RQ
Ryman Quarterly for Ryman People Autumn 18 | Issue 2
Krister Borja Shares his recipe for success
Brandon Park Welcoming Dame Nellie Melba to the family
It's a wrap! Yummy lunch ideas
Gift Guide Show mum you love her with these great gift ideas
A word from Gordy H
ello everyone and welcome to your latest edition of RQ, our quarterly magazine for Ryman team members. As I write this New Zealand has just been hammered by what turned out to be a category 2 cyclone in Auckland, with winds of more than 200 km/h. We lost mains power at five of our villages, but our emergency generators kicked in to keep everyone safe and warm, and our teams worked hard overnight to look after our residents. I know it is very comforting for our residents and their families to know that in these situations there is always help at hand. We have had a lot of unusual weather events already this year, ranging from extreme heat to storms, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep everyone safe and to look after our residents so well. It was also very humbling for me to meet and talk with team members from the Tongan community at Edmund Hillary when we presented the results of all your Cyclone Gita fundraising efforts to the Red Cross, $48,000 in total. They love knowing they have the support of all their teammates, and they said the money will go a long way to help their communities recover from what was a devastating cyclone. Rest assured it means a lot to them – and their gratitude made it an emotional day. Now, you might have noticed that the first few questions in this year’s staff survey were about safety. That’s because there is nothing more important. Knowing that it is a priority for everyone that themselves and their workmates come home safe each day is my number one concern. This was brought home to us all on January 9 when we lost Graham Rabbits, who worked at our Tropicana site in Auckland. He was a fantastic young man and his death was devastating for his family, his friends, and all his colleagues on the site. Graeme’s loss shows how enormous the consequences can be when things go wrong. There is nothing more important than the safety of our people, and we all must drive home the message that looking after ourselves and our teammates at work is of paramount importance. No work deadlines or performance requirements take precedence over safety.
Gordon and the team from Edmund Hillary at the cheque presentation. We’ve refreshed our safety initiatives and introduced the Stop Think programme, which you can read about on page 16. Finally, thank you to everyone who took part in the staff survey this year. More than 4,100 of you took the time to respond, compared to 1,700 last year, and it was wonderful to hear from so many of you. I look forward to reporting the results back to you later this month, but in the meantime, you can see a sneak preview on page 24. With this feedback we can drive changes and initiatives that address the matters which are most important to you, so once again, thank you. Take care
Gordon MacLeod Chief Executive
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Graeme Rabbits; a well-liked work mate at Tropicana.
In this Issue Features
For you
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Time, empathy and listening
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Mother's Day Gift guide and lunch ideas!
Krister shares his recipe for success
20 Ryman reviews
Mother's Day Gift Guide!
Book, movie & Netix reviews
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From gateman to lifesaver Mark's quick thinking brings motorist back to life
26 Take a break & win! Puzzles for prizes
In every issue
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12 facts you didn't know about... Debbie McClure
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10 Health & Wellbeing
15 12 For the love of Delicious food The stars of Anthony Wilding's kitchen
Ryman Moves plus some easy healthy lunch wraps!
21 A day in the life of... A Ryman gardener
22 Anniversaries Celebrating Ryman team members
15 Dame Nellie Melba
Ryman updates
23
Retirement Village Brandon Park named
17 Cyclone Gita relief
14 Ryman goes walkabout Ryman Australia growing rapidly
16 Stop! Think!
The Ryman family fundraising
What could go wrong?
18 Residents and staff rally to
23 Construction Australia
save the bus
Building the team in Victoria
People power pays in Christchurch
24 Ryman survey results
19 Shorty fans head to
Feeling happier than ever working at Ryman
Auckland Ryman's amateur actors pleased with their win
25 Notice board Catch up on the latest news
23 A knitter's tale
25 Cashin Scholarship winner
Julia Wallace resident's Peggy Squares bring joy to new mothers
Emma off to a ying start
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Time, empathy and listening Krister shares his recipe for success
You can’t avoid having a bond with the residents and you need to, in order to properly take care of them.
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Staff Profile
I
Krris isteer on n on nee off hiss ass ssiignm nm men ents ts vo olunttee eeri riingg fo or SSa ave the he Chilldren dren dr n.
t may seem an unusual leap, from travelling the world as a humanitarian photographer on behalf of children’s charities to working as the hospital coordinator at Ryman’s Jane Mander retirement village in Whangarei. But Krister Borja says he has rediscovered his passion for nursing since working for Ryman Healthcare, and the qualities he developed as a photographer have been essential to his success. “Working with the kids and helping them and now being with the elderly, it’s pretty much the same,” he says. “I’m using the same skills, empathising, and listening to them that’s pretty much the biggest thing.” Originally from the Philippines, Krister was a trained nurse working in a government hospital earning $3 a day when his sister gave him a camera as a gift. In a few short years he became obsessed, constantly trying to capture perfect images of stunning landscapes dramatised by the fleeting light of dawn and dusk, and he soon started doing small gigs such as weddings for friends. “While that gave me food for the tummy, I wanted to feed my soul,” says Krister, who was brought up to always think of others. “I was practically raised in a refugee camp as my mum worked as one of the educators at the camp. “It gave us as kids the chance to mix with other cultures such as Vietnamese and Cambodian and from learning about them and their situation I developed a lot of empathy and I think that probably shaped me a lot.” Inspired by his upbringing, Krister offered his photography services as a volunteer for Save The Children in exchange for travel and a basic allowance and pretty soon found himself travelling to Bangladesh on his first assignment. Over the next 10 years he built up an impressive portfolio of stunning images. A typical assignment would be portraying the success of a
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Krister’s photo, taken in Cambodia to show the charity’s donors how their money was being spent.
