Re andr at |Friday, 26 August,2022
Welcome home Forthelifeyou want to live metlifecare.co.nz l0800909303 Retire withMetlifecare Since 1984,we’ve beentrusted forcreating exceptional retirementvillagesthatenrichNew Zealander’s lives. Fromnewdevelopments to establishedvillages,coastalvillas withoceanviews to apartments overlookingthefairway, wherever youare,weare proudlypart of yourcommunity. Whileall ourvillagesareunique,there’ssomethingthat all ourpeoplehave in common –ourcommitment to making every daybetterforourresidents.
inside |3 Writer Ruby Harfield | Designer CourtneyWenzlick | PrintCommercialManager Kelly Spice HeadofCommercialPublishing&InnovationMargaretHawker AdvertisingEnquiriesE: Kelly.Spice@nzme.co.nz M: 021605297 ANZMEPUBLICATION Travelinsurance amusthave 4 Funandsafe traveloptions 6 The toursarealivewithmusic 9 Takingthestressout of travel 12 LivingitupintheCookIslands 14 Discovera regionbrimming with uniqueattractions and stunning naturallandscapes. Exploreglorious gardensandthemagnificent maunga.Be captivated by worldclass art,fascinatinghistory,and feastontantalisingcuisine. It’s allhereinTaranaki –a region likenoother. EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN TARANAKI ADVENTURE BackBeach ANINITIATIVEOFVENTURE TARANAKI taranaki.co.nz/visit Make aweekendofit! Shopping
travellingto
Comprehensivetravelinsurancehas alwaysbeenrecommendedduringtravel butitisevenmoresoughtafternowdue touncertaintyaroundCovidaswellasthe chanceofgettingsickandhavingtoisolate SafeTravelstatesobtainingcomprehensive travelinsuranceismoreimportantthanever “Ifyoucan’taffordtravelinsurance,you can’taffordtotravel.” HouseofTravelchiefoperatingofficer BrentThomassaidwhenpeoplethinkabout travelinsurancetheyoftenthinkaboutCovid andtheimplicationsiftheyhavetoisolate orbordersclose,butthereareanumberof otherscenariosthatyouwouldwanttravel insurance.
“Athirdofallclaimshappenbeforetakeoff,soinsuranceshouldbetakenatthetime ofbooking,notjustbeforeyoudepart “Youwillalsoneedtodeclareanypredisclosureitemsatthetimeofcompleting yourapplication,toensuretherearen’tany problemswhenorifaclaimismade.”
claimshavemadeupmorethan32percent
Travel insurance amusthave
•Theinsuredpartydecidedtocutshort theirjourneyaftercatchingCovid-19even thoughtheremainderofthejourneywas notaffectedbyCovid-19. Withthatinmind, NewZealandersneed tocarefullyreadthewordingofanypolicies offeringcoverforCovid-19.
waiver,vaccinations,ordocumentsneeded
ThemajorityofCovid-19claimshavebeen coveredbuttherewerestillasmallportion ofclaimswhichweredeclined.Thecommon reasonsfordecliningclaimsincluded: •BeingdiagnosedwithCovid-19while travellingtoadestinationMFAThas classifiedasalevel3traveladvisorydue totherisksofCovid-19.
“Weencouragetravellerstocontact potentialinsurersandaskquestionsabout thedetailsoftheCovid-19coverandwhat wouldandwouldn’tbecoveredincertain situations.”
“Consideradditionalprotectionifyouare doingactivitiesnotcoveredinthestandard policy,likehiringarentalcar,goingskiingor goingonacruiseininternationalwaters.
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Italsohelpstobooktravelwithanagent becausetheywillbeabletosupportyouif planschangeunexpectedly.
Allowingmoretimetogetthrough airportsandtrainstationswillreducesome ofthestressthatpeoplefeelwhentheyare travelling,hesaid.
Asweheadintorecoveryfromthe pandemic,restrictionsarestartingto easeandNewZealandfullyopenedits bordersonJuly31.
SouthernCrossTravelInsurancechief executiveJoMcCauleysaidCovid-19has impactedthewayNewZealandersapproach travelandhasmadeusmoreawareofwhat couldgowrong. “ThethoughtofcontractingCovid-19 whileoverseasmeansthat85percentof NewZealandtravellersnowconsidertravel insuranceahighpriorityforinternational travel.” It’simportanttochecktheMinistryof ForeignAffairsandTradetraveladvisoriesfor destinationsbecauseinsurancecoverusually onlyapplieswhenthereisanadvisorylevel of‘Exercisenormalsafetyandsecurity precautions’(level1)or‘Exerciseincreased caution’(level2)otherwiseyoumaynotbe covered. It’salsonecessarytounderstandwhat bordercontrols(includingvisa,Covid-related maybeinplaceforthedestinationyouare “Thereisnoprovisionforinsurancecover ifyoudonothavethecorrectvisa,visa foryourjourney.” Sincethestartof2022,Covid-19related ofthetotalclaimsreceivedatSouthernCross
“Plustheyhaveaccesstoratesand packagesyoumaynotbeabletoaccessifyou weretobookyourowntrip.”
travelinsurance,orvaccinerequirements)
TravelInsurance.
•Theinsuredcustomerwasn’tdiagnosed withCovid-19themselvesandwasinstead aclosecontactwhichisnotcoveredunder thepolicy.
TravelinsurancewithSouthernCross doesn’tcoveryouifyouexperienceageneral Covidlockdownwhiletravelling,oran Covidhasdisruptedtraveltoand fromNewZealandforthelasttwo andahalfyears.
