Ryman Times NZ - AUTUMN 2023

RYMAN TIMES

We’re going big into solar Ryman strengthens balance sheet Tears of relief all round Hello Cambridge - here we come!

RYMAN HEALTHCARE NEW ZEALAND AUTUMN 2023

A WORD FROM RICHARD

Kia ora and welcome to our latest edition of the Ryman Times.

I wanted to start with a vote of thanks — to all our shareholders for your support for our capital raise. I am pleased to report that the pro rata entitlement offer received strong support from both our institutional and retail investors.

The purpose of the raise was to reset our capital structure to ensure there are sufficient funds to execute on the company’s growth strategy and strengthen Ryman’s balance sheet through the repayment of debt. It means we are in a good position to take advantage of the enormous opportunities ahead of us. It is also a strong vote of support for our purpose; –delivering care that is Good Enough for Mum or Dad. I have a strong sense that this is of particular importance for everyone who works at Ryman.

So thanks are in order! Thank You.

Our amazing team also rose the challenge once again in February — to maintain our high standards of care during the recent storms and floods. The turbulent weather we experienced in the North Island, including Cyclone Gabrielle provided a severe test of our team, our systems and our processes.

The investments we have made over the years in emergency planning paid off. Our investment in back-up generators and other emergency equipment meant that the teams on the ground were well placed to deal with every problem they faced. They were supported by a large cast of specialist advisors and helpers from around the country.

Gabrielle was particularly hard on our Princess Alexandra, James Wattie and Kiri Te Kanawa villages. They came through with flying colours and our residents loved the support they received and admired the commitment and initiative of the village teams.

We did not have to evacuate our 700 residents at the three villages in the cyclone’s path, but many of our own team were badly impacted. There is no doubt that it is a long road ahead for the regions affected – and recovery will take some time. We remain committed to supporting the teams in the villages as they work to return to normal operations.

Thank you once again for your support — there is a lot to talk about in this edition and I hope you enjoy it.

Kind regards,

Richard Umbers Group Chief Executive

IN THIS ISSUE

Ryman strengthens balance sheet

We’re going big into solar!

Bruce McLaren’s Georgia wins Cashin scholarship 2023

Angus ‘humbled’ to be part of Graeme Rabbits’ legacy

Ryman’s Mount Eliza village approved

Coping with the cyclone

Tears of relief all round

Miriam Corban’s mates recognised

Ryman residents support Banks Peninsula conservation project

Sisters reunited at Weary Dunlop

Dementia care training gets the thumbs up

Residents jump off the Sky Tower Hello Cambridge –here we come!

Front cover: Residents and staff from Jane Mander.

Australian Army honour Jim Easton

Ryman Healthcare Ltd Airport Business Park 92 Russley Road, Christchurch PO Box 771, Christchurch 8042

0800 588 222 rymanhealthcare.co.nz

Residents take to the sky

The Ryman Times is a quarterly publication for shareholders. For editorial enquiries please contact ruthea.vanheerden@rymanhealthcare.com

RYMAN STRENGTHENS BALANCE SHEET

Ryman has completed a successful reset of is capital structure after receiving strong support for its plans for future growth from shareholders.

Plans to raise $902 million to strengthen Ryman’s balance sheet by raising new capital to repay debt were announced on February 15 and completed by March 14.

A combination of existing and new retail investors backed the plans and the full target of $902 million was raised, enabling Ryman to meet its plans for future growth.

Ryman shareholders were entitled to 1 new share for every 2.81 shares held, and the board structured the offer to maximise fairness for all shareholders by allowing shareholders to sell their entitlements if they wished.

Richard Umbers said he was pleased with the backing the offer received from both retail and institutional shareholders.

“We are very pleased with the level of support received across both the retail and institutional components of our equity raising and to be able to return a premium of 25 cents per share to shareholders who did not or could

not participate. Proceeds from the equity raising enable Ryman to be well positioned to execute its growth framework and maintain the high standard of care it is known for,” Mr Umbers said.