literacy project such as the one set up in Bhutan to show the charity’s donors how their money was being spent. “So I needed action shots of them reading in the library and shots of the kids playing while showing the essence of Bhutan in the background. “While I would be described as a humanitarian photographer you tend to associate that with war photography but mine was more about the success stories. “I didn’t want to see pain, I wanted to see happiness, peace and success.” Then four years ago Krister found himself at a crossroads in life, which is when he chose to join his partner Denise in New Zealand and return to nursing. They now have a son, two-year-old Kaden, who is the focus of most of Krister’s photos these days, while he strives to ensure his residents at Jane Mander enjoy happiness, peace and success at the village. “After getting the job here I’m loving it, it’s a good environment with good people and I love hearing all their interesting stories. “You can’t avoid having a bond with the residents and you need to in order to properly take care of them.” We are privileged to have Krister on the team at Ryman Healthcare, his work makes a huge difference to the lives of his residents each day.
Debbie grew up in Cheviot, North Canterbury, right next door to her grandparents.
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12 Facts
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At three years old she escaped from home to join her sisters doing country dancing.
you didn’t know about... Debbie McClure
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Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Debbie’s favourite food is seafood, as long as she doesn’t have to cook!
Joined Ryman at Woodcote village in 1990, as a receptionist.
Debbie leads the sales, marketing and community relations teams who passionately engage with the local community to explain the Ryman difference and to help people make the best choice in retirement living.
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Debbie used to work for the Bank of New Zealand and once chased and caught a thief.
Debbie has two daughters Amy 29 and Megan 26 and she is due to be a grandmother this year.
Debbie loves sports and supports the Crusaders, All Blacks, Collingwood AFL and Melbourne Storm.
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Volunteered to help a bowls club, missed the AGM meeting and ended up being vice president.
Debbie loves ironing and swaps her ironing skills for dinners and wines at friend’s homes.
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She travels the world supporting the All Blacks. Her favourite trip was the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
When Debbie was nine she sold cigarettes for 67 cents at her parent’s tearooms in Cheviot.
Each year on 1 September, she sends her daughters, “Happy first day of spring” flowers.
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Markk witth the lilife fee-ssav avin ingg defibrilla de laato torr
From gateman to lifesaver Mark’s quick thinking brings motorist back to life
L
ogan Campbell’s loyal gatekeeper Mark Robinson finds it hard not to get emotional when he reluctantly describes how his quick thinking and calm direction resulted in a man’s life being saved. Mark, who has worked for Ryman for five years, had been at his usual station near the truck entrance to the site when there was a loud bang from the road. Next thing, he saw a car spinning out and hitting the curb. “We could hear the car revving like crazy, non-stop. “Me and one other guy ran over to the car and there was a guy slumped forward inside who was stop-start breathing.” Mark says instincts took over and he immediately held the man’s head back to open his throat so he could get air in and breathe while telling his colleague to call 111.
“He would breathe for a little while then stop and then he just died,” said Mark. “There was no breathing, no movement and when I felt his pulse there was nothing there.” They managed to lift the man out of his car and Mark dashed back to the office to fetch the on-site defibrillator. By the time he got back, another passing motorist, who happened to be a doctor, had begun CPR and Mark handed her the machine. “It took three or four goes with the defibrillator but he came back and the doctor just kept going until the ambulance came.” Mark thought that was the end of it but the next day the man’s very grateful wife and son arrived on site. “She said she just wanted to say thanks. He had been feeling unwell and was driving home from work when he had a heart attack. He’s had
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a stent put in now and he should come right. “I’m not a hugging person but I gave her a hug and said I was just happy with the outcome.” The incident is more meaningful to Mark than most, being a heart attack survivor himself. “I ended up having to take three months off work while I recovered from having a quintuple bypass.” Mark admitted he wasn’t comfortable with all the attention and was quick to credit his colleagues and the doctor for their actions, but he was glad it highlighted one thing. “Everybody laughed at us when we got this defibrillator on site and the joke was that it was for me. “But it was a blessing that we had it and it worked well, and the guy’s alive. It might not have happened on site but it saved a life and I’m grateful for that.”
Mother's Gift Guide
13 May
Mint Leather Travel Wallet $59.90 - Redcurrent Sequin Scruff Slippers $10 - Kmart
Lindt Strawberries & Cream Bag 125g $6 - The Warehouse
Ecoya Sweet Pea & Jasmine Madison Jar Candle From $24.95 - Farmers
iPhone 6/6s/7/8 Glitter Heart Case $7 - Kmart
Make lunch for mum Free - See page 9 for yummy ideas!
Cherry Blossom Cosmetic Case - Set of two $29.50 - Redcurrent
Retro Tortoise Frame Sunglasses $5 - Kmart
USB Lightening to Noodle Cable $8 - Kmart
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Callum Natural Throw $99.95 - Logan & Mason
Day Lunch Ideas
Mini bacon and egg pies 1 packet of savoury short pastry sheets 1 chopped onion 1 cup of chopped bacon
6 eggs 5 tbsp of milk Chutney
1. Use a cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut your pastry sheets into circles. Line a greased muffin tray with the pastry. 2. Beat the eggs and milk together and set aside. 3. Place a teaspoon of chutney, a teaspoon of onion and a teaspoon of
bacon in the bottom of each muffin space. If you like you can put a piece of pastry on top but it is not really necessary. 4. Pour your egg mixture over the top and bake at 200˚C for 35 minutes or until the egg mixture is set.