ByRubyHarfield
HouseofTravelchiefoperatingofficerBrentThomas.
Photos/Supplied
Whenchoosingtravelinsuranceitis importanttolookatwhatiscoveredinthe policyandwhatadd-onsyoumightneed,he said.
“Lostluggage(justlookatthereports ofairportdelaysandlostluggagecoming outofEurope),missedconnections,broken bones,stolenwallets–therearemanythings tothinkabout,butyouwillhavepeaceof mindknowingyouarecoveredifyoutakeout comprehensivetravelinsuranceforyourtrip.”
AirNewZealandhasrecentlyannounced that,despiteopenborders,travelwillbe slightlydifferent.
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Shehadgoodreasontothinkthat way. Paulhadsuffered aheartattack when theywerestilllivingin theirhousewith abigsectioninAvonhead,Christchurch. Thatsharpenedtheirinterestinfinding somewheretolivewhichcombined independencewithcompanionship –and comfortintheknowledgethatmedicalhelp wasavailableatthetouchofa button. Bupa Parkstone turnedouttobethe answer,withtheretirementvillage’s emphasisonsecurityextendingtothe pendantsprovided by analarmsystems company–bringinghelp fastifthe wearer pushesthebuttoninthependant. They movedinsix yearsagobuthadn’t usedthependantuntil Paulendedupin hospital fortwo days recently,following complicationscaused by aboutofCovid-19. Whiletheywaited forthehospitaltransfer, thecompanyrangMayevery fewminutes to checkuponbothofthem. It wasanotherinstancewherethe Wheelerslookedbackontheirdecision tomove intoBupa Parkstonewithsome satisfaction:“It wasabigdecision,”says Paul,nowahealthilyrestored86-year-old. “It wasoneofthosebigonesinlifethat youlookbackon. Forthisone, Icansay, ‘well,that’srightatthetop’.” May, now84,says theirmove tothe retirementvillagegave thempeaceofmind inanother way–their daughter Kerry. “Wedidn’twanttobe aburdento family,” shesays –asentenceoftenheardwhen peoplemove to aplacelikeBupa Parkstone. “Ourdaughterismarvellous –shecaresso muchandshe wasworryingaboutus; we didn’twanttoimposeonher.”
MrForansaidreducingthenumberof flightsmeanstheairlinewillbeabletohave crewonstandbytocoverillness,whichhas notbeenpossiblelately.
“Infact,ourFutureofTravelresearch showedalast-minuteapproachtoplanning holidayfunmightbethewayforward.
Notonlyhave PaulandMayfoundnew friendsat Parkstone,theyhave,asPaul putsit,“comeoutofourshells”.May, inparticular wasshy,hesays,butsince movingto Parkstonehas developednewfoundconfidence.
minimisedisruptionandprovidesuretyfor ourcustomersoverthenextsixmonths.” Mostcustomerswhoexperienceaflight changewillbetransferredtoanotherflight onthesamedayfordomestictravel,andfor internationaltravel,onthesamedayoraday eithersideoftheiroriginalbooking. Wherecustomerscannotbe accommodatedwithinthesetimeframes, theymaychangetheirbookingonline,opt intocreditorrequestarefund. AirNewZealand’sdomesticand internationalschedulewillbeoperatingat90 percentofpre-Covidcapacityforthenextsix months. SouthernCross TravelInsurance travelchecklist: It’simportantthatyouchecktheSafe Travelwebsiteandkeepmonitoringforany changestothetraveladvisorywarnings, includingbeforeyoudepartNewZealand andbeforeleavingforeachnewdestination whilstyouareoverseas. Getthemostcomprehensivecoveravailable. Checkyourpolicy. Haveaccesstothedocumentsyouneedto makeaclaim. Somequestionstoconsiderwhen comparingtravelinsurancepoliciesinclude, •Istherecoverforcancellationand medicalexpenses? •Arethereadditionalexcessesorstanddownperiods? •Istherecoverifyou’rediagnosedwith Covidordoesthecoversaythatyouhave tobehospitalised? •Doyouhavesufficientcancellationcover tocovertheexpenses? Howtofoster lastingpeace of mind Safety,security &friends dothetrick forthese80-year-olds.
“Likemanyairlinesaroundtheworld, we’vebeenrampingupouroperationata timewhenCovidandtheflucontinuesto impacttheaviationindustry.
“Forty-eightpercentoftravellerssaidthey wouldonlybookwherethereisafavourable cancellationpolicy,with30percentplanning onwaitinguntilaftertheyarriveata destinationtoavoiddisappointment.”
“Lookingatthedisruptionsourcustomers andstaffhavefacedoverthepastfiveweeks, we’vemadesomeadjustmentstoreduce short-noticecancellationsinthemonths ahead. “Whilewedidfactorsicknessintoour rampupplan,we’veseenthehighestratesof crewsicknessinoveradecade.”
Bothare avid choirsingersand Paul hasnowgraduatedtobeing choirmaster, leadingthe choirof22people.“It keepshim very busy,Ilove it,”says May. “May’sthe wardrobeassistant,”jokes Paul.“You feel alotbetterwhen you’ve had agoodsing,” says May. Findoutmore:Bupa.co.nz “Butnowwe’ve movedhere,”says Paul, “sheishappy. Sheknows we have people aroundusandhelponhandif we needit atalltimes.Shegoes away quite abitwith thefamilyandnowshecandoitwithout worryingaboutus.”
