William Sanders village opening finally marked

Nearly four years after its first residents moved in, a big opening event was held at Ryman Healthcare’s William Sanders Retirement Village in Devonport.

Having navigated years of Covid closures and cautions, it was high time for a party, Ryman New Zealand chief executive Cheyne Chalmers told hundreds of residents and family members who gathered last month.

“We’re here to hand over the village to all of you, the residents,” she said.

Among them is the great-niece of Sanders, Glenny Adams, who, with husband Grant, lives in a village apartment.

Seeing the World War I naval hero’s portrait in the village foyer “gives me goosebumps”, she told the Flagstaff.

Representatives from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Royal New Zealand Navy joined the celebrations, recognising mana whenua and the site’s use as housing for service personnel before it was returned to the iwi in a Treaty settlement.

Ngati Whatua leased the 4ha Wakakura block on Ngataringa Rd to Ryman.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board was represented by elected member Gavin Busch at the evening event.

A piece of pounamu, blessed by Ngāti Whātua, will soon join the Sanders portrait on display in the foyer of the main village block. Its mauri/life force would bring shared energy to the space, the gathering was told.

“Welcome to your marae, to your place, said