT. Thank you to everyone who attended.
metlifecare.co.nz 15- B R A I N H E A LT H -
Shifting
the stigma
of dementia
Keen to know more about how to keep your brain healthy?
Want to deepen your understanding of dementia and its
treatment? An exciting new Brain Health Programme kicked off
in the Bay of Plenty last month, with plans to eventually roll it
out across all Metlifecare villages and care homes.
P
rogramme developer, Bay and research opportunities and
of Plenty Regional Clinical partnerships are being explored.
Manager Mary Stewart, Opportunities for villages to
hopes the new programme will become accredited as dementia
end some of the stigma that friendly communities are also
exists in villages around cognitive being investigated.
impairment and dementia. Not
“New Zealand has an aging
only that, but she aims to help
population, and with one in three
delay cognitive decline in our
people over 85 estimated to get
residents, ensure issues are
dementia, the need for dementia
diagnosed in a timely manner, Mary Stewart with
care has never been greater. We
and treat, support and educate her grandchildren
have learnt a great deal through
residents, staff and families about
Studies among elderly show that the work we are doing at Toi
all things dementia-related.
in order to be emotionally well, Toi (Metlifecare’s first secure
“Brain health and dementia has you actually have to give – so by dementia community), and we
always been my area of special supporting people with dementia, are looking to roll that expertise
interest. My dad lived with you are not just helping them, but out to other villages, in order to
dementia, so it is particularly close you’re also helping yourself.” benefit all Metlifecare residents
to my heart, ” says Mary. and families.”
With her sights firmly set on
“The biggest thing I hope this developing a best-in-class Brain The Brain Health Programme
programme achieves is shifting the Health Programme, Mary has big is one of many exciting new
stigma around dementia. Instead plans for the initiative. Seminars initiatives underway as part of
of people shying away from it, for staff, residents and residents’ Metlifecare’s Full Potential Plan,
I want them to start thinking families are already underway, and will play a vital role in our
“how can I support this person, Metlifecare brain health vision to offer a full continuum of
and what can I do to help?”. champions have been identified, care to our residents.
16 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021- S TA F F P R O F I L E -
Loving life in the Bay
A warm Metlifecare welcome to Caroline Cameron, who joined us recently as The
Avenues new Village Manager. We asked Caroline a few questions about what drew
her to the role and what she loves about living in the Bay of Plenty.
H
i Caroline, you’ve been
in the role for a couple
of months now, what are
you enjoying most about it?
I have had such a warm welcome to
the team. I’m enjoying getting to
know the residents, learning about
their backgrounds and discovering
what is important to them.
Where were you working
previously? My background is in
home and community support,
where I had a national role for a
large provider. For five years
I travelled the length and breadth
of New Zealand, visiting places
I perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise. doing something that hopefully the UK in lockdown, I pinch myself
I am also an auditor for the positively impacts other people. at how blessed I am to live here. I
Retirement Villages Association never take it for granted.
(RVA), and an auditor for You’re originally from the UK,
when did you move to New What’s been a highlight of the
Alzheimer’s NZ’s dementia
Zealand? I moved to New Zealand role so far? A highlight would
friendly programme.
14 years ago and have been happily have to be our Anzac Day service.
What drew you to The Avenues’ settled in the Bay of Plenty ever Last year there was no service
Village Manager role? Through since. I’m originally from London due to Covid, so this year one
my RVA audits I spent a lot of but also lived in Cornwall for 10 of our residents organised it
time in retirement villages and years prior to emigrating. and a student from the local
met many village managers. I had college spoke. There was a light
just completed an audit and came What was the attraction of meal afterwards, the bar was
away feeling so inspired by the moving to the Bay of Plenty? open, and the residents provided
village manager. Then I received Definitely the beach, I am fortunate entertainment by way of a
an email notification of this role to live very close to it so that’s a big singalong. When I left them to
being advertised. I wasn't looking plus for me, and the weather after it there was such a great buzz of
for a new job, but I applied and living in the UK is pretty much laughter and glasses clinking. I was
the rest is history! The role of faultless. Even after 14 years, really proud of our community,
village manager is busy, varied and particularly after spending 3 our residents and The Avenues
and interesting and I like to be months at the end of last year in staff who all helped pull it together.