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“Ithinkit’sjustlivinghereandbeingwith peopleallthetime,Maysays.“Itmakesa bigdifferenceand, yes, Idohave alotmore confidencenow. “If you’re feelingdowninthedumps, all youhave todoisgo forawalkinthe corridorsand you’ll bumpintosomeone you knowand you’ll have agoodnatter –itjust makes youfeelbetter.”
TheWheelersmadetheirdecisionquickly. Paulhadbeenputoffbya “pushy”agent from arivalvillagebuttheyjumpedatthe two-bedroomapartmentat Parkstone. “When we firstgotthere, Kerrysaid shedidn’t think we’d likeitbecauseshe thoughtMaywouldmisshergardenand Iwouldmiss myworkshop. Then,as we wereheadingout, Icould hear my wifeand daughterbehindmealreadyplanningand decidingwhere we mightputsomeofour things.”
“Therefore,whenbooking accommodation,activities,andother travel-relatedexpenses,wewouldalways recommendchoosingoptionsthatprovide cancellationorrebookingoptionstoavoid beingleftoutofpocket.
overseascountryclosesitsborders,andthis impactstravelplans/cancellations,shesaid.
PaulandMayWheelerhad aproblem –theretiredcouple wantedtheir independencebut,with Paulhaving hearttrouble,also wantedsafetyand security. “Ihatedthethoughtofbeingleftinour houseon myown,”says May. “I felt we neededtogetsettledintoapartmentliving, so we hadcompanyaroundus.”
SouthernCrossTravelInsurancechiefexecutiveJoMcCauley. Photos/Supplied
Overthenextsixmonths,theairlinewill operateaslightlyreducedscheduleof1.5 percentfewerseatsthanoriginallyplanned, meaningachangetosomeflights.
Paul &May WheelerPhoto/Supplied
AirNewZealandChiefExecutiveOfficer GregForansaidmakingthesechangesnow givescustomersadvancenoticeandwill helptheairlineprovideaservicethat’smore reliableduringitsrebuild.
“We’repullingoutallthestopsto
ABOVE: No.8Toursoffersseniorsawaytomakefriendsandexplorethecountryinstyle. No.8ToursownersAndyandSarahSomerville. No.8Tours-NewZealand’sSeniorTravel Cluboffersgrouptours,showsand daytripsthroughoutthecountryand occasionalvisitstoAustraliaforseniorcitizens. Owner,AndySomerville,talkstowriter RubyHarfieldabouthowthecompanyhelps peopleover75enjoytravelataleisurelypace. Whataresomegoodtraveloptionsforolder peopleinNewZealand? Forolderfolk,grouptravelprovidedbyatour companyisagreatoption-it’sfunanditis safe.Alltheplanning,booking,andpayments forallthesuppliesandaccommodation, transportandattractionsaredoneforyou.If somethingdoesn’tgotoplanit’stheirproblem tosortoutandnotyourworryandatatime whentheindustryisregainingitsfeet,it’snice tohaveacompanytakecareofanyhiccups alongthewayforyou. Grouptravelalsoprovidesaniceway toexpandyourgroupoffriends.Ashared experiencemakesforgreatbondinganda startingpointtodeveloprelationshipsthat lastalifetimearoundthecommoninterestof travel. Grouptravelwilloftenprovide opportunitiesthatanindependenttraveller maynothaveavailabletothem.Forexample, aprivatehomeorinterestingbusinessismore likelytoentertaintheideaofavisitbyagroup overacoupleofenthusiasticandcurious travellersknockingontheirdoor. TellmeaboutNo.8Tours. WehavebeenspecialisingintravelforNew ZealandSeniorsfor14years,we’reNew Zealand’slargestprivateSeniorTravelClub thatyouhaveneverheardof.Wedonot advertiseinthetraditionalsensepurelyby wordofmouthanddirectmail.Weprovide ourmemberswithanannual50-pagecolour cataloguecompletewithitinerariesandpricing coveringthenext12months.Membershavea choiceofover75differentdaytrips,multidaytoursandshowstochoosefrom.Forthe majorityoftours,wecapournumberstokeep thesizeintimateenoughforfriendshipsto developwithinthegroup andtoallowustheability tovisitplaceslargeco can’t. OurcustomersareKiwis,mosthave previouslydonealotoftravelthroughout theworldinretirementandthroughoutNew Zealandintheiryoungeryearsaspartof businesstrips,careers,familyholidaysandof coursethemotorhomestage.Forustoprovide atourproductKiwisarewillingtopayforwe havetoworkhardtofindexperiencesthat oftenfalloutsidethetypicaltouristattraction experiencethatispitchedtoaninternational audiencebutdon’thitthemarkforKiwis. Whenyouhaveseensomuchovertheyears itisoftenthepeopleyoumeetthatmakethe experiencestandapartfromanother. Whyisitimportanttohaveseniortours? Whatagreatwaytogrowyourcircleoffriends andshareexperiences.Inourmodernworld, itisnotuncommontohavefamilyspread throughoutthecountryandoftentheglobe. and,in particular,seniors livingontheirown,isolation orfeelinglonelycanbefleeting,orforsome,it canbealonger-termemotion.Wethinkthe travelclubcanplayasmallpartinfighting loneliness.Sustainedlonelinessinevitably leadstonegativehealthissues. Travelishelpingpeoplemakenew connectionsandprovidesaplatformtoreengage,havefunandenjoylifeagain.When weshareaNo.8cataloguewithpeople,you neverknowwhatimpactandnewleaseof lifeyoumaygivesomeone.Youcouldcallita transformationthroughtravel,theultimate cureforloneliness. Seniortraveltoursprovideanavenuefor continuingtoseethecountry,visitingnew placesorrevisitingspecialareasofpersonal significance. thegroup theability rgec rsareKiwis mosthave particular seniors