Berry spritzer Sparkling water Frozen berries 1. Add a few berries to a glass. 2. Fill with sparkling water and enjoy
Nona's sponge cake 4 large eggs 1 tbsp flour ½ cup corn flour 1 tsp baking powder
Nona Sutherland
M
¾ cup sugar Pinch of salt Jam and cream Icing sugar for dusting
1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C
and salt then gently fold it in the mix.
2. Separate the eggs and place the egg whites in the mixer.
6. Line a 20cm tin with baking paper and pour the mixture in.
3. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat until stiff.
7. Bake for 24 minutes until cooked.
4. Add the egg yolks to the mix and beat for 2 minutes, then add the sugar and beat for a further 8-10 minutes. 5. Sift the flour, cornflour, baking powder
8. Cut in half horizontally then spread the bottom half with jam and whipped cream. 9. Place the top half of the cake on top and dust with icing sugar.
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y name is Nona Sutherland, and I have always had a passion for baking. Upon leaving school, my first job was at Jay’s Bakery, where I served my apprenticeship. I love experimenting and making different kinds of birthday cakes for family and friends. Some of my favourites to make are éclair puddings, shortbread and cream sponge cake.
Health & Wellbeing
Ryman Moves Getting your body moving for better health! Stretches are great for the body, whether you are warming up for a physical role, or taking a stretch break from a sedentary/sitting role. Stretching your muscles helps you perform at your best, no matter your age, fitness, or your role. Give these stretches a go… they are easy to do and you’ve got nothing to lose! Shoulder shrugs up and down
Side stretches
$$
WI$N $
Shoulder blade squeezes
Marching and raise the roof
Reaching across the body punches
Knee lifts – opposite arm to knee
Challenge Encourage your team to do these stretches together as a group, once a day… then if you send us a picture of you and your team in stretching action, you’ll go into the draw for a $100 shopping voucher! Send your pictures to 027 552 1178 or email rq@rymanhealthcare.com. Have fun stretching!
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Lunch wraps Cheap, healthy and easy to make and take to work!
Wraps are a tasty lunch idea to get a good balance of protein, veges and carbs to keep you energised during a busy day at work. You can prepare them the night before, pop them in the fridge and you’re good to go for lunch the next day!
HINT If you are using
The steps 1 Choose your wrap
5 Pick a protein. Place on top of your vegetables
2 Choose your base relish or hummus. Spread this over your wrap
6 Choose a sauce or mayonnaise.
tomato, strain the liquid to avoid getting a soggy wrap.
Add this on top of your protein
3 Select a salad green and cover your wrap with it
4 Choose your vegetables. Slice to your
7 Top with another layer of salad greens 8 Wrap it by folding up the bottom first
deisred size and stack these down the centre stopping 1/3 from the bottom
then the left side then rolling it over
Ingredient ideas • Wholemeal wrap • Hummus • Baby spinach • Roasted vegetables; kumara, carrot, pumpkin, beetroot, parsnip, onion • Aioli
Roast vegetable
Mexican
• Tortilla • Sour cream or Greek yoghurt • Shredded lettuce • Capsicum, corn, onion • Black beans and brown rice • Sweet chilli sauce
Chicken club
• Wholemeal wrap • Beetroot relish • Baby spinach • Tomato, cucumber, red onion • Chicken breast • Aioli
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Boost it Try adding chopped nuts or seeds, like cashews, chia, sunflower or sesame.
Ham and cheese
• Wholemeal wrap • Sweet fruit chutney • Baby spinach • Tomato, cucumber, beetroot • Ham and cheese • Mayonnaise
Teriyaki tofu
• Wholemeal wrap • Hummus • Baby spinach • Capsicum, cucumber, carrot • Tofu • Teriyaki sauce
BBQ pulled pork
• Wholemeal wrap • Sweet fruit chutney • Shredded lettuce • Coleslaw • Pulled pork • BBQ sauce & mayo
Team ProďŹ le
For the love of Delicious food The stars of Anthony Wilding's kitchen
Thhe ha hard rd dwo work rkin rk in ng team am of An Anth thon onyy Wilding. From left: Freddy Akkara, Ramya Bellam, Paul Kuronic, Chris Singer and Katy Van Nieuwenhuizen.
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We are here to cook for the residents and to make their food great, that’s what it’s all about.
Paul Kuronic was pleased to showcase his skills at the New Zealand Hospitality Championships in 2017.
