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.