metlifecare.co.nz 17A day in the life Conversations often revolve around travel, a passion
shared by all five men. But while the brainstorming
of the Fab Five usually takes place over tea, more detailed holiday
plans are often thrashed out during village Happy
Morning tea at The Avenues dishes up much more
Hours, and the men’s twice weekly games of pool.
than just a caffeine hit. The daily ritual provides
residents with a regular opportunity to mix and “We’re a group of five single men aged between 76
mingle. And for one particular group of mates ‘The and 90 who all met since moving into The Avenues,”
Fab Five’ - who also happen to be the cover stars of says Dick Williams, whose accomplices include
our magazine – it’s the perfect gathering place to fellow-residents Barney Sowerby, Hans DeBeer, Ray
cook up ideas and plan adventures. Simpson and Warwick Kingston-Smith.
18 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021“Morning tea is available every day for residents and great to have a group of friends you can travel with –
we men usually all sit together. That’s where much we probably wouldn’t go on our own.”
activity is discussed and organised.”
The companionship, support and friendly banter have
Two years ago, the group toured the lower South woven an unexpected magic into the lives of all five men.
Island via rail, and last year they’d planned an overseas
“Age does not have to be a barrier for people with a
cruise – although COVID-19 put a stop to that. positive mental attitude. We all live in apartments at
The Fab Five’s latest jaunt? “We’ve just returned The Avenues so regular contact happens easily and
from touring the Bay of Islands and the Far North,” we all watch out for each other.
says Dick. “We flew to Kerikeri, hired a van and “Friendship contributes so much to your wellbeing
stayed six nights at the Kingsgate Hotel in Paihia.” and sharing your concerns about aging helps
Highlights included a conducted tour of Ninety Mile tremendously. There’s no need to be lonely.”
Beach and the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, a slap-up So where to next for this fantastic Fab Five?
seafood dinner at the Swordfish Club, and of course According to Dick, that’s still under debate.
nightly pool games at the hotel.
“There is so much planning at morning tea times for
“We all had separate adjacent rooms and were able to months ahead, much to the amusement of other
please ourselves where we went each day, covering residents. It may take time to get agreement for the
all the interesting areas. Each of us lives alone so it’s next excursion!”
metlifecare.co.nz 19Rob, Ray and Teddy.
From the pitch to The Poynton
When Rob Arblaster and Ray Hunter met at a cricket “My wife Robyn and I moved in here four or five
tournament in Christchurch, little did they know that years ago and we absolutely love it. We love the ease
50 years later they’d wind up at the same retirement of apartment living – it’s so relaxed and casual and
village - The Poynton on Auckland’s North Shore. there’s no maintenance.”
When they met, Ray was playing for the Under-23s
Not a fan of mowing lawns, gardening, or DIY, Rob
Central District cricket team and Rob was captaining
says The Poynton provides his ideal lifestyle.
the Auckland Under-23s. Despite being on opposing
teams, they bonded instantly. “Having been active for most of my life I really enjoy
the gym and the pool. The Poynton was designed
Both outstanding sportsmen (Rob also captained
as a lifestyle village – it’s not a rest home. There are
the Tall Blacks in the 1970’s), their 20-year cricket
30 or 40 different activities you can get involved in,
careers saw them represent Auckland and win several
and the community spirit is marvelous. It’s the old-
championships together. But even after they’d hung
fashioned look you in the eye and shake your hand
up their bats, the men kept in touch.
kind of place, filled with active, like-minded people.