T
he kitchen is the engine room of every Ryman village and the crew at Anthony Wilding say it is a place when team work is the key to success. Head chef Paul Kuronic, who has been with Ryman for nearly four years, leads a large team responsible for providing delicious meals each day for care and serviced apartment residents, as well as special catering for other events such as fine dining nights. The team consisting of Paul, Freddy Akkara, Chris Singer, Katy van Nieuwenhuizen, Louise Carr, Nelly Chand, Ramya Bellam and Sharron Neale work hard from the moment they come in until they leave. The stability of the team stems from the fact that they have worked together for a long time. Paul believes his team works well because they are a steady crew who enjoy what they do. With 250 dishes to get out in a day, Paul also makes sure that their work environment has a fantastic vibe. There’s always music to work to, which creates a fun atmosphere. “Every day is different, I come in and
immediately get going with the purees. There’s about 50 to do so it’s good to get them done first. Then we set up for the day and start to prep for the next day,” Paul says. Delicious, Ryman’s new menu, has also revolutionised the way the kitchen operates. “Previously we had a white board and it was chaotic. Now everything is chosen beforehand and much more streamlined,” says Paul. The new system has also made it easier to order ingredients from Bidfood, which delivers food every day. Team dynamics play an important part in the kitchen, and to foster those relations they hold BBQs at each other’s houses. “We volunteer to host the BBQs. It’s a lot of fun,” Paul says. Anthony Wilding village manager Sharon Armstrong says the kitchen team's great dynamic is what makes them so good at what they do. “They are a cohesive team. If there is a problem I can go speak to any one of them in the kitchen and they always remain calm and tell me that they will sort it out,” Sharon says.
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“Paul or the others will also go out to explain the dishes to the residents if they have questions,” she adds. Paul, who placed third in the Senior Lifestyle Category at the New Zealand Hospitality Championships in 2017, also helps train the junior members of the team to learn new things and expand their skills. The busy team caters for events and functions all the while keeping everyone fed. The team also recently held a special BBQ demonstration for the townhouse residents. “Our kitchen team just works, their personalities mix well, they’re inventive which gets the creative juices flowing, so to speak,” Sharon says. “They’re a unit, and I think that’s what makes them a great team.” Paul says the greatest reward is talking to the residents about the food, and finding out what has worked, and what has not gone so well. “I like going out and having a yarn with them. It helps me improve their dining experience. We are here to cook for the residents and to make their food great, that’s what it’s all about.’’
Ryman Australia Update
Ryma Ry an n''s pr prop opos oseed osed os d retitire re tire rm meent ent nt vili la aggee iin n Mt El Eliza izza iiss lo occat ated ed on ed the Mo th the Morn Morn nin ingt ngton gton gt n Pen enin insu in s lla a, perffecctlly p pe po osi sittiiion oned on eed d to enjo en j y sw wee eepi epi pingg sea a vviiew view ewss..
Ryman goes walkabout R
yman Healthcare first set its sights on Australia more than a decade ago, but then the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2008. By 2012, the team was ready to have another go, and the development team spotted a great site in Wheelers Hill. The site was operating as a hotel, but its size and location made it perfect for Ryman’s first Melbourne village. The opportunity in the city is enormous – it is home to more than 4.8 million people and there are no other operators like Ryman over there. About that time Debbie McClure, Ryman’s chief sales & marketing
officer, moved to Melbourne permanently. Debbie threw herself into the community, building relationships. Another key player was Martyn Osborne from the construction team. Queensland-born Marty had worked for Ryman building villages in New Zealand since 2010 and was ready to make the move home to Australia as project manager. Work began in 2013 and the first residents moved into the new village in April 2014. It was named after Sir Edward Weary Dunlop – a surgeon who
endured great hardship to look after his men after they were taken prisoner and forced by the Japanese to build the infamous Death Railway between Thailand and Burma. The village sold faster than anyone had imagined, and soon a target was set to buy another four villages and get them open by 2020. Sites at Brandon Park, Burwood East, Coburg, Mt Eliza, Geelong and Mt Martha have been purchased and our second village, the Nellie Melba Retirement Village at Brandon Park, will welcome its first residents this year.
RQ Give us your feedback &
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Dame Nellie An Australian icon
T
he gasps of delight when the curtain was pulled back said it all: Dame Nellie Melba was a popular choice for Ryman Healthcare’s new Brandon Park retirement village. More than 220 people packed the Mulgrave Country Club to see which Australian’s name would grace the village, currently under construction on Collegium Ave. Dame Nellie (1861-1931) was Australia’s first opera star who became an icon for her extraordinary singing talent as well as her contribution to good causes. Born Helen Porter Mitchell, she adopted the pseudonym Melba to honour Melbourne, her home town. Dame Nellie studied music in Melbourne before leaving for Europe to study in Paris and Brussels. Her career took off when she moved to London and established herself as a leading soprano at Covent Garden before landing roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Dame Nellie used her fame to raise funds for charity during World War 1 and after the war dedicated herself to teaching. Her contribution to Australia was also recognised when she was chosen to feature on the $100 note. Guests at the naming event enjoyed a performance by Melba Opera Trust scholar, Cleo Lee-McGowan, before being treated to generous servings of Australian favourites Melba Toast and Peach Melbas. Dame Nellie is our third opera star – following on from Ryman villages named after Dame Malvina Major and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Above: Victoria regional sales and community relations manager Robert Taylor, general manager for the Melba Opera Trust Amy Black, chief sales & marketing officer Debbie McClure and Nellie Melba village sales advisors Michelle Shaw and Dale Singleton. Left: Opera singer Cleo Lee McGowan performing.
