Where did you move from? A four-bedroom 1920s classic Mt Eden bungalow.
What do you love most about The Botanic? The people. It is a very young-at-heart and active group of Residents.
What are you enjoying about retired life? Life is full and unpressured. When did I ever have time to work!?
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? Don’t leave it too late! Retire when you can fully enjoy the fruits of your labour.
How do you live a life filled with purpose? Engage in what you want to do, rather than what you have to do. Living in a village lets you do as much or as little as you want. Since I’ve moved in, if people ask me how I am, I say “I’m always good!
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? It’s close to Auckland, but also worlds apart. It’s also reduced the drive to the bach by at least 30 minutes.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic? It’s like having 160 flatmates! You have to make compromises to ensure it works for everyone, but we are all aiming for the same goal – a co-operative sense of community.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village? Think about what you are looking for in a retirement community, and look around. Talk to the residents. Consider amenities, activities, location, and access to public transport.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life? We still have a bach with lawns, gardens and maintenence to do, but it’s no longer a drag. Lock up and leave couldn’t be better. There is an opportunity to be involved in the village gardens and vegetable patch.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? Colin loves the Lambs Fry and Bacon, and Pip enjoys the salads and soup and anything in the desserts cabinet. The Cafe and staff are wonderful!
What is advice to live by? Life is not a dress rehearsal. Love it, live it, and always think of others.
Where did you move from?
My family home in Birkenhead.
What do you love most about The Botanic?
I love the community and the people. I walk Milly around the village at least twice a day and everyone stops to chat. It’s a lovely place to live.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
I can do what I want to do. I go out to lunch with my daughter once a week and my sons and their families visits. I am part of a women’s lunch group here who lunch once a month. I do strength and balance, tai chi classes and meet up with friends from the village all the time. I am so busy!
What have you learnt about retirement village living that you wished you’d known before?
I like that it’s safe, and I can have a garden. I don’t think twice about taking Milly outside to the loo at night. Even though we live in our own homes, our neighbours are close and people are always nearby.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
I was 40 and had four children when my husband died of cancer. My friend said to me that I should seek comfort in my garden and plants and that was great advice. My gardens and my bonsai bring me great joy. It’s the old Chinese way. Plants are spiritual to me, and it is grounding to put your hands in the earth. Plants give me purpose. Milly and my cats too!
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
Everything is so handy in Silverdale. King’s Plant Barn is walking distance, and I catch the bus to the city to regularly meet my group of 8 friends from the Chinese Community for outings. We call ourselves the Golden Oldies. We’re currently planning a trip to Hobbiton.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
Friendly, welcoming, and helpful. My neighbours are especially wonderful and help me without hesitation.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Do it. You’ll make friends and meet a wonderful gathering of people.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
The Thai Salad.
What is a great quote (or advice) you live by?
Involve yourself in groups, stay connected to your community, and stay active.
Where did you move from?
A lifestyle block in Kaukapakapa.
What do you love most about The Botanic?
The location, making new friends, living life with amazing people, and the ‘time freedom’ we now have.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
The freedom to design our lives and follow our passions.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
Life in The Botanic is like living in a resort surrounded by a group of friends.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Bets – I try to live with intention and make conscious and mindful choices that align with my values and skills. For example, I am a former nurse so I am studying to become a better Strength and Balance instructor to help residents to live stronger for longer. Bob – the key is to stay active and have something to look forward to every day!
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
The climate, it’s easy to stay active, we’re close to family, and you’re never far from a sea view.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
Friendly, vibrant, young at heart and diverse, and everyone is striving to live a ‘life less ordinary’.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Don’t put it off! The benefits of village life will enrich your life each and every day.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
Bets loves the Salmon Roulade and Bob loves anything sweet from the cabinet!
What is a great quote (or advice) you live by?
You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream (Bets). Love and respect one’s partner (Bob).
Where did you move from?
Kensington Park.
What do you love most about The Botanic?
Barry: I can’t drive because of health reasons but I am a traveller, and I have seen so much of Auckland by taking the bus which is located at the front gate of our village.
Mary: I love so much about life here and I really like that residents design and develop all the group activities.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
Mary: I’ve used the freedom of my retirement years to become a competent cellist again which is marvelous.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
Barry: There’s a lot of joy in listening to other people’s life stories. You get to know so many people and they have such interesting life experiences. At my age, it has provided an opportunity for growth because I’m learning so much from others.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Mary: I’ve always got a purpose. It could be developing a new skill or running a business. I get out of bed early ready to ‘punch a hole in the morning’.