With a history dating back almost 40 years, Ryman has a strong presence in New Zealand and is the largest retirement village operator. In addition, Ryman now has a growing presence in Victoria, Australia. Across both markets Ryman provides homes for more than 13,000 residents across 45 high quality villages in high value suburbs.

Since the start of the 2018 financial year, Ryman has invested over $3.9 billion in its portfolio, delivering more than 2,699 independent living units and 1,018 new care beds for residents.

During this period Ryman also invested in new sites for its landbank, which provides a platform for growth. Ryman currently has 15 villages under construction and 6,710 units in its current land bank.

This period of accelerated investment, where investing

cash flows exceeded operating cash flows, resulted in elevated levels of debt.

Resetting the capital structure with new equity through this allowed Ryman to pay down debt and reduce pro-forma gearing from 45.3% to 33.9%. No further dividend will be paid in the current financial year.

Mr Umbers said the capital raising meant Ryman was well capitalised as it sought to meet increased demand for the Ryman way of life, while also increasing cash flow generation and shareholder returns.

“Ryman is now an established trans-Tasman business, with a compelling retirement village living and aged-care proposition in both markets.

“With a recapitalised balance sheet, a refreshed leadership team and a newly focused approach to development, we believe we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities in our business and continue to deliver care that is ‘Good Enough for Mum or Dad’.”

Pictured: A render of Kevin Hickman Retirement Village in Christchurch.

WE’RE GOING BIG INTO SOLAR!

Ryman Healthcare has signed an agreement with renewable energy fund Solar Bay to develop a solar farm in Northland to supply power in a first for the retirement industry.

The $35 million solar farm will be built, owned and operated by Solar Bay on a site near Maungaturoto, and the 29.94 million kWh of energy it produces each year will be fed directly into the national grid in Northland, taking pressure off the system.

Under the exclusive agreement, Ryman will be the new solar farm’s only customer, giving Solar Bay a guaranteed buyer for all its renewable energy production for the next 10 years.

The farm will save an estimated 3,294 tonnes of carbon a year.

The deal is ‘sleeved’ by electricity generator and retailer Mercury, who will ensure a reliable supply to Ryman’s villages, sending extra electricity when solar output is low, and also buy solar output above what the customer needs if output is high.

Ryman buys the power it needs for village operations at a guaranteed price through a long-term supply agreement with both Solar Bay and Mercury.

Ryman Healthcare New Zealand Chief Executive Cheyne Chalmers said the deal fitted with Ryman’s

plans to be as sustainable as possible in New Zealand.

“We’re excited about working with Solar Bay on this project because not only will it make our village operations more sustainable, and it will also take pressure off the national grid north of Auckland,’’ Cheyne said.

“We know our residents want to leave the environment in the best possible shape for their grandchildren and the generations to follow, so it is a wonderful deal to be part of.’’

The electricity produced will go into the grid to be used where it is needed, but having a guaranteed single buyer means Solar Bay can

proceed with certainty and will be a major boost to renewable energy generation in New Zealand.

In return Ryman’s residents have the reassurance of knowing they are playing a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

in sustainable energy projects in Australia and New Zealand.

The farm has the potential capacity to generate all the power consumed annually by Ryman’s villages and can be scaled relatively easily.

Solar

Bay

Investment Director Andrew Archibald said: “We are delighted to partner with such a market leading business as Ryman Healthcare, as their commitment to sustainability sets the benchmark for many organisations to follow.”

Solar Bay is a privately-funded $300 million sustainable energy investor based in Sydney. It invests

Mercury’s

GM Portfolio

Phil Gibson said: “This arrangement means that new renewable generation from independent generators like Solar Bay to supply customers with reliable, renewable electricity. Ryman is a long-standing Mercury customer, and we were very happy to work together with them in this innovative way to enable them to have the renewable electricity supply they wanted for their business.”