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How we name our villages
S
taff new to Ryman often wonder why we choose to name our villages after people rather than places, and here’s the reason why. Ryman’s approach to naming its villages was one of the many clever ideas conceived by Ryman co-founder Kevin Hickman. Instead of naming villages after geographic locations, Kevin thought it might be a nice idea to name them in honour of significant local people suggested by the residents who were moving in. The first village to be named this way was Margaret Stoddart in 1993, which honoured the Canterbury artist. Naming the villages this way was not only a way to keep their namesake’s legacy alive, but also engaged the residents and gave them a unique identity. Since then New Zealand icons ranging from Sir Edmund Hillary and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa through to Possum Bourne have been honoured. Possum Bourne Retirement Village sounds a bit more interesting than Ryman Pukekohe don’t you think? The only Ryman village not named after a person is Woodcote, our very first village. This is because Woodcote was named before Kevin had his big idea.
Health & Safety Update
Stop! Think! What could go wrong?
S
afety is a core value in Ryman’s culture. To reinforce safe procedures in our everyday tasks, the “Stop! Think!” information has recently been introduced to all construction sites and villages. The key aim of this simple message - with related documents, posters and stickers - is to ensure we are committed to maintaining workplace safety for ourselves and our teams. We all have a shared responsibility for keeping all team members, residents, visitors and contractors safe every day. You will see this programme develop further throughout the year, encouraging all of us to take a minute to think
about, and resolve, any risks in our workplace. Remember, ‘we do it safely, or not at all’. Nothing is so important that we can’t take the time to do it safely. This mindset must be shared amongst all staff and leaders. Our aim is to have safety embedded in everything we do i.e. ‘It’s just the way we do things around here’. If you see bad habits or shortcuts which have developed over time, speak up and “Stop! Think!” about how to shift these behaviours to achieve great safety outcomes for everyone. For feedback or questions, please contact healthandsafety@rymanhealthcare.com
STEP BACK We do it safely or not at all
STOP! THINK!
What could go wrong?
1.
What task am I about to do?
2.
What could go wrong?
3.
How could this affect or endanger others?
4.
What can I do to keep everyone safe?
5.
How safe is this task?
Use a Step Back Card to decide whether to 16 | RQ
GO, CHECK, or STOP
D ma Da mage ge in n Ton nga a fro r m Cycl Cy c on cl ne Gi G ta a: ph phot oto ot o supp su pplilied by pp Reed Cr Red Cros Cros o s.
Cyclone Gita relief T
he Ryman family has rallied to support staff affected by Cyclone Gita, raising more than $48,000 to help with recovery in the Pacific. Cyclone Gita swept through the Pacific causing damage to a number of island territories in its path, but Tonga bore the brunt of its fury on February 13. Ryman immediately donated $10,000 to the Red Cross for emergency relief, and the company gave emergency support packages for 40 staff whose families were badly affected back home. Staff reported widespread damage to family homes and the disruption to their lives is likely to continue for months, but thankfully there were no serious injuries. Ryman staff swung into action to help with fundraisers which ranged from bake sales and coin trails through to island cooking nights. More than $24,000 was raised, which was matched dollar for dollar by Ryman Healthcare, to take the total to more than $48,000. Mary-Rose Muller, a student nurse at Jane Mander in Whangarei, rushed home to help her family on the island of ‘Eua. “We lost part of the roof and a room off our home and our church was flattened. It is worse than I had imagined, it is going to take a long time for Tonga to recover,’’ Mary-Rose says. “I’d like to thank everyone at Ryman for all their love and support, it means a lot.’’
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Right: Student nurse, Mary Rose Muller’s family home (above) was badly damaged during the storm.
Ryma Ry man Christchhurch's bake sale, BBQ and mufti-day re r sulted in $2,2 $2 ,225 225 25 rai aise sseed to o hel elp lp t e recovveryy in the th Paccifific. Pa
Residents and staff rally to save the bus M
ore than 120 Diana Isaac residents and staff rallied in central Christchurch to save their bus stop and immediately won a promise to reconsider from Environment Canterbury's (ECan's) chairman Steve Lowndes. They delivered a petition to Lowndes, calling for a compromise on the closure of their closest bus stop on Philpotts Rd. The stop would be moved 1km away, sparking a strong protest from residents and staff who rely on the bus. Organiser and village resident, Graham Tate, and a team of helpers from the village managed to get 650 signatures on the petition and enlisted the help of local MP Duncan Webb to try and change ECan's mind. More than 330 village residents, 70 staff and 247 local residents signed the petition. Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod also signed the petition and wrote to ECan's chairman and management to express his concern. Graham said the change was presented as a 'done deal' by ECan
staff at earlier meetings at the village, but the stance softened after the protestors arrived. "We were presented with a final decision that basically said, 'the walk will do you good' and there was no consultation on how important the bus route is.'' Many residents wouldn't be able to walk the extra distance, let alone carry their shopping bags. "A very large proportion couldn't walk to the proposed stop ... it's not through lack of trying, it's not for lack of trying to keep fit, it is just the physical limitation of getting over 80 and some are over 90." Greeted with 120 happy, singing, polite but obviously concerned residents, chairman Lowndes said the council would be happy to reconsider and look at the compromise proposed. "We will be bending over backwards to see whether we can accommodate you,'' he said. The council would look at rerouting one in five buses back to the village, reducing the frequency of the service.
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Duncan Webb MP said it was the happiest protest he had been to in a long time. "The fact that there are 120 people here – many of them octogenarians – to protest – shows the depth of feeling there is about this. I hope the council reconsiders.'' The residents have mapped and measured a compromise route which adds three minutes to the service but continues to include the stop at the village. Graham said he was pleased that ECan was committed to considering a compromise, and awaited the outcome of further talks. Below: Christchurch cental MP Duncan Webb with Ima Donu, Jane Elle, Safaira Te Koto and Zandra Soriano from Diana Isaac Retirement Village.