Photos/Supplied
Funandsafetravel optionforseniors 6| ByRubyHarfield
INSET:
BacchusapartmentsareCountryClub’slatestinluxury retirementliving. Theefficientdesignallowsfor floor-to-ceilingglassalongtheentire livingareatomaximisetheoutlook,naturallight,andair flow. Aplacetofeelsafeandcomfortableaswellasentertainfriendsand familyifyouwish,theabilitytohaveanactivelifestylewithaccessto on-sitefacilities. Thegroundlevelenjoysanoutdoorpatioandgardenareawhilethe upperapartmentshavegenerousbalconieswithexpansiveviews. Apartmentshavewarmandwelcomingcontemporary finishes -our twoandthreebedroom residencesgiveyouboth roomtomoveand roomtoputyourownpersonalstamponyourdécor,decorationsand furnishings. Threebedroomapartmentshavebeendesignedwith asculleryforall yourextrakitchenandlaundryneeds. CountryClub’sfoundingbuilding,theNobiloApartments,isapartment livingatitsbestwitheasyaccesstoon-sitefacilitiesandentertainment. Membersarespoiltforchoice!GetintouchforNobilo’scurrent availability. For amoredetailedpriceguidepleasephoneoremailChrisBrittenden Phone:021982583Email:sales@countryclubhuapai.co.nz Bacchus Apartments -3Bedroom LuxuryLivinginCountryClubApartments BacchusApartments 3Bedroomsstartingfrom$1,180,000 3 2 2 NobiloApartments 1Bedroomsstartingfrom$600,000 2Bedroomsstartingfrom$890,000 1 1 1 BacchusApartments 2Bedroomsstartingfrom$900,000 2 2 2 23 VintryDrive,Huapai |094764220| countryclubhuapai.co.nz PriceisforanOccupationRightAgreementsecuredbya firstrankingmortgageinfavourofthestatutorysupervisoronbehalfofthe residents. Stockavailabilitysubjecttochange.Informationiscorrectattimeofprinting,pricesvalidfor30days.Allimagesareindicativeonly.
Musicandtravelaretheperfect combinationfortravellingin retirement.
“Manyaresayingthey donotwanttowasteany moretimeastheyare gettingolder.” Seniorsareoftenputina positionwheretheyfeelthey areaburdenandsotoursjus olderpeoplearehugelyimportant, shesaid. “Wewantourseniorstofe opposite. “Wewantthemtobethemselves,have fun,andenjoyexceptionalexperiences. “Wewantthemtoseeplacestheynever thoughttheycould.”
ABOVEANDRIGHT: OperatunityTravelspecialisesinseniors’ musicandartstoursbothinNewZealandandoverseas. INSET: OperatunitycofoundersSusanBolandandJohn Cameron. Photos/Supplied y stfor ortant, eelthe l h i u an enou living “Musi bond.” Thear concerts solotrip.
“Manyofouroverseastripsarealready soldoutin2023.
ByRubyHarfield
Operatunitytoursallowthemto experiencelifetothefullandforgetthey areolder. “Wewantthemtolaughandlive. “Wedothisthroughmusic, companionship, ahighlevelofcareandsafetravel.” Seniormusictourgroupsmeanyou gettotravelwithlike-mindedpeopleand thosewhohavebeenthroughsimilar experiences. “Manyofourcustomersarewidowswho wanttotravelbutoftenthisistheirfirst
Thesecanrangefromseeingoperasin Italy,Englishliteraturetours,musictheatre inAustraliaandpresentingtheirownmusic festivalsinAustralia,NZandtheSouth Pacific.
OperatunityTravelspecialisesinseniors’ musicandartstoursbothinNewZealand andoverseas.
OwnerandcofounderSusanBolandsaid sheisfindingmanyseniorsarekeentoget outandstartlivingagainaftersolong.
“Thereisgreatbenefit intravellingwiththosewho understandthesestresses,grief andchallengesbutstillarebrave enoughtotaketheplungeandstart livingagain. “Musichelpstoprovideacommon TheartistswhoperformatOperatunity concertsmiraculouslyturnfromhosts andguidestosingersperformingmusic concertsinamazinglocationsalloverthe world. Thesecanincludecharteredpaddle steamerontheMurrayRiver,aprivate concertinPavarotti’shouse,andconcerts inpubsinIrelandorbackhomeatthe WaitomoCavesandDoubtfulSound.
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“Overthepasttwoplusyearswehave concentratedonNewZealand...butnow we’refindingitistimetogetoverseasas well.