Ryman launched its inaugural sustainability strategy in October 2022. The strategy focuses on implementing initiatives to reduce the impact of Rymans operations on the environment. Sourcing energy from renewable sources in New Zealand is the first step towards a wider project encompassing operations across the group.

Pictured above: A render of the Solar Bay renewable energy farm.

Pictured left: Residents and staff from Jane Mander.

BRUCE MCLAREN’S GEORGIA WINS CASHIN SCHOLARSHIP

This year’s winner of the Cashin Scholarship went to Bruce McLaren’s receptionist Georgia Taylor.

The 19-year-old Aucklander is about to embark on her third year of a Bachelor in Primary Education and said the $5,000 scholarship money will make ‘a lot of difference’ to her.

She believes part of the reason for her success was how closely her values and goals align with those of the late Mike Cashin, who was a Ryman director at the time of his death in 2010.

The Cashin Scholarship was set up in 2012 in Mike’s memory and each year his family select the winner for the $5,000 award.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher someday,” says Georgia, who is following in her mother’s footsteps.

“It’s really important to me to be part of inspiring the next generation.

“With Mike Cashin believing strongly in the purpose of education and wanting to support people, it made me think this scholarship would be well suited for me.”

It’s not just university that has taught Georgia a thing or two.

She has been a loyal worker at Bruce McLaren since she was 15; “A lot of empathy is needed in this job, and patience, and also you

need initiative and to be able to think on your feet.”

Bruce McLaren Village Manager Chantelle Hand said the whole team was delighted to hear that Georgia had won the award.

“Georgia has been a loyal… and integral part of the Bruce McLaren family for four years. We are so thrilled she has received this award,” Chantelle said.

Pictured: Bruce McLaren Receptionist Georgia Taylor is delighted to win the Cashin Scholarship which will make a difference in her studies.

ANGUS ‘HUMBLED’ TO BE PART OF GRAEME RABBITS’ LEGACY

A kitchen assistant from Hilda Ross Retirement Village has wowed the family of Graeme Rabbits with his impressive attributes and marked him as the clear winner of this year’s Graeme Rabbits scholarship award.

The scholarship will see Angus Newell receive three years of funding and support from Ryman towards achieving his study goals whilst also serving as a tribute to the construction worker who lost his life on site in 2018.

Angus, who has worked at Ryman’s Hamilton village for a year, has pledged to honour the legacy of Graeme by studying hard in his upcoming bachelor’s degree in business with a major in finance.

The Rabbits family listed several qualities that stood out from Angus’s application which confirmed for them that they had the right person.

“We are so happy to select someone with good values, a strong moral compass and a willingness to help others as Graeme’s scholarship recipient,” they said.

Angus, 19, said it was a ‘huge honour’ to receive the award.

“The possibility that I could in some small way be a part of Graeme’s legacy is incredibly humbling and the support I will now receive will enable me to improve the lives of those I interact with.”

Angus will continue to work part time at the village while studying and also hopes longer term to bring all his newfound skills back to Ryman and explore further opportunities within the company.

“I really love this company, it is such a privilege to work somewhere that has an unconditional commitment to kindness and empathy,” he says.

Pictured: Hilda Ross Kitchen Assistant Angus Newell.

RYMAN’S MOUNT ELIZA VILLAGE APPROVED

Ryman Healthcare’s plan to build a retirement village and aged care facility on a prime waterfront site in Mt Eliza has been approved by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in Australia.

Located at 60-70 Kunyung Road, the $317m development on an 8.9ha site previously owned by Sir Reginald Ansett will see the full restoration of the 42-room heritage-listed Moondah Mansion, built by James Grice in 1888.

The development, on the site of the old Melbourne Business School, will comprise 104 independent apartments,

27 assisted living suites, and a 60-bed aged care centre providing low care, high care, and specialist dementia care.

It will include a bowling green, café, bar, cinema, indoor swimming pool, hair and beauty salon, gymnasium, and a place of worship.

Ryman will also provide its own home care services to residents living in the village, as well as to older residents living in the wider Mt Eliza community.

