Meet The Residents – Chris and Stuart

Retirement is one of life’s most significant transitions - a time to reflect, to celebrate, and to plan for the years ahead with confidence and excitement. While finances are a key part of retirement planning, choosing where and how you’ll live is equally important.  At The Botanic, one of Auckland’s premier luxury retirement villages, planning your retirement means embracing comfort, community, and a lifestyle designed for growth and connection.  Whether you’re just starting to consider retirement options or supporting a loved one’s journey, this guide will help you understand what life at The Botanic can look like and why it’s a choice so many Aucklanders aspire to make. Why Planning Your Retirement Matters Planning now means you can enjoy retirement living in the peaceful and relaxing environment at The Botanic Planning your retirement is about taking control of your future. It’s about creating a lifestyle that balances comfort, independence, and security. While finances are a key consideration, retirement planning also involves thinking about social connections, wellness, and long-term wellbeing. Research shows that those who prepare in advance feel less stress, enjoy more peace of mind, and adjust more easily to retired life. At The Botanic, we help residents and their families navigate these important decisions. Our retirement planning resources provide clarity on topics such as retirement age, eligibility for NZ Superannuation, and financial considerations. For a deeper dive, you can explore our guides on: Planning for Retirement: Financial Considerations Retirement Age in New Zealand: What You Need to Know Understanding Retirement in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide NZ Superannuation and Eligibility Financial planning ensures peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy retirement without unnecessary stress. But equally important is the environment in which you live - one that supports health, community, and engagement. Accommodation Options at The Botanic Our garden villas at The Botanic The Rimu Apartments at The Botanic The Botanic offers a range of beautifully designed villas and apartments, tailored to different needs, tastes, and life stages. Homes are crafted for both style and ease, with features like spacious, open-plan layouts, private outdoor areas, and advanced safety systems ensuring long-term comfort and security. Choose between light-filled villas with gardens or modern apartments close to amenities. Adaptability for future needs - most homes are ready for home care support. Pet-friendly options and personalisation so every resident feels truly at home. For a closer look at the options, visit Types of Accommodation at The Botanic A Vibrant Community and Social Life More than 95% of residents in New Zealand retirement villages report high satisfaction with the sense of community and wellbeing. At The Botanic, belonging is at the heart of village life - clubs, activities, and spontaneous gatherings help residents form lasting friendships and stay active. Daily fitness and wellness classes, gardening, creative clubs, hobby groups, and spiritual gatherings. A full events calendar, from summer barbecues to guest speakers and charity events. Supportive staff, resident committees, and volunteer opportunities to foster shared purpose and connection. Learn about daily life and social opportunities: Community Activities at The Botanic World-Class Amenities The Botanic is home to many world-class amenities, supporting residents to stay active and engaged with nature. The Botanic offers amenities that rival luxury resorts, designed to enhance your daily life and wellbeing. Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, on-site dining, and dedicated wellness spaces. These are some of the amenities that set The Botanic apart: Landscaped gardens, walking paths, bowling green, putting green. Gym and Poolhouse for wellness and fitness. The Clubhouse Café plus coming soon - cinema, croquet and pétanque courts, golf simulator, wellness centre, and activities rooms. Emergency call systems, transport, and on-site maintenance for absolute peace of mind. Explore The Botanic’s full suite of amenities: Amenities at The Botanic Resident Stories Nothing illustrates life at The Botanic better than the stories of our residents. For many, the decision to move here has been transformative: providing peace of mind, a sense of belonging, and a renewed zest for life. “We have made some wonderful new friends and love spending time with them. There are a lot of very impromptu meals and wines together in our homes or The Clubhouse Café!”- Kaye & Tony  “We have made some wonderful new friends and love spending time with them. There are a lot of very impromptu meals and wines together in our homes or The Clubhouse Café!”