Thetoursarealivewith thesoundof music
Tell your weakbladdertotake ahike Arelife’s littleleaks stopping youfrom living each day tothefull? One womaninthreeandonemanin five pees alittlewhentheysneeze, cough,laughorlift something heavy. It’softenanissuethatincreases withage,especiallyafterchildbirth andmenopause,anditcanalsobe broughtonbymedicalissuessuch asprostate cancertreatment. Untilrecently,prettymuchtheonly optionavailableformanaging bladderleakagewassingle-use pads.Unfortunatelythe contributortolandfill,w manypeopletolookfor amore environmentallyfriendlysolution. Amongthosepeoplearetheteamat KiwicompanyConfitex Technology. Havinglaunchedthe world’s first fashionablerange ofincontinence underwear atNewZealand Fashion Weekin2015, Confitexfollowedup withavastlysuperior secondgeneration rangein2021. Soldonlyonlineattheofficial confitex.co.nz websiteunderthe ConfitexforMenandJust’nCase brands,they’rehigh-qualityfabric underwearwiththebonusofa discreetpanelofConfitex’sworldleadingabsorbentandleakproof textiletechnology rightwhereit’s Extensive labtestingshowsthat theyoffer abettercombinationof absorbency,leakproofingand slimlineprofile thanany other reusableproductonthemarket. Confitex forMenleakprooftrunks andJust’nCaseabsorbentfull,midi andhigh-cutbriefsfor womencome in arangeofdesigns,colours, fabricsandsizes.Designedto be worneverydayandatnight,they arecomfortableandconvenient, andcanbemachinewashedand evensafelytumble-driedexactly likeordinaryundies. TheConfitexforMenandJust’nCase rangesaretheonly absorbent underwearthathavebeen laboratoryUL,and verifiedacrossa rangeofperformancemeasures includingabsorbencycapacity,odour resistance,breathability,durability andabsenceofpotentiallyharmful PFOAandPFOSchemicals.Lookfor theUL verificationbadgestomake sure you’regettingtherealdeal. To benefitfromoursuperior absorbentandleakproof technologyandexcellent customer service,makesure youorder your Just’nCasebriefsfor womenand ConfitexforMentrunksfromour official website. To findusjust type confitex.co.nz intothe address fieldin yourbrowser. HYPOALLERGENIC+ BREATHABLE VERIFIED ODOUR RESISTANT SUPERIOR ABSORBENCY R ECO FRIENDLY LAB TESTED LEAKPROOF Don tletyourbladderkeep youinlockdown.Stepout withconfidenceinConfitex. ConfitexforMentrunksandJust’nCase women’sbriefslook,feel,washandtumbledry justlikeordinaryundies,withtheaddedbenefit ofdiscreet protectionfromlife’slittleleaks. REUSABLE+ Don’t let your bladder keep ADVERTORIAL g y’re amajor whichhasled g g neededfor protectionagainstlight bladderleakage. independentlylab-tested by internationalstandards FORLIFE ON THEGO SupportKiwi innovation |Shopatourofficialwebsite confitex.co.nz
Caring is our calling
BrienCreehas averypersonalreason to make Radius Care the best aged care provider Meeting Brien Cree, one of our country’stop businessmen,I foundhim to be quietly spoken, sporting shoulder length hair,but it washis absolute passion for the aged-care sector that really wasthe standout featurefor me. In the beginning Briencame from humble beginnings, born in LowerHutt, he started his educationinthe Catholic school system,finishing at Hutt Valley High School. He has four sistersand when eight, his parents separated, and he wasbrought up by hismother. Brienacknowledges that his mother taught him independent thought and she played apivotal role in hisbusiness success.
Beinga slightly rebellious teenager,heleftschoolatanearly age whichled him to experience a wide range of jobs. From acrane driver working on abuilding site, going into business with afriend selling brass bedsteads to buying and sellingcars.This process led him to realise that his strengths were, dealingwith people and that he had accumulated some business acumen. With asense of adventure and as with most youngpeople, he waskeen to do his OE and spent 6monthsbackpacking in South America. On his return to New Zealand, he not only arrived back with hepatitis, but he foundhe ended up with post-viraldepression as well. In his early 30s, Brien along with afriend formed apartnership and dabbled in rental properties. Ending up overstretched and under capitalised, they resorted to selling up and moving on. As often said, “Out of adversity, good things emerge”. Briendecided he really wanted to do something with his life, something that was going to makeadifference and that had asocialconscience. At 32, totally brokeand with the help of his sister who re-tailored one of his brother-in-law’sold suits, he found ajob andhis life took on the direction to where he is today Best piece of advice
The best piece of advice Brien has ever beengiven is to try and stay in the moment.Thingshappeninlife whichcan be pretty brutal at times, you just have to try and not takeit all too seriously. Always mindful of his mental state, he referstohimself as an outgoing introvert. He doesn’t always enjoy social situations but over the yearshehas learnt to conduct them in his own wayand enjoys people’s company.
In 2003 he launched Radius Care and set aboutmakingit his philosophytoensure that “residents come first” and that their finalyearscan be apositive life experience. The next step Looking towards the future, Brien and his dedicated staff want Radius Care to be the care home where your loved ones can be independent, be themselves, preserve their dignity and enjoy time with family and friends. With 23 locations around the country,1800staffand 1700 residents this journey has just begun.