“After we stopped playing, we’d still catch up at I thought it would be a really good fit for Ray too, so
cricket reunions and functions and regularly meet for I referred him.”
coffee or Friday night drinks with a few of the other
Adds Ray, “I was living on my own with my dog
guys,” says Rob. “Actually, we still do that!”
Teddy and I’d had a couple of mini strokes that
It wasn’t surprising then that when Ray faced a health really put the wind up me. The Poynton offered
scare last year, Rob suggested he consider joining safety, security and peace of mind – and when Rob
him at The Poynton. told me you could have pets, it sealed the deal.”
Refer a friend to a
Metlifecare village
and receive $1000!*
If you know someone who would love living in
one of our villages, all you need to do is refer
them to us. If they move in, we’ll give you each
$1,000 cash as our way of saying thank you.
Ring village reception and ask for the sales
executive for more details.
*Not to be used in conjunction with other offers.
20 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021Crestwood's four amigos from left Margaret, Joyce, Janice and Alice.
Crestwood’s Four Amigos
When Janice Pont moved into her initial reluctance to embrace “We have a fantastic time
new home at Crestwood four and village life quickly evaporated. together,” says Margaret. “Joyce
a half years ago, life was looking and I went on a river cruise from
“I adapted and now I love it,” says Amsterdam to Budapest, we all
pretty bleak. She’d lost her husband
Janice. “It was the best thing I could go on outings and do activities
to cancer, sold the family home
have done. I’m so happy here!” together, and we regularly catch
at Piha, and wasn’t completely
enamored with the prospect of But Janice and Alice haven’t been up for lunches and dinners.”
retirement village living. the only ones to bond over the They also run The Sunday Drinks
Crestwood buddy system. When Club, the highly popular village
“The cat and I came in howling.
Joyce Aspinall moved in three happy hour that takes place
I didn’t want to move into a
years ago, she didn’t know a soul every Sunday afternoon, and
retirement village for all the tea in
and resident Margaret Rizzi was draws a crowd of between 20
China,” recalls Janice.
tasked with helping her settle in. and 30 residents.
Lucky then that village manager
“I’d been on my own for several “We’ve been running it for three
Helena Pearson buddied her up
years and was looking for security years or so now,” says Alice. “It’s a
with neighbor Alice Perrott as
and company,” says Joyce. lot of fun and a great opportunity
part of the village’s New Resident
Transition programme. for residents to mix and mingle.”
What she wasn’t expecting to find
though was a whole new circle of The four amigos, and their Sunday
The pair clicked instantly, bonding
‘besties’. Now Joyce, Margaret, Drinks Club, play an integral
over their shared love of cooking,
Alice and Janice are virtually role in injecting the Crestwood
and before they knew it, a rich and
inseparable. And although some community with joy, friendship and
rewarding friendship was born.
village residents call them ‘the fab plenty of laughs. And right now
The two women became the four’, they prefer to be known as the four women couldn’t think of
firmest of friends, and Janice’s ‘the four amigos’. anything better.
Have a village friendship you’d like to share? Get in touch with us at more@metlifecare.co.nz
metlifecare.co.nz 21- ADVICE -
Making friends
as we age
From the sandbox through to secondary school, we are surrounded by
others of a similar age and it's easier to meet new people. Once we
are in the adult phase of life, it takes more time and energy to forge
meaningful friendships. And, sometimes, it's hard to know where to start.
O
ne of the biggest reasons people. Book clubs not only give people with a similar mission
why people have a hard you a chance to socialize, but also and value system in mind about
time making friends provide an opportunity to flex the giving back to the community.
after 60 is because of the stigma most important muscle in your Help out at a local foodbank or
attached to putting yourself out body - your brain! hospice store, mentor a young
there after a certain age. However, person with an organisation like
Reach out to friends you've
instead of indulging that inner Big Brothers or Big Sisters, or join
lost touch with
voice telling you all the reasons a local park or beach clean-up.