Cameron Holland, CEO of Ryman Healthcare Australia, said: “We’re excited to get on with the job of restoring Moondah Mansion

and creating a community that’ll care for older Mt Eliza locals for decades to come.

“Because the village will offer locals high quality independent living and aged care options all in one place, residents will be able to stay in the community they know and love even if their health needs change over time.

“That continuum of care model pioneered by Ryman allows people to live healthy, independent lives for as long as possible, while at the sametime freeing up housing stock in the area and taking pressure off already strained local health services.”

Ryman has already invested more than $800,000 restoring the property’s historic gatehouse and is committed to honouring the site’s heritage through careful design.

Colin Cook, the great-grandson of James Grice, welcomed VCAT’s decision to approve the village.

“We are extremely pleased with this long-awaited great decision from VCAT and are just really relieved that sanity has prevailed.

“Moondah is an historic treasure that is already starting to show signs that it’s in need of love and

attention it very much deserves. We have always been confident that Ryman’s plans will preserve it from certain ruin.

“To see it fully restored and placed as the centrepiece of a new community for older people will be fantastic, and my great-grandfather

would be quietly pleased to know it will be preserved and protected for decades to come.”

Pictured: Phillippa Addicott and Colin Cook, the great-grandchildren of James Grice, who built Moondah Mansion, are pleased the building will be saved from “certain ruin”.

COPING WITH THE CYCLONE

Cyclone Gabrielle made landfall in New Zealand on February 12, but with good preparation and emergency measures in place the Ryman villages in its path weathered the storm.

Princess Alexandra in Napier, James Wattie in Havelock North and Kiri Te Kanawa in Gisborne all lost power and the emergency generators kicked in. The village teams did an extraordinary job to keep our residents safe and well.

Early that Tuesday morning, all communication into the Gisborne region was lost and roads were closed.

On Wednesday 15 February, with the region cut-off, Christchurch-based Construction Manager

Tom Brownrigg and National Facilities Manager

Tracey McCullough embarked on a four-hour helicopter trip north.

Armed with satellite phones and extra supplies, the pair touched down in the paddock next door to Kiri Te Kanawa and put the phones to work quickly, connecting the Village Manager, Penny Forrester with General Manager of NZ Operations, Liz Dilger.

Further south at Princess Alexandra in Napier and James

Wattie in Havelock North the villages came through the cyclone well with no need to evacuate residents, but plenty of challenges.

Princess Alexandra was operating on the emergency generator for five days, the team and residents supported each other, and showed typical Ryman kindness and resilience while more staff and supplies were being flown in. The infrastructure is fragile across the entire region and could cause problems for many months ahead.

Down the road in Havelock North, supplies were also flown in, and they had power restored after nearly two days running on their emergency generator.

Our teams rallied around, with Tom and Tracey not being our only adventurous travellers making the trip. Regional Operations Manager Arthur Keane made it through the storm to deliver supplies to James Wattie in a two-day drive and New Zealand Sales Manager Bernadette Forsdyke made a dash from the Kapiti Coast to Havelock North to pitch in.

When the call went out for help, many team members from villages across New Zealand put their hand up to leave their own homes and families to support our Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne villages, with some staying on for a week or more.

Our residents have heaped praise on their village teams for keeping them safe and well through the storm, in addition to what they were facing in their own homes.

Kiri Te Kanawa resident, Alison McKay was full of gratitude when she said, “they worked through no matter what was happening at home for them which I think is extraordinary.”

As the adage goes ‘it takes a village’ and while schools were closed across the region, village centres saw a younger generation filling their walls. Children of our devoted team members were welcomed, with activities and entertainment provided while their parents continued to provide care that is good enough for mum, or dad.

The effects of Gabrielle continue to hinder day-to-day life for many, but the safe havens our villages provide mean life for our residents continues (mostly) as normal.

Pictured top: National Facilities Manager Tracey McCullough and Construction Manager Tom Brownrigg.