Relaxing and de-stressing
Sponsored Story
WhenIasked Brien how he relaxed, it wasnot the answer Iwas expecting. Iknew he enjoyed the sea, fishing, surfing, boating, in fact anything to do with the ocean. A keen motorcyclist, he enjoys his Harley motorcycle, whichherides to work in the summer.Heishappy so long as he can play in the sea. ..and does enjoy an exotic car or two! His answer was, “I love to work, love seeingthe smiles on the residents at anyofour Radius Care homesand enjoy the staff, all which are just likefamily.Ilovemaking a difference to people’s lives” Brien’smother
WhenBrien’s mother had astroke at the age of 73 and he had to place her into acare facility. It wasone of the most difficult decisions he had to make. She didn’t want to be there and he didn’t want to leave her there. He felthehad let his mother down dreadfully Brien’smother wasincare for 17 yearsand eachvisit ended with the same gut-wrenching feeling as the previous visit, it wasn’t the place he wanted for his mother.Sometimes after visiting his mother,hejust sat in his car,awash with tears. Sometimes due to the nature of his job, his visits to see his mother werelater in the evening, it wasdifficult, and he wasn’t always accommodated.This was something Brien wasdeterminedto change. When the opportunity arose for Brien to startand be involved with Radius Care, he took the bull by the horns and ran with it. He knew what wasneeded in aresidential aged care facility,hehad the experience and the ethos to know what he wanted Radius Care to become.
Brien Cree ExecutiveChair-RADIUS CARE
WhileSupremeToursandTraveloffers toursinternationally,thereareplentyof greatoptionsformaturetravelersinNew Zealandtoo,shesaid.
Takingthestress outoftravel ByRubyHarfield
However,itisalsoagreattimetotravel andcompanieslikeSupremeToursand Travelcantakesomeofthestressaway fromit.
Thelastcoupleofyearshaveproved challengingforolderpeoplewhosuffered morestringentlockdownprocedures leavingmanyfeelingisolatedandinsecure, shesaid.
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“Wearealwaysstrivingtoensurethatwe offergreatvalue,fullyinclusiveandworryfreetourstoawiderangeofdestinations.
SupremeToursandTraveloffersa varietyoftoursandtheinclusiveoptions areperfectforthosewhodon’twantthe hassleofarrangingeverythingthemselves, Smallsaid.
OwnerTerriSmallsaidherteamis passionateaboutensuringtravellershavea relaxedandfuntime.
“Wewanttoensurethatourclientsfeel safeontourknowingthatwehavetaken alltheprecautionswecanwhilstalso makingsurethateveryonecanfinallyenjoy interactingwithotherpeopleandseeing theworldonceagain. Whenlifehasbeensouncertainitis sometimesdifficulttofindthecourageto getstartedonyourtraveljourneyagain, Smallsaid. “Butifnothingelse,theselastmonths havetaughtusthatyouneverknowwhat’s roundthecorner. “WehaveasayingatSupreme:wetravel nottoescapelife,butforlifenottoescape us. “Weloveplanningeveryone’sescape andwewanttoensurethatwemakeevery tourmemorable.” Toursrangefromlocaleventssuchas WorldofWearableArtandtheTaranaki GardenFestivaltooverseastourswhich includetheirsignature28daysEngland, Ireland&ScotlandCountryLanesTour. “Manyofourclientstravelwithustime andtimeagainandit’salwayslovelytosee familiarfaces.”
“Travellinginagroupwithpeopleina similaragegroupmeansthatpassengers havealotincommonandhavethefeeling ofsecurityknowingthatatourmanager travelswiththemfromdeparturetoreturn.
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speopleheadtowardsretirement theyusuallywanttorelaxandmake lifeeasier.
“Therearealwayslotsoflaughson tourasnewfriendsaremadeandnew experiencesshared.”
“Thecruisecompaniesarejuststarting tocomebacktoNewZealandwatersand therearelotsofexcitingoptionstochoose from.”
“Havingallthesightseeing,great accommodationandtravellinginaluxury full-sizetouringcoachmeansthatthereis plentyofspaceforeveryoneandthereare e nounexpectedsurprisestothebudget.
D l F PHOTOA:Seniortourgroups enjoyingaworryfreewayto travel. PHOTOB:Atourgroup escapingrealityinVietnam| PHOTOC:SupremeToursand TraveldirectorofsalesVikki BellatWorldofWearableArt| PHOTOD: Agrouphavinga specialholidayinSingapore | PHOTOE:SupremeTours andTravelownerTerriSmall intheSouthIsland| PHOTO F:SupremeToursandTravel seniortourdirectorMaggieHunt inTaranaki Photos/Supplied SCENICSOUTHERNSPLENDOUR AUTUMNCOLOURS SYDNEYSTAYPUT WAIKATOSPRINGTIMEGARDENS FlytoDunedin(3nights)fullofScottishHeritage,visittheAlbatrossColony, BotanicGardens andChineseGarden,lunch at LarnachCastle.CoachthroughTheSouthernScenicRoute -The Catlins.Offthebeatentrackandthroughruralheartlandandruggedcoastlines!Overnight Invercargill,flytomagicalStewartIsland(2nights). Explore Obanandenjoycruiseof Paterson Inlet,UlvaIsland.BacktoInvercargillandjoinourcoachfortheshortjourneytoQueenstown (2nights),sightsArrowtownandfarewellcruiseto Walter Peak.IncludesreturnairfaresfromAuckland/ Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch(prices