On top of trying to build new
not to put yourself out there, No matter where you volunteer
friendships from scratch, do your
remind yourself that millions of your services, you're bound to run
best to reconnect with members of
people are looking for the same into people with a similar mindset.
your social circle with whom you've
thing and, in many cases, would Volunteering is good for more
fallen out of touch. With people you
be happy to find someone like you than just your conscience, it's also
were once close with, you can more
to spend time with. a terrific way to meet new friends.
or less pick up where you left off.
If you’re ready to make some new Join a local sports team
Reach out to friends of friends
connections, here are some tried- Kill two birds with one stone and
Your existing friends are a great
and-true methods: get in some exercise while you
resource when it comes to making
Join or start a trivia team new ones. If you're looking for make new friends, by joining a
Need an easy way to make friends some new people to spend time local bowling team or golf club.
as an adult? Try joining or starting with, don't be shy about asking Doing this will give you something
a trivia team at your favourite bar your friends to set you up on to bond with new people over and
or local venue. It’s a great way friend dates with people you've those weekly post-game drinks
to meet like-minded people and previously met through them and certainly won't hurt either.
have a regular social event to look enjoyed their company.
Back to school
forward to each week too!
Volunteer Learning a new language or gaining
Join or start a book club Volunteering is a great way to a qualification can be a great way
If you're a bibliophile, a book give back and socialize. When to make new friends - no matter
club is a simple way to find your you volunteer, you are around how old you are. Even if you've
22 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021been out of school for decades, easier to connect. There's also no different gender, doesn’t mean the
signing up for a night class or an shame in asking for an invitation. two of you cannot be compatible
online course will give you a built- When you hear an acquaintance as friends. Branch out!
in social circle of people to work say that they're doing something
Say yes to friends when they
on projects with, bounce ideas off, you might be interested in over
invite you out
and chat to after class. the weekend, ask to join in;
For shy people, saying no to
just because someone hasn't
Get crafty a casual invitation is often a
explicitly invited you to join
A little knitting is good for the reflexive response. But when
doesn't mean they'd necessarily
soul and your social life, too. Find friends or family members
mind the company!
a local crafting group and you'll suggest that you get together on
instantly have a new group of Host a clothing swap a whim, make it a habit of saying
people who share your interests Eager to refresh your closet and yes as much as possible. The more
to spend time with. make some new friends at the you go out, the more chances
same time? Then host a clothing you have to meet new people -
Show up at local events
swap with some of your friends creating a positive cycle of social
Your local community is a great
and neighbours. opportunities.
resource for making new friends.
Show up to enough events, Broaden your definition
concerts and other gatherings of a friend Adapted from the article ‘How to
and you're bound to see some of Just because someone is a number make friends when we get older’
the same faces, which makes it of years older or younger, or of a by Sherry Amatenstein.
metlifecare.co.nz 23- WRITER IN RESIDENCE -
OUR
PINESONG
Metlifecare Pinesong resident, Vern Walker, penned this
delightful ode to his village. We’d love to hear what you love
about your village, let us know at more@metlifecare.co.nz.
I
was mesmerised by the In addition I read that there is a The lanes and cul de sacs are
descriptive Metlifecare blurb: bowling green (for the patient, akin to the snakes in the snakes
“Let the dream become a and those who still have an and ladders board game. Few are
reality. Pinesong sits high on a unerring eye), a large swimming arrow-straight, as they carry the
promontory above the Manukau pool (fitness rejuvenated, but at frequent and hopeful footsteps
Harbour, close to the eastern a sedate pace), and a community towards an octogenarian kind
flanks of the Waitakere Ranges.” centre (where some of the hard- of fitness. There is Plum Tree
A suburban address, on the very of-hearing seem to shout at each Grove, Totara Avenue, The Oval,
edge of Nature’s bountiful coast. other, myself included). The Terrace, The Crescent and
24 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021their waka across the Manukau,
hauled them up through today’s
green belt of this coastline.