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
Barry: The beaches, the warm swimming water, and some of the great cafes.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
Mary: Lively! Everyone who lives here has a genuinely strong desire to see this place succeed.
Barry: At the recent Open Weekend, so many residents were here showing visitors around. It is rare and it is wonderful.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Mary: Find a place that gladdens your heart, and go early. The Botanic is where so many people are starting new lives and so you get an opportunity to make new friendships. That is a gift.
How has the ‘no maintenance’ lifestyle changed your life?
Barry: I love it. One of the huge advantages is that I can stop and admire what the landscapers have done, and be grateful for all the time they have put into planning and developing our Community Garden.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
Barry: I say this without an ounce of shame, it is the beer-battered Snapper. I think I’ve had it once a week for the last 8 months.
Mary: My favourite is probably the curry, and the salads are always interesting too.
What is a great quote to live by?
Barry: If you don’t do it now, when will you do it?
Mary: Just do it.
Where did you move from?
Kumeu, overlooking Kumeu River Winery.
What do you love most about the Botanic?
We love our apartment, we love all the incredible friends we’ve made, and we love the village community.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
Being spontaneous, spending more time with family, and travelling when we want to.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
That your retirement years will be some of your best years.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Our careers were about serving others and caring for people, and we’ve always loved being involved and being available for others. So now we’re looking at ways of doing that differently.
What is the best thing about living on the Hibiscus coast?
Someone said to us that you don’t need to leave the Coast because everything you need is here, and that’s so true. It’s great having the beaches so close.
How would you describe the community at the Botanic?
Caring, a lot of fun, and very inclusive.
What is your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Don’t leave it too late. Go while you are still young enough to enjoy all there is on offer.
How has the lock up and leave lifestyle changed your life?
We don’t have to worry about getting someone to look after our property when we go away. We can go away in our motorhome or overseas to escape the winter whenever we like.
What is your favourite dish at the clubhouse?
For Chris, it’s Gary’s special salmon and feta omelette, and Stuart loves the lamb shanks.
What is a great quote to live by?
“Never put a full stop where a comma ought to be.” The story doesn’t always have to end.
Where did you move from?
We moved to The Botanic from Stanmore Bay where we lived in a single level, three-bedroom home with a big garden. It was a lot of work, and we were starting to have a few health issues, as you do. In the end, Laurie realised he liked playing golf more than he liked gardening so here we are!
What do you love most about The Botanic?
There is just so much to do. It’s a wonderful community and we’ve made so many new friends. If you’re not well, everyone is so caring and it’s a secure and safe place to live.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
There is always something happening, and it’s just a lot of fun. Lanie has gone back to playing bowls, and Laurie’s playing bowls as well as golf now. We just love being retired.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
If we had our time again, we would have moved sooner. We’re now 82 and 80, and in hindsight we should have moved about five years ago. The older you are, the more stressful it can be to move, but now that we’re here it’s wonderful.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
That’s easy! There’s plenty to do here. It’s a bit like being on a cruise. You can choose to participate or not. Life has got much busier and we have to make the time to see our outside friends. There’s just so much going on.
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
For us, it’s definitely the proximity to water. The beautiful beaches are all around us with lovely views, and Orewa is just down the road. The sea is never far away.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
It’s a lovely bunch and the village is full of like-minded people. So many of us have similar interests, and we all get along so well. The girls go out for lunch a lot, and the boys do the same!
The Botanic is a pet-friendly village. Did that help you make the decision to move here?
That was everything to us. There was no way we would have moved without Maya too, and we needed to make sure the village worked for her too. She’s loved by everyone. If we go away, there are plenty of people at the village who will look after her for us.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life?
If we go away, it’s such a relief to come home and the garden looks immaculate. You don’t come home to a foot-long lawn!
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
For Laurie, it’s the lamb shanks and Lanie’s a fan of the roast chicken stuffed with mushrooms and bacon.
What is your favourite Botanic amenity?
The Clubhouse Café and the bowling green but when our great-grandchildren come to visit it’s straight to the pool. They just love it in there.
What is great advice to live by?
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Don’t step back in retirement, always step forward. Enjoy your life and make sure you stay active.
Where did you move from?
We both grew up in a small town in North Canterbury but Grant’s career in insurance saw us live all over the world. When our family was young, we lived across Africa and Asia but for the last 30 years we have lived in Mairangi Bay and Browns Bay before moving to The Botanic
What do you love most about The Botanic?
