Meet The Residents – Colin and Pip

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.