Then followed the porterage of
the waka, along what is today’s
Portage Road, all the way to
New Lynn. Here they would
launch their waka onto the
Waitemata Harbour.
Our village is not one carved out
of barren clay and bleak suburbia.
It has a history. The land, a swathe
of native bush was purchased in
1946. A Saturday night dine and
dance, and wedding reception
was built with grandstand views
of the Manukau Harbour. Sadly,
the reception was destroyed by a
fire that occurred on Guy Fawkes
night of 5 November 1990. Later
the property was converted into
a 9-hole golf course by a wealthy
Taiwanese developer, T.Y. Tseng.
Today’s residents of The Point
Pinesong Drive. Names that just smudged by the mud banks of apartments sit on what was once
fall off the tongue, like a booklet this huge tidal inlet. Along the the 8th hole. Then a crisp chip
of rhythmic poetry. coast are the winding bays, with shot would have curled towards
scattered dwellings peeking the 9th green located at the end
The size of the village is best through the native bush. of Beach Lane.
measured by the time it takes
to walk the distance: around 35 I love unravelling the threads Retirement has a cosy glow
to 45 minutes. En route you of history. What were the in such a resort of repose and
may commune with Nature happenings in the wider area, refinement. Our neighbours are
on the native bush circuit, to a close to Pinesong? Dominating all faced with similar activities:
background of the large pond, the beginning of the steep we purchase bereavement cards
pathway down to a small cove in bulk, and we turn the light off
to the croak of frogs, and to the
on the Manukau Harbour, is a at night, in order to keep the
trickle of a man-made waterway,
mammoth cypress tree. It dwarfs power bill down, and not for the
beneath the canopy of native bush.
the Harbour Apartment block romantic reasons of yesteryear!
I love the birdlife here. I listen to located right opposite. I gaze
So here we are until we are
the whispery flutterings of the at its stern majesty, and at its
reluctantly and permanently,
tui, and the wood pigeons, and imposing girth. My mind runs
horizontally and expensively, carried
the urgent “tweek” of the rosellas riot. What was the activity in the
out the front gate of Pinesong, in
as they hurriedly rise and fall and area at the milli-second of its
a shiny, big, black limo!
exceed the speed limit through germination? I place myself in
the trees. On a clear day there the 18th Century. A time when Meantime, we live in what is the
is the milky hues of the harbour, the southern Māori paddled fringe of heaven.
metlifecare.co.nz 25- THE WRITER -
A life in words
7 Saint Vincent resident Ann Gluckman has more than a few strings to her
bow. She was the first woman in New Zealand to be appointed principal of a
state co-ed secondary school, and in 1992 was awarded an OBE. Not only that
but the high-achieving 93 year old was – and still is – a prolific writer.
It revealed so much to me about the terrifying
life my mother had as a child growing up in
Tsarist-ruled Latvia. She never spoke about her
life before she came to New Zealand at the age
of 12. It was only by chance a box containing
her letters and postcards was found 20 years
after her death, when I was in my seventies.
Has your writing career taken you anywhere
exotic? Yes, I’ve been fortunate to travel as
a tour guide to some very remote places
such as Pakistan, Turkey and Burma, each on
numerous occasions.
Are you currently working on anything?
A
Writing has always been my favourite form
nn, where does your passion for
of relaxation! I’m still writing short stories,
writing stem from? I came from
one of which was published in the March
a family that loved books and my
2021 edition of "News @ 7", Saint Vincent’s
mother was a brilliant letter writer. I was also
monthly booklet. I also still give talks to
inspired by a wonderful teacher at Epsom Girls
outside groups on Volume 3 of my book
Grammar and in 1944 I topped the University
"“Identity and Involvement: Auckland Jewry
Entrance Scholarship English exam.
Past and Present”.
When did your writing career officially start?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of writing?