Pictured middle and bottom: Kiri Te Kanawa residents line up for water in order to flush their toilets after water restrictions hit the region.

TEARS OF RELIEF ALL ROUND

There was not a dry eye in the house at Kiri Te Kanawa after residents were handed special messages from concerned family after connection was restored in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Gisborne village was out of contact after the full force of the Cyclone struck on February 13, but a system was rigged up to get messages through to the village so that even though they couldn’t phone, families could keep in touch via printed messages.

Ryman head office staff let relatives of residents know the Kiri Te Kanawa community was fine after satellite phones were flown in by helicopter and the village was connected.

With communications patchy in the wake of the cyclone, Ryman kept in touch with relatives with email and Facebook updates and offered to pass any messages on.

Activities and Lifestyle

Coordinator Janice Baker and Serviced Apartments coordinator Sam Leahy had the job of handing on the messages

to residents, and that’s when the tears started flowing.

“There were about 12 of us having a cup of tea when Sam handed a family message to Nola, who is 102 and was desperate to hear,’’ Janice says.

“There were tears all round when we saw her reaction, it was such a massive relief for Nola to hear from her family.”

Also pleased to keep in touch were Anne Yee, Colin Sowerby and Ann Milton-Tee who all received messages of support from family.

Janice said it was difficult for residents who had family in other affected areas but had no way of getting in touch to find out how they had got on. Some were desperately concerned.

“The problem was that we were all just as worried about our families in other places, as they were about us.

“We had staff coming to work who were displaced from their homes.

They were staying with other people and having to clean up their own homes. But they all came to work with a smile and pitched in. I think they were amazing!’’

With schools closed the village also took in the children of staff, and organised activities to keep them occupied.

Also tough on residents has been seeing the devastation to the area they love, but they are full of gratitude for village manager Penny Forrester and the team who looked after them.

And there was plenty of happy feedback from relatives, with one relative writing: “All credit to Ryman. My dad is in Kiri Te Kanawa in Gisborne. They have been outstanding at giving us info, organising delivery if supplies and passing on our messages. So glad he was not on his own.’’

Pictured (left): Resident Colin Sowerby with Activities and Lifestyle Coordinator Janice Baker.

Pictured (right): Resident Anne Yee reacts to her message from family.

MIRIAM CORBAN’S MATES RECOGNISED

Ryman Healthcare’s Miriam Corban village has become the company’s second construction site to be awarded Mates in Construction accreditation.

The team have now joined the Murray Halberg construction team in being recognised for placing good mental health and wellbeing amongst its workers as a top priority.

Awarding the team their plaque, Mates’ Field Officer James Sendall said it was a testament to the hard work everyone had done on the Auckland site to reach that point.

“There’s a great bunch of amazing people, with cohesiveness, and a culture of making values, strength and support part of the site.

“I walk away today feeling comfortable that if anything should occur it’s in great hands.”

Mates in Construction is a preventative programme which originated in Australia in 2008 which is aimed at reducing the

high numbers of suicides in the construction industry.

With the NZ construction sector losing roughly one person a week to suicide, the programme resonated strongly with the industry here after launching in 2019.

As one of New Zealand’s largest construction companies, Ryman Healthcare partnered with the notfor-profit organisation the following year in a bid to raise awareness around suicide prevention and to encourage people to check in on their fellow workers.

The pandemic had compounded the various stressors that affected the male-dominated construction industry, with supply and labour shortages adding to the pressures.

Young men aged 20-24 were typically the most at risk, James said.

The Mates training aims at placing one connector per 20 workers on site to be available to help connect the person in need of support with appropriate help.

Miriam Corban Health and Safety Coordinator Justin De Vrije, a Mates connector himself, said breaking down the image of being the ‘tough-faced big burly guy in boots’ was key.

The training gave insight into spotting the ‘invitations’ that those struggling may give off, such as changes in body language, demeanour or behaviour.

“It helps you understand the stuff you look at that you would normally miss,” Justin said.