- Kaye & Tony  “The lack of stress, and we feel so relaxed because our time is our own to enjoy. That said, strolling around the village takes forever because of all the impromptu conversations we now have with our new friends, neighbours, and acquaintances.”- Rosemary & Paul  “We love our apartment, we love all the incredible friends we’ve made, and we love the village community.”- Chris and Stuart Each story points to The Botanic’s blend of luxury, safety, and connection - a lifestyle that helps residents continue to flourish in later years. The Role of Financial Planning in Retirement Thoughtful financial planning amplifies the benefits of retirement living, protecting wealth, controlling costs, and accessing all the right supports. The Botanic offers transparent fees and guidance for: Budgeting for daily expenses and amenities Understanding NZ Superannuation and eligibility Planning for future healthcare needs Key financial resources: Financial Considerations Understanding Retirement in NZ Next Steps in Your Retirement Journey Ready to plan your retirement at The Botanic? Download our retirement planning checklist (coming soon). Sign up for our Spring Open Weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October, or book a personal guided tour with one of our lovely sales team if you can’t wait until then! Check out all the latest news, advice and guidance in our News section with informational posts mixed in with resident stories. Frequently Asked Questions What makes retirement living at The Botanic different from other villages? The Botanic’s unique blend of luxury accommodation, vibrant community, personalised wellness amenities, and resident involvement ensures a truly aspirational and fulfilling lifestyle. Extensive choices and future-proofed design set it apart. How do I know if retirement village living is right for me or my family? Visiting, talking to residents and staff, and exploring checklist resources can help determine the right fit. The Botanic invites prospective residents to experience its community firsthand. What costs should I expect at The Botanic? Transparent entry and weekly fees, plus additional services for care if needed, make budgeting easy. Are amenities and activities included in fees? Most day-to-day amenities, social clubs, and scheduled activities are covered by resident fees. Optional extras (private healthcare, meals, etc.) are clearly outlined. Can my family visit and participate in village life? Absolutely - The Botanic encourages family involvement, with guest facilities and open events that make it easy to stay connected. In Summary Planning your retirement at The Botanic means more than just preparing for change; it’s about embracing the next chapter with clarity, comfort, and confidence, and above all, excitement. As one of Auckland’s leading luxury retirement villages, The Botanic offers aspiring residents the reassurance of world-class amenities, a robust community, and long-term value. Start your journey today, and discover how retirement in New Zealand can be everything you imagined and more.

Would you like to find out more about luxury retirement living on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast? Mark your calendars for The Botanic Silverdale’s Special Spring Open Weekend on Saturday, 11th October, and Sunday, 12th October, from 10am to 4pm. Come along to 27 Evergreen Drive, Silverdale and see first-hand what makes The Botanic Silverdale the Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury retirement village. Exclusive Access to Our Newly Completed Villas! The hard work is over, and our brand new two and three-bedroom villas are now available to view at The Botanic Silverdale – and they’re even better in person! The finishing touches are complete, and now is the perfect time to come and explore these beautifully designed luxury homes. From premium finishes to seamless access and sun-filled outlooks, every detail has been designed with lifestyle in mind, and now it’s yours to see! Step inside our new, single-level duplex villas, and you’ll find stylish, light-filled interiors with generous storage and a layout that makes everyday living easy. Each home includes an internally accessed carpark and enjoys easy access to all the village’s luxury amenities. Discover the Rimu Apartments The Rimu Apartments at The Botanic If apartment living is more your style, our two-bedroom Rimu apartments are a must-see – with prices starting from $945,000. Each residence combines contemporary design with generous proportions, offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan layout that flows seamlessly to your private balcony. It’s the perfect blend of privacy and connection, with the added bonus of having all of The Botanic’s luxury amenities right at your doorstep. Of course, if you can’t wait until October, you can arrange a personal visit and tour of any of our available properties with our wonderful sales team – Michelle and Kathryn. Call today on 0508 268 264 or complete a contact form and one of the team will be in touch. Life at The Botanic, Silverdale Life at The Botanic is about so much more than living in a beautiful retirement home on the Hibiscus Coast. It’s about being part of a vibrant and connected community with luxury amenities right on your doorstep - from The Clubhouse Cafe to the wellness centre, pool, and Community Gardens - this is resort-style retirement living at its very best. What Can You Expect at the Open Weekend? 