Shorty fans head to Auckland Ryman’s amateur actors pleased with their win
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ur Shortland Street competition uncovered a lot of hidden talent across Ryman. There were spectacular entries from several villages including Jean Sandel, Margaret Stoddart, Ernest Rutherford, Charles Fleming and Ryman Christchurch. However, there could only be one winner – Essie Summers. The team from the Christchurch village emerged victorious from a fiercely competitive field of Ryman filmmakers and will head to Auckland for a day as extras on the Shortland Street set. Special mention also went to Debbie Edwards, sales advisor and
aspiring actor at Ernest Rutherford, for the best blooper. "You're not in guacamole now Dr Avocado,'' was unfortunately not in the script, but it made for great entertainment. Essie Summers' lead actors were clinical manager Melanie Asuncion (Dr Hone Ropata) and chef Karen Jenkins (Nurse Carrie Burton) with a large team of supporting actors including activities coordinator Lavinia Quinn (the expectant mother). Village manager Rosemary Deane (who played a scrub nurse) was very pleased with the results. "It's just amazing. Who knows where
it will take us once the talent scouts spot us,'' Rosemary said. "To be honest we've been watching the extras more than the stars to see what they do.'' The team will now hold a Shorty quiz to determine which members of the team will head to Auckland – and fame!
Look up Ryman Shorty Show Reel on YouTube to watch our fantastic entries.
#rq4u If you would like for us to feature your photos in RQ, tag your photos with the hashtag #rq4u on Facebook, Instagram or Yammer. Adrianna Pavlekovic, Ronny Liew , James Weight and Tayla Beck at the Mt Eliza Fun Run in Victoria.
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Ryman Reviews
Book Review The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
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he first time my Dad told me to read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, I was unenthusiastic. However, I did my familial duty and read it. This novel is about a book club, which formed during the German occupation of Guernsey in WW2. It is a unique as it written in the form of letters by
Juliet Ashton, the whimsical heroine, who is looking for inspiration for her next book. Surprisingly, the book was an easy, and hilarious, read. I am certainly glad I listened to my dad, as this book now has pride of place in my bookshelf. Reviewed by Ruthea van Heerden, Publications Editor, Ryman Christchurch
Movie Review Black Panther Directed by Ryan Coogler
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his year Marvel’s Black Panther took the world by storm. Director Ryan Coogler brought much needed diversity and representation, and in doing so, managed to include a multitude of references from different African cultures. The plot is familiar but still very entertaining. Black Panther’s villain is also one of the most fleshed out of the Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. The
highlight for me, was the witty Princess Shuri, who can surely compete with Tony Stark on wit and intelligence. The movie has a heart of gold and managed to promote a serious story balanced with the unique comedy that Marvel is famous for. Reviewed by Ruthea van Heerden, Publications Editor, Ryman Christchurch
Netflix Review Brooklyn Nine Nine
B
rooklyn Nine-Nine is a laugh-a-minute sitcom that follows a team of detectives in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct as they fight against criminals like the Pontiac Bandit and combat drugs called “Giggle Pig”. The team is led by Captain Raymond Holt, a stickler for rules and whose emotionless expression allows the character to deliver the shows best comedic lines. The central character, Jake Peralta, is a
carefree detective who made his own rules until Holt showed up, and their father-son dynamic is a charming recurring theme. The lovable supporting cast all have defining traits that make them unique and the interactions between characters are navigated intelligently and believably, with side-splitting results. Reviewed by Mel Walker, Sales Support, Ryman Christchurch
Be a Ryman reviewer & WIN! Become a Ryman reviewer and be in to win a $50 Whitcoulls or Hoyts voucher.
Please contact Ruthea at rq@rymanhealthcare.com
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Ryman Roles
A day in the life of a gardener A gardener's work life
W
hen visitors first walk into a Ryman village they often gasp with amazement at the sumptuous interior design. However, the splendour begins well before they reach the door, when they are wowed by the impeccably groomed gardens embracing each village. Each village’s grounds are unique depending on the climate and the size of the village. There’s a changing landscape wherever you look, and plant-life vying for attention. The seasonal bedding plants showing off their bright hues are contrasted by lush green lawns, buxus hedging and mature trees, changing their colours with the seasons. And of course there’s the resident’s favourites: the roses! The people who quietly work behind the scenes maintaining this treasure for residents and staff are the village gardeners. Many of them have won community awards for their hard work and artistic flair, including Paul and Di at Kiri Te Kanawa village in Gisborne. Each of the gardens comes with its own challenges and for Paul and Di, their biggest challenge is keeping up with the massive growth in the “almost winterless” Gisborne region. That growth means weeds love the climate as much as the plants and Paul and Di have a constant battle to keep them at bay.