Project Manager Joe Won was proud of the team’s achievement: “Receiving this plaque is testament to how committed the team is to step up and go the extra mile for their teammates and find ways to help them.”

Pictured: The Miriam Corban construction team.

RYMAN RESIDENTS SUPPORT BANKS PENINSULA CONSERVATION PROJECT

A conservation trust and Canterbury eco-tourism business have welcomed the work done by residents of the Diana Isaac Retirement Village to help safeguard a precious penguin colony on Banks Peninsula.

Both the Helps Pōhatu Conservation Trust and Pōhatu Penguins work closely on removing predators from the peninsula to help maintain a ‘taonga species’Little penguin/ Kororā.

The residents from Diana Isaac village in Christchurch have been making the wooden trap housings to catch pests, such as stoats and rats. The white-flippered penguins nest in Pōhatu/Flea Bay near Akaroa, where predator control has been ongoing for the last 40 years.

Geraldine Guillemot-Peacock helps maintain the traps on behalf of the trust and Pōhatu Penguins, which runs wildlife and peninsula tours. Recently, a group of residents from Diana Isaac village, including Bruce Gray, Gary Archbold, Norm Reid and Brian Hill handed over 25 traps to Geraldine.

The Helps Pōhatu conservation trust protects Little Penguins at Pōhatu and the wider Banks Peninsula through predator control, rehabilitation of injured birds, weekly monitoring of the colony, surveys and education and advocacy.

The traps have been laid for decades now, so there is a need for replacement for rusted mechanisms and the housings. There were also traps lost during a 2021 floodwater event on the property.

There were 182 traps, split across 10 trap lines, within the property that stretches hundreds of metres inland. These traps are checked weekly for the pests as well as for any required maintenance, so damaged traps can be repaired and gaps in the plan can be filled.

Gary also thanked Pōhatu’s Averil Parthonnaud, who last year hosted a slide show and presentation to teach Diana Isaac residents about the penguins and how they need to be protected from such predators.

The presentation and slide work reminded Bruce of a series of family holidays that were held at the Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park and the walks in the bush.

Bruce, Gary, Norm and Brian are thankful of the help they have received from others in a wider project, particularly from a team of builders at Charles Upham village, led by resident Lynn Andrews. Lynn, a former watchmaker, has been helping ensure the wooden trap housings are built to specification for conservation groups.

Given the staged purchase and delivery of wood and other screws and partitions for the traps, the assembly process has been speedy and well executed, Bruce says.

Pictured: Diana Isaac residents Norm Reid and Bruce Gray with tour guide Geraldine Guillemot-Peacock.

SISTERS REUNITED AT WEARY DUNLOP

More than 70 years since they last lived under the same roof, sisters Pam Crozier and Jean Blake are finally together again.

The sisters, who are 94 and 95, were reunited last year when they moved into serviced apartments just metres away from one another at Weary Dunlop Retirement Village in Melbourne.

Sitting in Jean’s light-filled apartment with a photo of their late mother Winifred smiling down on them, Pam and Jean couldn’t be happier.

“I think mum would be delighted, she’d be thrilled that we’ve come together,” Pam said.

“I lived in East Gippsland for more than 40 years and Jean was in Heidelberg. We’ve always been close even though we lived apart, but now we’re even closer.”

Much has changed since Pam and Jean last lived together with their parents in the London suburb of Edgware.

“Our dad was in the London Fire Brigade, and we spent the first years of our lives living in the Kentish Town Fire Station,” Pam said.

“They had a fireman’s pole in those days, and we’d watch the men slide down the pole and get in the fire engine.”

The sisters have vivid memories of nights spent with their parents and cat sheltering in their backyard bunker as doodlebugs flew overhead during World War 2.

In 1966, Jean and her family emigrated to Australia as ‘10 Pound Poms’ and in 1968 Pam and her late husband followed on a cargo ship.

For the past 40 years the sisters spoke regularly on the phone and visited one another for birthdays and Christmas.

But when Pam’s partner passed away in 2020, she felt a pull to be closer to her beloved older sister and family.