I wrote articles to promote the Playcentre
Hearing from people who have enjoyed or found
movement from 1951, and articles for the
interesting what I’ve written, and particularly
local paper. I was writing articles on education
those who want to follow up on certain aspects.
regularly from 1970. In 1975, The Woman’s
Weekly published my obituary to Louise Is there anything you’d still like to master?
Hillary entitled “When Louise believed in I could be far more efficient with computer skills
Fairies". This was the first of many articles I and I need to learn much more about bridge.
wrote, mainly on travel for the Weekly, as well
Who inspires you? My family and people of
as for the Auckland Star and the NZ Herald.
my vintage, who despite infirmities continue
Which of your books had the greatest impact to do much of worth for the community,
on you? Emotionally, "Postcards from Tukums". friends and family.- THE COOK -
Spice up your life
Greenwich Gardens resident and keen cook, Kevin Broadbent, has recently
started Kev’s Cooking School, catering for residents who are looking
for easy, low-cost dinner options that are tasty and healthy too.
H
i Kevin, what made you take the time to share some of such as Nasi Goreng. Waiting for
start Kev’s Cooking the meals that my wife Laura and I the rice to cook will probably be
School? I really enjoy love, which can be cooked quickly the longest you have to wait for
helping others and I know that and inexpensively. So, from there, any of the dishes we cook. We
planning an evening meal can be Kev’s Cooking School was born! only use items that are commonly
a chore for many residents. They found in the pantry, include five
What can participants expect at
often default to the same old or so ingredients, and are easy to
Kev’s Cooking School? We’ll be
standbys, such as beans on toast, cook from start to finish.
learning to cook meals that are
but it’s so important that we eat
easy to freeze, and you can cook What made you pursue an
well as we get older. I wanted to
in bulk, so you get four individual interest in cooking? Before I
meals. We’ll be looking at how retired, I barely cooked at all, it
much meat you need to buy, as was all done by my wife Laura.
well as pantry staples and eating But then I got in the kitchen and
well for less. watched and learned and now
The fee to attend the cooking I love it! I do a lot of the meal
school will be a few dollars, we’ll planning now and I really enjoy it.
have some laughs along the way
Do you have any advice for
and then we’ll sit down and eat
people who are keen to try out
what we’ve cooked for lunch at
cooking? Are there special skills
the end. You’ll also be able to take
required? Don’t spend too much
the recipe home with you.
money on buying ingredients,
What’s on the menu at Kev’s there’s lots of tasty, quick and
Cooking School? Pasta, curry, healthy meals you can make
stir-fries, Asian-inspired dishes without spending a lot.
KEVIN’S TOP FIVE KITCHEN TIPS
• Get all the ingredients out before you start, so you have everything you need to cook your meal.
• Check your timings so you know when the mince needs to go on, relative to the potatoes or rice.
• Put an apron on to avoid the inevitable splatters!
• Buy enough ingredients (including meat) so that you can have one meal that night, one for the next
night and two for the freezer. We normally spend $3-$4.50 per portion when buying meat.
• Make a meal for a friend and they can do the dishes when you’ve finished!
metlifecare.co.nz 27- THE ARTIST -
The Power
of Painting
Papamoa Beach Village resident June Woods didn’t pick up a paintbrush until she
was in her sixties. But over the past 23 years she’s been making up for lost time,
and has created a vast body of work, some of which is on display at the village.
J
une, you started painting
relatively late. What got
you started? I completed
my first oil painting in 1998 for my
daughter’s 40th birthday. It was
quite late in life to take up a new
hobby but I wasn’t in a good space
at the time and my neighbour
suggested a hobby might help.