The support and empathy from residents and staff, and it’s been that way from day one. It’s an open, relaxed, and friendly environment. We also love our villa, and the wonderful amenities including The Clubhouse Café, the pool and gym complex, and the Community Garden.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
We were well placed for retirement. Ten years before retiring Grant, stepped away from corporate life, reduced his hours to four days a week, and worked for a smaller family style business. Julie also worked part time for many years after raising four children. The two of us had many interests outside of working life, and that is essential for a good retirement.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Grant is involved in sport, and is kept busy as the Secretary of the Residents’ Association. Julie is involved in many activities at the village including exercise classes, Mahjong, and art classes. She also looks after the flowers in The Clubhouse Café, and our family plays a big part in our retirement too. We love the camaraderie, being able to stay fit, and the freedom.
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
The closeness to all amenities including the beaches, shopping, and healthcare. There is easy access to the motorway, and the Park and Ride is just across the road.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
Wonderful! Youthful in attitude, willing to mix and participate, and friendly and inclusive.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Don’t leave it too late. It is a major change and there is some upheaval, so do it while you can. It takes time to transition, but there are many things to engage in and enjoy. Also, support is at hand if a partner becomes ill or incapacitated.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life?
We love it. We can easily visit family and friends overseas and Julie’s plants get tended too. If we aren’t in our campervan, we know it’s safe here at the village.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
There are so many choices, but Grant loves the lamb shanks, and Julie’s favourites are the Thai Salad and the Fish and Chips.
What is a great quote you live by?
“Use it, or lose it”! Don’t look back. Be empathetic and accept new challenges.
What do you love most about The Botanic?
There are many things about the Botanic I love, but number one would be the open, modern architecture and impeccably kept gardens. It has an American Country Club feel to it without the hefty fees.
Where did you move to The Botanic from?
Kensington Park, Orewa.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
I love the freedom that comes with retirement. How I spend each day is entirely up to me. I especially enjoy lingering over a long lunch with friends.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
It’s not about sitting around waiting to grow old. Life carries on in much the same way as before with lots of added bonuses and minus the restrictions that come with getting up early and going to work each day.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
That’s easy. I’m constantly planning my time and seem to always have a full diary.
What do you love most about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
The Hibiscus Coast is where I holidayed as a child. Now that I live here permanently I feel like I’m always on holiday.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic?
They’re a lively bunch of super friendly, fun-loving, ‘young’ people who thoroughly enjoy their lives.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life?
Going away overnight or longer couldn’t be easier. I can pack my bags and walk out the door knowing my home is safe and secure.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
For me it’s definitely the soup! When the cafe staff see me coming they almost always guess my order.
What is your favourite Botanic amenity?
I love the pool. It’s great for swimming lengths. Then to relax in the spa pool afterwards is the sweet reward.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Just do it! Your life will magically become a whole lot easier.
What is some great advice to live by?
Engage with people and stay interested.
Where did you move from?
Kensington Park, Orewa.
What do you love most about The Botanic?
The community here is so friendly and welcoming. In no time at all, we knew everyone and they knew us. We love walking through the gardens too sometimes we stroll through them 2-3 times a day.
What are you enjoying about retired life?
Doing what you want, when you want. We love the freedom and its reassuring to know that if we need anything done, like a lightbulb changed, it’s all taken care of.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
Our retirement was gradual. Ron had a long and successful career in insurance before slowly reducing his hours to part-time, and then fully retiring 15 years ago. The key is to do it in stages and it’s an easy, fun process for everyone.
How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Keeping fit and active is really important. The gardens are beautiful and we go for a walk 2-3 times a day, and Ron is at the gym at 7.30am every morning, and then in the pool. He’s usually home for coffee by 9am!
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
The quieter life. We’ve lived on the Hibiscus Coast for 12 years and we love that there’s always a lot going on here, but we’re out of the hustle and bustle.
“We love the freedom and its reassuring to know that if we need anything done, like a lightbulb changed, it’s all taken care of.”
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Don’t leave it too late. Talk to residents who are already living in the village and find out about their experiences. Ask any questions you have, and always look at the bigger picture.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life?
You don’t have any security concerns living in a retirement village, and that’s a big benefit to us.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
It’s hard to pick one, but the lambs fry is a good deal, and Ron likes the steak, egg, and chips too. But all the food is fantastic.
What is the advice you live by?
Keep busy, keep your mind occupied, socialise regularly, and keep moving. That’s the key to enjoying a great retirement.