1. Tour Our Stunning New Two and Three-Bedroom Villas Meet our fabulous sales team, Michelle and Kathryn in the Show Home as they guide you through our luxury, light-filled retirement homes with high-spec finishing, fabulous indoor-outdoor flow, and the very best in modern retirement living. 2. Learn About Life at The Botanic Meet some of our Residents and hear their stories about retiring, village life, and how they contribute to our vibrant community. Whether it’s walking through The Botanic’s landscaped pathways, admiring the Community Gardens, or finding out more about The Botanic’s resident-led social activities, you’ll gain a true sense of what life is like here at The Botanic. 3. Explore World-Class Amenities You are free to walk through our village, or we can drive you in one of our golf carts. While here, be sure to check out our Wellness Centre, which includes a 20m lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym. And if you’re feeling peckish, make sure you visit The Clubhouse Café and grab a coffee and a sweet treat on us! 4. Discover Resort-Style Living The Botanic offers amenities that redefine retirement living, and as one of our recent blog posts highlights, The Botanic “is a modern retirement village that is rich in connection and community, supporting like-minded residents to live the retirement they choose in a vibrant, nature-rich environment”. Why Visit The Botanic? Situated on Auckland’s beautiful Hibiscus Coast, The Botanic offers people more than just a place to live - it provides a lifestyle which is rich in connection, wellness, purpose, and joy. It really is the ‘best-in-class’ in modern retirement living, supporting Residents to live well, naturally, in their golden years. Plan Your Visit When: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025 Time: 10am-4pm Where: The Botanic Silverdale, 27 Evergreen Drive, Silverdale For more information, contact Michelle or Kathryn on 0508 268 264 or fill out a contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you. Come and see why more than 200 retirees now call The Botanic home. We can’t wait to welcome you! If you’re still not sure whether retirement living is for you, make sure you check out some of our recent posts, which are here to help guide you through the retirement process: https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/what-types-of-accommodation-are-available-at-the-botanic/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/life-at-the-botanic-redefining-luxury-retirement-living-in-silverdale/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/understanding-retirement-in-new-zealand-a-comprehensive-guide/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/the-right-time-to-make-the-move/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/making-the-move-to-the-botanic/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/an-introduction-to-the-botanic-silverdale/

Life at The Botanic is about so much more than beautiful surroundings and luxury accommodation – it’s about belonging to a vibrant, like-minded community where every day offers new opportunities to connect, participate, and thrive.  From relaxed morning coffees with neighbours to lively bowls tournaments, art classes, and seasonal gatherings in the gardens, the social heartbeat of our village is what turns a beautiful place to live into a truly inspiring lifestyle. Here, friendships form easily, interests are celebrated, and residents shape a calendar of activities as varied and enriching as the people who call The Botanic home. What Daily and Seasonal Activities Can Residents Enjoy at The Botanic? Community activities like Thursday morning aquacise is one of more than a dozen Resident-led clubs hosted at the village. Residents at The Botanic experience a vibrant calendar of daily, weekly, and seasonal activities, designed to support wellness, social connection, and personal fulfilment. From sunrise yoga to afternoon bowls and summer garden barbecues, there’s something happening at every turn. Fitness & Wellness Classes: Armchair yoga, aquacise, tai chi, strength and balance classes in the gym and Poolhouse. Creative Pursuits: Resident-led art classes, music groups like the Ukulele club, and mahjong sessions in The Hub. Games & Sports: Rollup bowls twice weekly on the world-class green, bridge, indoor games, and seasonal competitions. Spiritual & Social