availableforothercentres)allbreakfasts &dinners,some lunches,fullsizetouringcoach, qualityaccommodation,allsightseeingmentioned, experienced Tour Manager.FREEhomepickup &returnfromAuckland/Tauranga/Wellington/Christchurch(conditions apply). FlytoSydney(4nights)central4*hotel,allbreakfasts, 3dinners, 2lunches.SydneysightsincludingtheiconicOpera HouseandSydneyHarbourBridge,BondiandDoubleBay.TraveltotheNorthernBeachesandjointheirfamousMail cruiseontheHawkesburyRiver.Morning TeaincludinghomemadeAnzacbiscuitsandlunchincludedalongwith somegreatcommentaryfromtheSkipper(weareassured95%ofitistrue –tehe).Charterferryacrossto abrand newislandperformanceinthemiddleofSydneyHarbour -CARMEN.SitbackasCarmentossesherhair,stamps herfeetandthewholeworldfallsunderherspell!!BespellboundbythoseirresistibleSpanishtunes,sultrystory, and darkundercurrentofCarmen.HeartheflirtyHabaneraandthefamous Toreadorsongamid aspectaclethatfeatures fire-twirling,carcrashesandfireworks. Thiswillbe anighttoremember!! We finishthetourwith aHighteacruiseon SydneyHarbourbeforereturningtoNewZealand.Duetolimited availability,youwillhavetobequicktogetseats onthisone.IncludingreturnairfaresfromAuckland/Wellington/ChristchurchandFREEhomepickup &returninthe greaterAuckland/Wellington/Christchurchareas(25 kfromairport) Limitedavailability -booknow •Single roomsatnoextracost! Stay at the Novotel TainuiontheRiverside,includingallbreakfasts& dinners.CruisetheMighty Waikatotoseethecityfrom adifferentangle. Enjoyafabulousfewhours atheCherryBlossom Festivalincluding entertainmentand adelicioushightea /lunch.VisitHamiltonGardenswith itsmanythemedroomsincludingthenewAncientEgyptianGarden. We alsovisittheunusual Treechurchformorningtea, historicCambridge,tea tasting at Zeelong TeaEstateand alovelyartandgardenstudio.FREE homepickupandreturnfromAucklandand Tauranga(conditions apply) Askaboutpricesfromothercentres. FeaturingStewartIslandandtheCatlins Departs:3,26Marchand20April2023 8Daysfrom$4,399pp FeaturingCarmenonCockatooisland Depart24November2022 5days$3899.00perpersonsharetwin FeaturingCherryBlossom Festival Departs:24September2022 4Days$1899fromAuckland 4Days$1999from Tauranga MARLBOROUGHSTSCENICSOUTHERNCIRCLE AYPUT FlytoChristchurch(2nights)Sights &dinneron TramwayRestaurant. World FamousTRANZALPINErailtoGreymouth –coachthroughtoPunakaikifor overnight.Visit PancakeRocks, TraveltoCharlestonenjoyfabulousNILERIVER RAINFORESTTRAIN.Via WestporttoNelson(2nights).Cruisespectacular ABEL TASMANNational Park. TravelthroughtoBlenheim.Visit OmakaAviation HeritageCentre,LunchWitherHillsWinery. PictonwithcruisetoLochmaraLodge inSounds.Coastal PacificRailwithspectacularoceanviewstoChristchurch. IncludesreturnairfaresAuckland/Tauranga/Wellington,qualityAccommodation, allbreakfastsanddinners(somelunches),sightseeing,fullsizeQuality Touring Coach.FREEhomepickup &returnAuckland/Tauranga/Wellington(25kradius fromairport) Beautifulgardens, delightfullunchspots,allinscenic Marlborough -don’tmissthis. FlytoBlenheim(5nights) -enjoyvarietyofspectaculargardenstown,andcountry, someonlyopenduringthefestival. Lunch at WitherHills,chocolatetastingandmuchmore.Includes returnairfaresfromAuckland,Tauranga,Wellington,Christchurch qualityaccommodation,allbreakfasts &dinners,somelunches, allgardenvisits,fullsizetouringcoach,freehomepickup& returnAuckland, Tauranga, Wellington,Christchurchwithin25K oftheairport. Featuring TranzAlpine +COASTAL PACIFICRAIL ABELTASMANNATIONAL PARK 9days$4199departs 20October2022 FeaturingRapauraSprings Garden Festival Departs02Nov 2022 (Limitedseats) 6days$2999perperson share twin. LAST SEATS
“Cruisinghasalwaysprovedvery popularparticularlywhenembarkingand disembarkinginNewZealand.
Celebratespringwithus at our AnnualSpringGardenRamble. There’sfood,art,livemusic,andentertainment to enjoy.Meetourgardeners,visitourshow homesandseeourspectaculargardens! Sunday 9thOctober •10am–3pm 5AnderleyAvenue, Ōmokoroa, ŌmokoroaCountry Estate Enquire or RSVP 07 5481100oroffice@ocestateco.nz FREE EVENT Be in to win ticketstothe Art&Garden Festival ocestate.co.nz/ramble2022
Theyhiredacarfortheirtripwhichwas reasonablypricedbutit’salsopopularfor youngerpeopletohiremotorscootersand there’sabusaroundtheisland. “Thebestpartofthetripwasgoingaround theIslandandbeingamongstthevery friendlyIslanderswhomakeyoufeelsovery welcome.”
Bordersareopenandmanyretireesare makingthemostofthefreedomby bookingoverseastravel.
Thecouplespentmuchoftheirtime relaxingandswimmingatthebeach. “Wealsobookedalagooncruisewhich washeapsoffun.
“Wetendtostickclosertohomethese daystravellingtovariousPacificIslandsand Aussie.” Covidrestrictionsmeantthecouplehadto wearmasksontheirflightaswellasdotwo RATtestsonreturntoNewZealand(day1and day5).
Travellingisslightlymorerestrictedbutitis stillagreattimetogetaway. RetiredPukekohecoupleJulieandJeff Vanstonewereexcitedtobeabletotravel againandwenttotheCookIslandsinJune.
