Our Residents

Meet The Residents – Pauline and Ron

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.

Published 10 May 2024

Recent Posts

Discover Luxury Living at The Botanic: Special Autumn Open Weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025

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 Autumn Open Weekend on Saturday, 17th May, and Sunday, 18th May, from 10am to 4pm. Come along to 17 Small Road, Silverdale and see first-hand what makes The Botanic Silverdale the Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury retirement village. What Can You Expect at the Open Weekend? 1. Tour Our Stunning Apartments and see Villas under construction 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 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025Time: 10am-4pmWhere: The Botanic Silverdale, 17 Small Road, 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 170 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/choosing-a-retirement-village-that-is-right-for-you/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/how-to-embrace-your-retirement-years/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/unique-features-and-benefits-of-the-botanic/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/embracing-a-new-chapter/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/the-right-time-to-make-the-move/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/downsizing-tips-and-advice/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/moving-to-the-botanic-luxury-retirement-village/
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Meet The Residents – Rosemary and Paul

Where did you move from? Originally, we were from Torbay/Waiake Beach and moved to a new townhouse on Millwater Parkway. It was a very happy 8 years, but in the last year we began looking for a new development and when "The Botanic" show room first opened, the luxury lifestyle village really appealed to us. What do you love most about The Botanic? The great design, the lovely garden setting, and the fantastic feeling of ‘belonging’ within a community of like-minded new friends. What are you enjoying about retired life? 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. What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? We had no idea just how busy we would become! There’s no time to be bored! How do you live a life filled with purpose? We have always been active, but now we have the time to make great use of our electric bikes, golf, beach walking and also the pool, gym, and the bowling green. What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? The close proximity to one of our daughters and our four-year-old granddaughter, and taking part in all their activities including Sunday morning "Nippers" with Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s great having Orewa on our doorstep and the Silverdale Central Mall. How would you describe the community at The Botanic? Amazing! Our community is full of like-minded, intelligent people who all have interesting lives to learn about, and great stories to tell. How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life? Through Christmas and New year, we went away for five weeks and never once worried about our villa or our gardens.  The two of us travel a lot so the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle is a real bonus. It makes retirement stress-free. What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? Paul loves the The Clubhouse Cafe "Big Breakfast" - even if it is not Breakfast time! And Rosemary loves cooking and creating meals at home, but she’s a fan of the year-round Clubhouse Soup offerings which are creative, and constantly changing with the seasons. What is a great quote (or advice) you live by? Do it - now!
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Moving to The Botanic Luxury Retirement Village: Transition Support Services Offered