She took me to a painting group
at the community hall and I was
mesmerised by the vivid colours
of the oil paintings people were
working on. I went out and bought
myself some paints and turned up
What do you like to paint? week I couldn’t wait to get home
a week later to join them. That was
I love to paint with oils and have from class so I could continue
the first time I’d ever picked up a
painted everything from animals working on whatever painting I
paintbrush. I was so excited that I
and flowers to seascapes and was doing at the time. It’s been a
came home and stayed up all night
landscapes. I usually paint from a lovely hobby.
painting. It’s been a huge part of my
life ever since. photograph, or anything else that
What has been your proudest
inspires me.
Do you come from an artistic artistic achievement? I’ve sold
family? I come from a family of How has painting enriched your many of my paintings over the
five girls and one boy but none of life? Painting has changed the way years (including some of which
them showed any inclination to I look at colours and the way I look went to Australia, and some to
paint. One of my granddaughters at the clouds and the sea. After village residents!), and I won a Mt
is quite creative though and my painting at the community centre Eden Fellowship of Artists award
11 year old great granddaughter for a few months, I decided to get for one of my pieces. But the
is blowing me away with her some formal training and started painting I’m most proud of is the
sketching skills. Everyone says going to regular art classes. That’s enormous bright red hibiscus that’s
she gets it from her Nan! when things really took off. Each hanging in my home.
28 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021- T H E PA P E R M A K E R -
Pinesong’s
Queen of Kokedama
Pinesong resident, Yvonne Meister, is an arts and crafts expert who makes her own paper
and Japanese garden art with everyday objects and items foraged from the outdoors.
Yvonne gifts her homemade crafts to friends and also sells them at the local market.
H
i Yvonne, tell us about your creative intriguing little thing, a Kokedama on our table at the
endeavours! I've lived at Pinesong for 11 cafe, and I thought 'gee, I could make that', so I went
years, and I make paper and Kokedama to the reception and they gave me a piece of paper
Garden Art plants from scratch. I use the paper to that showed me how to make them.
make homemade cards, which are decorated with
Making paper takes a long time and is labour intensive.
foraged items, like moss and ginkgo leaves.
How do you manage that at 82? I think it's in my
What made you pursue these interests? About nature, in my genes. My father was very clever, he could
28 years ago a lovely friend of mine who creates make anything. I'm really creative and quite fit. I belong
beautiful paintings asked me to come over to help to two walking groups at Pinesong and walked the
her make paper, so she was the catalyst. For the Abel Tasman Coast track in January. I love fishing with
Kokedama plants, I went to the botanical gardens my two buddies at the village, and swim three times a
with my Pinesong walking group, and we stopped week. I love the outdoors because it's so unspoilt.
at the cafe to get something to eat. Then I saw this
Everything you create is from all-natural
ingredients. Is that important to you? I think I'm
quite a natural person. I love the bush, I love nature,
I'm a nature girl. Making cards with natural products
you find in the bush helps to improve your creativity.
Has this special interest taken you anywhere
exciting? I make a bit of money out of it, but that's
not my sole purpose. I've sold almost $400 worth of
cards, but my absolute aim is to make something that
I enjoy doing.
What do you gain personally from these creative
endeavours? I cannot even put it into words. It's
just so satisfying, when you make something and it's
useful, like when I make cards and sell them. It's a joy
to be able to make something and see the end result.
It's just so much fun to do, and it keeps me busy. I'm
retired, and this is my hobby, and it's my absolute
pleasure. I just love it, I could make paper all day long.
metlifecare.co.nz 29- THE PHOTOGRAPHER -
More than
meets the eye
Greenwood Park resident Alan Arnold is a former Police photographer who has
photographed some of New Zealand’s most notorious crime scenes, as well as British
royalty, two Prime Ministers and the cover of The Villager magazine!
We caught up with Alan to hear about his colourful career.