Living itup in the CookIslands
ByRubyHarfield
“Forourtripwealsohadtofillin declarationformsforNewZealandandthe CookIslands.....anabsolutenightmare. “TheCookIslandsonewasrelativelyshort andeasy,buttheNewZealandonewent onandonandtookmeseveralattemptsto actuallygetcorrect. “Iwasquiteanxiousaboutthewholething butthat’sjustme.Idon’tknowhowpeople gotonwhodon’townacomputer.” Thesechallengesdidnotpreventthe couplefromhavingarelaxingtimeaway. “WestayedatanAirbnbtypeofplace calledMuriHeightsVillaonthesouthcoastof Muri. “Itwasquitecheapandveryspaciouswith ahugedeck. “Weweren’tsituatedonthewaterbut aboutfiveminutes’walktothebeach,night markets,afewshopsandverynicecafes.” Thenightmarkethaslocal,cheapfoodand ispopularwithvisitorsandlocals. “Weatetherethreenightsanditwas deliciouseverytime. “ThereisalsoamuseuminMuriwhichis wellworthavisit. “OnSaturdaysthereisahugemarketin Avarua,(thecapital),whichisamustdofullof manysouvenirsandfoodstalls.”
“Thetripwasjustfun,funalltheway,”Julie said. “Jeffwentonafishingcharterwhichhe enjoyedverymuchandcamehomewitha tunawhichwasdistributedamongstseveral peoplenearwherewestayedand,ofcourse, JeffhadsometoobutIamnotpartialtotuna.”
Juliesaidtravellinginretirementis wonderfulbecauseyoucanchoosewhenyou wanttogo–notintheschoolholidaysorat busytimes. “ThebesttimetotraveltotheCookIslands isinourwinterasthetemperaturesare comfortable,abalmy27/28Candhumidityis lower.
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“Theglassbottomedboattakesyououtto anislandbutonthewaythereisastopanda chancetosnorkelthereefforthosewhowant to.” Theislandhasmanyculturaleventswith singing,dancing,foodandcoconutcollecting/ husking.
ABOVE:Winteristheperfecttimetotravelasthetemperatureiscomfortable. BELOWClockwisetopright:JulieVanstonelovedherrecentholidaytotheCook Islands | AculturalperformanceinMuri | Alagooncruisewasahighlightofthe trip | JeffVanstoneenjoyinghimselfatthebeach. Photos/Supplied
32newluxury villasatNew Zealand’smost luxurious retirementvillagehavejustbeen released. We’reexcitedtosharethatanother milestonehas been reached aswe releasethepenultimatestageoftheTamahereCountryClub inTamahere,Waikato.From itsruralyet centrallocation,Tamahere CountryClubisjustminutesfromHamiltonand Cambridge,andlittle over 90 minutestotheBayofPlenty,AucklandandtheCoromandel. Thislatestreleasefeatures32 brandnewvillaswhichwill bebuilt thistimenextyear.Forthemajorityofour residents,this12month leadtimehasprovedtobejustthe rightamountof timetoprepare forthe movefroma traditionalhometo avillage,soifyou’rethinking of making themovenow’sagreat timetogetthewheelsin motion andinspecttheTamahereCountryClubforyourself. tamaherecountryclub.co.nz |Monday –Friday, 10am –2pm (excludingpublicholidays) Forsales enquiriescall SandyTurner on 021628 385 Treatyourselftoa worldclass retirement in theWaikato AIRPORTRD(SH21) TAMAH ERE DR Stage1 Stage2 NewRelease J003835 DEVCICH.C O. NZ
KarakaPinesVillagesinAuckland|Rototuna|Hamilton |Tauranga|Rotorua |Christchurch |WaihiBeach Formoreinfo visitkarakapines.co.nz AUCKLAND KarakaLifestyleEstate NEWSHOWHOMEOPEN TO VIEW 333BremnerRoad(offJesmondRoad),Drury HAMILTON KarakaPinesRototuna NEWSHOWHOMEOPEN TO VIEW 75 HarePukeDrive,Flagstaff ROTORUA Karaka PinesRegency ParkEstate NEWSHOWHOMEOPEN TO VIEW 3ABrentRoad,Owhata WAIHI BEACH KarakaPines WaihiBeach 8BrownsDrive COMEANDSEEOURBRANDNEWSHOWHOMES CALL 0800 KARAKA TO MAKEATIME “I’mreallypassionate aboutwhatour villagescanofferpeople.Ourcapitalgainsmodel demonstratesthatwe haveourresidents bestfinancialinterestsatheart. Evenmoreimportantly, at Karaka Pineswebelieveinlisteningtothepeoplewholive here,andensurethatit’sa place they cantrulycall home.” ADAM YATES CEO KARAKAPINESVILLAGES Thereare manymorereasonswhyaKarakaPinesVillagecouldbetherightchoicefor you. Whynotbook into enjoy aguidedtourofthevillageandthentakeyourtimeto exploreour generouslyappointedshowhomeanddiscoverwhat youhavetogainwith KarakaPines’ newtakeonretirementliving. Ionlytook twostepsinand immediatelyfelt at home. Itwasa greatsize-plentyofroom inthekitchenas Ilovetobake-agoodsize bathroom.Ithadeverything Iwantedplusmylawyerthoughtthecapital gainmade it agoodinvestment. ” LIZ CAMPBELL RETIREDGOURMETFOODSRETAILER “I think it’s a great investmentand greatvalue formy retirement living.