First thing: Their typical day starts at 8am with a “Toolbox” meeting on Monday mornings. Here they discuss health and safety and they plan their work for the week. Much of it is routine and dependent on the seasons. Paul is the head gardener and he keeps a diary so that the gardeners know what to work on, if he is at a meeting. They communicate well and work as a team. Health and safety: It’s very important the gardeners wear protective clothing where required, including gloves, earmuffs, and protective eyewear. They also need to protect themselves from the elements and this includes using sunscreen and wearing a hat. A typical shift: Gardeners work 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and at Kiri Te Kanawa it takes about five weeks for the gardeners to complete a circuit of the grounds including weeding, trimming and mowing. On Wednesdays (weather dependent) they
mow the lawns and every second Tuesday the edges are trimmed. Their work is determined by the seasons. This summer has been particularly wet and this has meant there are more rogue grasses in the lawns, and fungal disease to be managed in the roses. Spraying is a necessary part of their work but to reduce this, they now plant more resilient varieties of roses. Being prepared for the unexpected: Although their work is routine, sometimes they have to deal with the unexpected. The residents have a garden maintenance book and Paul and Di check this regularly and prioritise the work according to urgency. Paul and Di both enjoy meeting the residents and discussing gardening with them. They also get a lot of satisfaction from seeing a job well done, and looking at the freshly mown lawns before heading home at 4.30pm.
Left: Kiri Te Kanawa gardeners Paul Delemain and Di Mantell-Harding love maintaining the ‘treasure’ for residents, staff and visitors.
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Anniversaries Celebrating our dedicated people of ten years or more!
Twen nty Five Years Sue Knight Main Laundry Person Essie Summers ue has been working at Essie Summers (previously Beckenham Courts) for 25 years. She has worked in a variety of roles; including kitchen assistant, housekeeper and laundry assistant, but her primary role is making sure her residents are happy.
S
Sue loves her residents and works hard to make sure their laundry is looked after. Everyone at Essie Summers loves Sue very much, her peers and colleagues hold her in high esteem and she has promised that she is not leaving us!
Twenty Yearss
Wendy Laurie Caregiver Rowena Jackson
Brooke Roberts
Leah Marechal
Activities Assistant Edmund Hillary
Main Laundry Person Yvette Williams
Marie Hodges
Sue Wickham
Housekeeper Rowena Jackson
Assistant Manager Hilda Ross
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Building the team in Victoria A
s Ryman Healthcare’s expansion into Australia hits top gear, regional construction manager Martyn Osborn is on the prowl for talent. With construction of the Nellie Melba village at Brandon Park on track to see the first apartments handing over in July, Martyn is in full recruitment mode for the next sites to be developed in Victoria. Villages in Geelong and Burwood East are likely to be the next cabs off the rank, with Burwood East, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha in the planning stages for development after that. Martyn is recruiting site development teams, comprising a project manager,
two foremen, a site administrator and a safety advisor, for the upcoming builds. The project managers leading those teams need to be level-headed problem solvers with a can-do attitude, Martyn said. “It’s a pretty exciting time and there’s a lot of opportunities for the right people who join our team now to go places within our company in the future.” A big part of the role is working closely with all the specialist subcontractors on site. “We’ve built some pretty good relationships with these contractors,” Martyn said. “Some of the ones we’ve used at Weary Dunlop we’ve used again at
Martyn is looking forward to expanding the construction team in Victoria. Brandon Park, but we are looking for more and more contractors because we’re going to have too much work for all of them.”
If you, or anyone you know, are interested in a construction position in Victoria please contact our recruitment coordinator georgie.hamilton@rymanhealthcare.com
A knitter's tale Julia Wallace resident’s Peggy Squares bring joy to new mothers
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olly Wright, 91, a resident at Julia Wallace’s dementia unit, always has a pair of knitting needles in her hand. She learned to knit with meat skewers and string at a very young age and nothing has stopped her since. “Mum was an absolutely amazing craftsperson. She created beautiful lace patterns. We always had handmade jerseys and clothes,” says Molly’s daughter, Pauline Allen. Molly taught her younger siblings and eventually her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Mum still knits today, mostly
Nana Molly’s hands are never still – always busy knitting away!
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Peggy squares. She can knit two a day! So, we have to keep her well supplied with wool. At least six balls a week, and she goes through all of them!” Molly’s daughters take the squares and turn them into beautiful blankets to donate to the neo-natal care centre at Palmerston North Hospital and the Peggy Purl project. Even though she struggles with other memories, knitting is the exception. “Mum how many stitches do you cast on?” Pauline asks Molly. “36 stitches for a Peggy square,” Molly says almost immediately. “See, she still knows that!” Molly doesn’t remember the good work she’s done, but others are truly grateful for her beautiful creations. Her endearing story also featured on TVNZ’s Good Sorts.
Bob Scottt
Staff survey results are in!
Survey response rate
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record number of you took part in this year’s staff survey, and you told us you’re feeling happier than ever about working at Ryman. You told us what you felt was working well, and where things could improve. Getting this sort of feedback is essential – we cannot fix things if we do not know what’s broken – so thank you! An overwhelming majority of you told us that you felt physically safe at work, and that if you raised concerns about safety, they would be dealt with. More of you felt that you were appreciated and valued than in our last survey, and a larger number of you than last time felt you were fairly paid. You felt we had improved in the way we were rostering, but a lot of you still felt you needed more time to spend with residents. Many of you were very open and upfront about where you felt we needed more resources, and your feedback has been taken on board.
Last year
1677 responses This year
4254 responses
How did we do overall? More than 4,200 team members took the time to fill out the staff survey online and on paper, compared to 1,700 last time. The headline result was our strongest ever. We are still working through all the results from the March survey and your manager will be reporting back to you with more detailed results for your work place, along with discussing how we can work together to make necessary improvements. Thank you for taking part, and for giving your opinions so freely and in record numbers.