Making the move to a retirement village is a big life decision – one that comes with a lot of hope and excitement but also elements of anxiety. The team at The Botanic Silverdale is experienced at supporting new Residents into their homes and making sure the transition is smooth, supportive, and tailored around every new resident’s needs. Our team has already helped many Residents to make the move to The Botanic, and we understand that everyone’s journey is different. Whether you want hands-on assistance and support every step of the way, or prefer to take things at your own pace, we can provide the level of support that suits your needs. Transition into The Botanic's community is smooth and supportive. More than 170 retirees call The Botanic Silverdale 'home'. If you’re beginning to think about retirement village living, don’t let the thought of logistics or change hold you back. Our transition support team can guide you through every step of the move, helping with everything from practical arrangements to emotional support, so you can begin your new chapter with confidence and ease. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the warmth of our community. It’s not just our team that steps in to help – our Residents often lend a hand with everything from moving furniture, to introducing you to clubs and events that make life at The Botanic so rich and rewarding. If the idea of moving feels daunting, we hope this blog helps to ease those concerns and inspires you to take the next step with confidence. Come and talk to us. We’d love to show you what life at The Botanic could look like for you or those you love. Comprehensive Transition Support Services From the first time you visit The Botanic, you’ll feel the genuine sense of community that runs through the village - not only among our Residents but across every member of our team. Nowhere is this welcoming spirit more evident than with our exceptional sales team, Michelle and Kathryn. For most Residents, Michelle and Kathryn were their first point of contact – whether through a friendly phone call, a welcoming email, or a personal guided tour of The Botanic. Their passion for the village shines through in everything they do, ensuring that each Resident and prospective Resident has everything they need to enjoy a life less ordinary. Their support doesn’t stop once you’ve decided to make The Botanic your home. Michelle and Kathryn are with you every step of the way, offering a range of tailored services to make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, including: Kathryn is our Sales Consultant and Administrator. Michelle is our Sales Manager. 1. Personalised Relocation Consultations If you need support, our dedicated team will work closely with you to develop a relocation plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking advice on downsizing, managing timelines, or planning the layout of your new home, we provide one-on-one support to ensure the process aligns with you and your priorities. 2. Partnered Moving Services We collaborate with trusted moving professionals who specialise in senior relocations. From careful packing to safe transportation and thoughtful setup, these experts handle every detail to make sure your belongings arrive safely, and are placed where you want them. 3. Home Personalisation Assistance We’re here to help you make your new villa or apartment feel like home. Our team offers guidance on furniture placement, accessibility features and dêcor. Whatever your style, we’ll help you create a space that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and the way you want to live. 4. Emotional and Social Integration We understand that transitioning to a new community can feel overwhelming. To make this easier, we offer: Resident Mentors: Friendly faces are on hand to offer support, share insights, and help you settle in. Welcome Events: Join social gatherings and activities designed to foster friendships and a sense of belong from day one. At The Botanic, we are committed to making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Many of our Residents tell us they felt at home almost immediately thanks to the wonderful support of our team and the welcoming community they’ve joined. Resident Mentors are on hand to help you settle into retirement village life. The Botanic's resident community is warm and welcoming. Beyond the Move: Ongoing Community Integration Our support doesn’t end when you receive the keys to your beautiful new villa or apartment. Our team remains available to answer any questions or help with anything you might need after you move in. However, the greatest source of support for new Residents often comes from within the wonderful Botanic community who are always read to welcome new neighbours and help them settle into village life. Here are just some of the ways our community helps new Residents to feel at home: 1. Social Programs an Amenities The Botanic’s vibrant lifestyle is built around resident-led initiatives and premium facilities, including: Recreational Activities: Swim in the 20m heated pool, work out in the gym, relax in the spa, enjoy the bowling green, or take part in fitness classes and gardening clubs. Future Amenities: Look forward to a golf simulator, cinema, and croquet court, all designed to support and enrich your lifestyle. 2. Health & Wellness Support Smart-Home Technology: Every home is equipped with emergency call systems and enhanced security features for your peace of mind. Future Aged Care: A dedicated 40-bed care facility is in development and will offer continuity of care as Residents’ needs change over time. MyLumin screens are fitted in every home and ensure residents remain connected at any time of the day and night. 3. Security and Peace of Mind The Botanic offers 24/7 emergency response systems and a secure environment providing Residents with safety and freedom, while also ensuring they feel part of the Silverdale community. The thoughtful, open-plan design of our villas and apartments promotes independent living, allowing Residents to enjoy peace of mind without compromising on lifestyle. Resident Testimonials: A Community That Cares Bets and Bob describe life at The Botanic like “living in a resort surrounded by friends.” They speak about the ease of transitioning and are grateful for the support they have received from staff. They find joy participating in a “life less ordinary” alongside like-minded retirees. Colin and Pip moved to The Botanic from Mt Eden and their advice for people thinking about moving to a retirement village is to “think about what you are looking for in a retirement community, and look around. Talk to the residents. Consider amenities, activities, location, and good access to public transport.” Barry and Mary are loving life at The Botanic and are grateful for the strong and supporting community, “At the recent Open Weekend, so many residents were here showing visitors around. It is rare and it is wonderful.” When asked what they love most about The Botanic, Laurie and Lanie were quick to point out the caring community, “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.” Conclusion: Your Seamless Transition Awaits At The Botanic, we believe moving to a retirement village should mark the beginning of an exciting chapter, not a stressful ordeal. Our end-to-end support, combined with luxury amenities and a welcoming community, ensure you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying your retirement to the fullest. Ready to experience a stress-free move? Contact Michelle or Kathryn at 0508 268 264 to discuss our available homes, or browse our website to explore villa and apartment options. Michelle Pipping, Sales Manager Kathryn Rule, Sales Consultant and Administrator
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