Gatherings: Christian Home Group, easy yoga and meditation, and whisky appreciation nights foster community spirit. Nature & Gardening: The community gardens bustle with planting, harvesting, and shared barbecues in warmer months - a resident-led hub producing fresh fruit and vegetables. What Social Clubs and Interest Groups Exist at The Botanic? The Botanic’s social scene is driven by resident enthusiasm. Clubs and groups span creative, recreational, and social interests, many initiated and led by villagers themselves. Notable groups and regular classes include: Art Class (Tuesdays, The Hub) Mahjong (Wednesdays, The Hub) Ukulele Group (Mondays, The Hub) Yoga and Meditation Travel Club Whisky Appreciation Group Christian Home Group Strength & Balance Exercise Bridge Players Bowling Rollup “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.”-Lanie & Laurie, Residents Every club welcomes new members and input, making it easy for new arrivals to get involved, suggest new activities, and quickly become part of the Botanic family. The Clubhouse Café and bowling green are social hubs, hosting spontaneous and planned gatherings, lunches, and games all year round. How Do Friendships and Connections Flourish in Village Life? The Botanic is renowned for its caring, inclusive spirit where lasting friendships are formed and daily support is always available. Resident stories highlight the transformative power of community: “If you’re not well, everyone is so caring and it’s a secure and safe place to live… 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.”-Lanie & Laurie “Life in The Botanic is like living in a resort surrounded by a group of friends…the key is to stay active and have something to look forward to every day! ”-Bets & Bob “I love the community and the people. Involve yourself in groups, stay connected to your community, and stay active…You’ll make friends and meet a wonderful gathering of people.”-Helen “Our community is full of like-minded, intelligent people who all have interesting lives to learn about, and great stories to tell…we have a fantastic feeling of ‘belonging’ within a community of like-minded new friends.”-Rosemary and Paul The Clubhouse Café, fitness centre, Hub, and gardens make it easy for residents to meet, share a meal, embark on new hobbies, or simply enjoy nature in each other’s company. New arrivals consistently remark on the welcoming atmosphere and the ease of joining social circles. What Makes Social Life at The Botanic Stand Out? The combination of world-class amenities, proactive resident involvement, and supportive management means life at The Botanic is never dull. Residents have autonomy - they can choose to fill their days with group outings, quiet pursuits, or time with visiting friends and family. The pet-friendly community, beautifully landscaped grounds, and inclusive values extend that sense of welcome to everyone. Frequently Asked Questions How can new residents get involved in activities? Simply show up! Residents are invited to join any group or class, propose new clubs, or participate in planning seasonal events. The social calendar is published weekly and can be accessed at the Clubhouse Café or through resident communications. Are activities and clubs resident-led? Yes, most groups are initiated and organised by residents. Management provides support and resources, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get involved or lead a passion project. Closeup, people playing card game What if I am looking for more privacy? Residents can balance private time with community engagement as desired. Homes and gardens offer peaceful retreats, while social programmes are always available when wanted. How are friendships and support fostered? Events, clubs, shared meals, and garden projects naturally build connections. Residents describe a culture of caring and inclusion that extends to wellness, emotional support, and practical help with daily needs. Life at The Botanic offers a fulfilling blend of activity, friendship, and autonomy, the ideal setting for thriving in retirement. With daily wellness opportunities, vibrant clubs, and supportive neighbours, every resident can shape their experience and savour life’s best moments in award-winning surroundings. Why Choose The Botanic for Your Next Home? The Botanic’s villas and apartments deliver the gold standard in luxury, security, and independence, set amidst spectacular gardens and a vibrant, supportive community. This is an aspirational lifestyle, thoughtfully designed to adapt to you. For more about our accommodation option, check out our recent post on the types of accommodation available at The Botanic or learn more about life at The Botanic. For personal consultations, 3D virtual tours, or to learn more about available homes, contact the team at The Botanic. Start your next chapter in a place where our residents are living a life less ordinary.