Meet The Residents – Mary and Barry
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 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?
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’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.