H
i Alan, tell us about how you came to be Photographers and gained the coveted ‘Associate
a Police photographer? I joined the Police Award ‘for technical excellence. This enabled me to
in 1956, as a trainee cadet, and made my use the letters ANZIPP (Associate of the NZ Institute
way from a constable on the beat to third constable of Professional Photographers) after my name as a
stationed in Manurewa. In 1964, I applied for a professional standard. This was helpful when giving my
vacancy for a Police photographer, which resulted evidence in court as a specialist photographer.
in an opportunity to start a photographic section,
Tell us about some of the famous crime scenes
where I covered a vast area of South Auckland and
you attended? I attended hundreds of serious
its surrounds.
crime scenes during my 20 years as a senior
What were some of the challenging parts of the forensic crime scene examiner. Several high-profile
role? Police photographic equipment was less than homicides over the years included the 1970 Crewe
adequate in those early days and I had to work murder at Pukekawa and the sinking of the ‘Rainbow
with second-hand or ‘hand me down’ gear. Getting Warrior’ in Auckland in 1985.
to crime scenes was also difficult, as there were
Tell us more about your involvement in the Rainbow
very few Police vehicles. I was usually taken to
Warrior case. In 1985, the Rainbow Warrior
crime scenes by any available patrol car and often
murder investigation was proceeding rapidly. A lot
stranded at other stations in the district.
of circumstantial evidence had been procured by
As both the South Auckland region and the use of detectives, who had travelled the world trying to
photographic services grew, I had use of the Area secure evidence to directly link main suspects Alaine
Commander’s departmental car, with Inspector Marfart and Dominique Prieur to the crime.
Diggle stating it had to be back by 5pm each day. I
The vessel Ouvea was known to have been used
made the mistake of not returning it several times,
by French Secret Service Agents, whom Police
which turned out to be a blessing as I was then
suspected had been involved in the bombing, and it
issued with my own Police vehicle – a Ford Escort
was later sighted by the Australian Police in Norfolk
kitted out with all the equipment used for crime
Island. A team of CIB detectives and a fingerprint
scene investigations.
expert were sent to the island to secure evidence
Did you gain any qualifications that helped you in from the ship. Once the evidence had been uplifted
your role? I joined the NZ Institute of Professional and brought back to Auckland, we had to quickly
30 THE VILLAGER | Winter 2021find and photograph latent fingerprints on the large manslaughter and led positively to the guilt of the
volume of salt-encrusted ship papers. At the top of escaping saboteurs.
our list was to trace the fingerprints of Marfart and
It gave me great satisfaction to have helped bring
Prieur, on any of the papers or maps taken off the
this very high-profile case to a positive conclusion.
vessel Ouvea, as this would provide the missing link
They pleaded guilty when charged with murder-
in Police evidence.
related activities in the Auckland Supreme Court.
With the weight on our shoulders ‘from above’, I
What did you do once you finished with the Police?
drew on the expertise of global forensic experts, but I took early retirement under a new Government
it was my previous boss, Sergeant Dave Roberts, scheme in 1988 when I was 50 (and 30 years
who directed me to New Scotland Yard Police in in the job) and now live happily at Metlifecare’s
London and to Ken Creer of the British Home Greenwood Park village in Tauranga with my wife
Office, who was an expert in locating fingerprints Irene. We spend time travelling around New Zealand
using laser technology. Ken led me through a in our motorhome and enjoy a more casual, relaxed
complex procedure of using this computer-based lifestyle now.
system and, with the help of two senior professors
at the University of Auckland, we commenced a Do you still enjoy taking photos? I still dabble in
3-month examination of the paper and maps. photography, but vastly different subject matter
to the days I photographed many VIPs, Royalty
Luck was with us when Fingerprint Officer Burridge (Prince Philip), two New Zealand Prime Ministers
positively identified Alain Mafart’s fingerprint on and some thirty well-known actors in the ‘70s
a New Zealand map from the ship. This meant and ‘80s. I take photos for various Metlifecare
we had found the vital evidence Police needed to publications, including The Villager magazine, and I
link Mafart and Prieur to the crimes of murder/ hope to continue taking photos for a long time.
metlifecare.co.nz 31You can also read