Edm Ed mund mu d H lllllarry Hi 24 | RQ
Notice Board New Zealand
Get connected with
Work Connect
Are you an overseas team member with a partner or family who is looking for work? Work Connect is a free 10-hour training programme to help prepare your partner or family member for work in New Zealand. Work Connect will provide them with personalised coaching and support to help find a job that suits their skills, experience and qualifications.
More information can be found here: careers.govt.nz/workconnect or phone 0800 222 733 Or contact your Training & Development team at Ryman. Eligibility criteria applies.
Cashin Scholarship winner Emma off to a flying start
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mma Glasson is all set to pursue her dream career after winning the $5,000 Cashin Scholarship. The 18-year-old from Invercargill has started her first year studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and she says the scholarship has eased the pressure on her family. Emma’s mum Deanna is a senior caregiver at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village in Invercargill and started there in 2012 after the family moved south from Christchurch. Emma says the earthquakes were tough on the family. “The earthquakes took a toll on us
all and mum and dad decided that Invercargill would be a good place to move to.’’ Emma is the seventh winner of the scholarship established in honour of Ryman director Mike Cashin. Blair Cashin, Mike’s son, said Emma was a deserving winner. “We were delighted to support Emma’s ambitions to study accountancy. She’s part of a family whose lives were disrupted by the earthquakes but she is a determined character who has done well at school through her hard work.’’
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The scholarship is open to all Ryman staff and their families.
Take a Break
Word finder
Sudoku
Can you find all 40 of Ryman's locations and retirement villages in the grid below?
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.
Anthony Wilding Bert Sutcliffe Bob Owens Bob Scott Bruce McLaren Charles Fleming Charles Upham Devonport Diana Isaac Edmund Hillary
Ernest Rutherford Essie Summers Evelyn Page Frances Hodgkins Grace Joel Hilda Ross Hobsonville Jane Mander Jane Winstone Jean Sandel
Julia Wallace Karori Kiri Te Kanawa Lincoln Road Logan Campbell Lynfield Malvina Major Margaret Stoddart Nellie Melba Newtown
Ngaio Marsh Possum Bourne Princess Alexandra Rita Angus River Road Rowena Jackson Shona McFarlane Weary Dunlop Woodcote Yvette Williams
H R E D N AM E N A J X CMA R GA R E T S TODD A R T N S T R J QTU E T Y P F A F R A NC E S HODGK I N S AV PO S S UMBOUR N E A T T OC S BOB D E VON POR T N C F E I H I L D A R O S S K I R I T E K A N AWA H I E D E X H N Q D A O R R E V I R D U MOW P P K A R O R I X B A S Q X A Z N O S K C A J A N E WO R N G A I OMA R S H R L N E L L I E M E L B A A N T HO N YW I L D I NG I F D R S S E F R D H N U MW X D A Q S N E WO B O B WH J C N Q R W R J T A E Y V E T T EW I L L I AMS XMR RDP AK P T I E H I F R V SWE AR YDUN L OPGR PUAZ X E VQRV MU T C Y R O J AMA N I V L AM L N L V L R E T U TM E V M E D M U N D H I L L A R Y T I S N U MOW L O H G B F Y Q UXVA X CUX L OGANCAMP B E L L ACR F P T J S G SUGNAA T I R Z E F J ZQY S K ZQS DV I YA I E N I E I ROH J A N EW I N S T ON E K N S OHDY C A XMGN I TUHOB RUC EMC L A R E N L EOE V E L YN P AG E SWC S C H A R L E S U P H AM K CW J E A N S A N D E L X S G D R Q J WD I F E Q E R O Z NQ T HO B S ON V I L L E E G R A C E J O E L P DMD L I N CO L N ROAD L AD J J C H A R L E S F L E M I N G R N A R W T H M I WQ K L S A F E C A L L A E A I L U J P PWD Z QN RQD C I OGN Z QY B E R T S UT C L I F F E RN E S T RUTH E R FORDC E
7 3
1
5
7 9 5
7 8 2 3 9 1 6 8 4 7 3 3 5 2 5 7 2 7 6
Word builder
N E G E T L How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There's at least one six-letter word. Good=10 Very good=15 Excellent 19+
If you have any favourite puzzle types that you would like to see in future editions of RQ, please send your suggestions to 027 552 1178 or rq@rymanhealthcare.com
26 | RQ
We have the following options available, and you can remain anonymous if you choose to.
Do you have feedback, questions to ask, or a concern you’d like to report?
Call our friendly HR team on NZ 0800 588 222 AU 1800 995 716
Email: confidential@ rymanhealthcare.com
Ryman
Confidential Feedback
Text: NZ 027 234 5234 AU 0404 475 165
Send a letter to:
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Confidential Feedback Team Ryman Healthcare (NZ) PO Box 771 Christchurch 8042 (AU) PO Box 5391 Brandon Park Victoria 3150
Ryman Team
Benefits
We are excited to introduce new suppliers and retailers, that have partnered with Ryman Team Benefits! Deals include discounted mole maps, homewares and great rates on rental cars, plus much more… By now you would have received your benefits card or if you are a new employee, you will be sent your card within your first 8 weeks of employment. Happy shopping!
New New Zealand
Australia
Featured This edition’s featured suppliers are our banks. They all offer you special deals on home loans, person loans and credit card rates.
To find out more about our new partners or to refer a supplier or retailer please visit www.rymanteambenefits.com