During a visit to Melbourne Pam joined Jean and her niece on a tour of Weary Dunlop.

“We saw two serviced apartments that were very close to one another and were too good to refuse,” Pam said.

“We’re beyond being independent now, so serviced apartments where we have our main meal provided and a little extra support from lovely staff is absolutely ideal.”

And being able to support one another in their older age has done both Pam and Jean a world of good.

“I’ve always had my sister to guide me, but now the young one checks on the oldie,” Pam laughed.

Jean was quick to sum up the pair’s nearly century-long bond.

“Whatever we’re doing, if we’re together, we’re happy,” she said.

Pictured: Sisters Pam and Jean.

DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING GETS THE THUMBS UP

At Essie Summers village, staff members were honoured for completing Ryman Healthcare’s dementia care micro-credential.

Maridel Balingit and Rajender Kaur (Pictured) are just two of 19 Rymanians studying to gain the micro-credential. They were presented with graduation certificates in Christchurch.

Maridel and Rajender say the micro-credential has enhanced their confidence in providing person-centred care for residents living with dementia.

“At the moment I’m working in the special care unit, after I finished (studying). I’m not facing any trouble at all... it’s really amazing,” Rajender says.

Maridel says she completed the course around the demands of work and family life, “I was so glad Ryman offered me the course. It

really helped me a lot with the residents in special care”.

Operations Education Team Leader Matt Aldridge provided the two with the formal recognition at the Essie Summers village.

“The micro-credential is a really amazing programme which supports our overall dementia care strategy,” Matt says.

The 16-week online programme is developed and facilitated by Ryman, and hosted and moderated by Otago Polytechnic.

Matt says the micro-credential qualification is being rolled out to more than 400 care givers working in Ryman’s special care units, and there are hopes to roll it out to a broader audience of team members in future.

The myRyman Life Microcredential has been researched and designed by Ryman Healthcare to challenge

perspectives on dementia commonly held by care teams, families and residents.

Each of the four modules addresses a different perspective on dementia so that care teams are equipped with specialised knowledge and skills to provide person-centred care.

This model supports people with dementia to live in the moment, and to feel kindness, love, and security. It promotes spontaneity, laughter, and happiness in the moment.

There was certainly celebration for Maridel and Rajender’s work.

The meeting, which drew in both village residents and team members, also provided a platform for a talent quest amongst staff representing different parts of the village.

RESIDENTS JUMP OFF THE SKY TOWER

A group of residents from Ryman Healthcare’s Keith Park Retirement Village have braved the bungy jump and perimeter walk at Auckland’s Sky Tower.

Six thrill-seeking residents signed up for the jump, which is a controlled descent from 192m, and three decided to do the walk around the perimeter platform with no handrails separating them from the 53-storey drop!

Helen Lane, 74, had the initial idea after the village team surveyed residents for activity ideas as part of Ryman’s enhanced resident experience initiative.

Helen said doing it with the others was a great encouragement.

“Being in a group you feel like you’ve got to do it!” she said.

And when they learned that on average about half the people chicken out at the top, their 100% jump rate gave them an added boost.

Ralph Martin, 76, volunteered to take the first jump. He took it all in his stride and was grinning from ear to ear on landing. “I’m here!” he said.

Helen was next, who couldn’t believe how quickly it took to get to the bottom.

“It happened so quickly I thought I have got to make the most of this,” she said. “But I closed my eyes at first! I’m so rapt I did it!”

Next up was Trevor Whyte, 75, who had been wanting to do something special for his 75th birthday who made sure to keep his eyes open the whole time.

John Bennett, 75 discovered he was doing the jump only after his friend Ian put his name down, and described it as ‘a bit of a buzz’.

Graham Booth, who at 83 was the most senior of the jumpers, caused quite a stir at the start of his jump.

“The guy said ‘let go, let go’ so I did, but I only let go with one hand!” said Graham.

After hanging on for a couple of seconds he finally let go with his other hand.

For retired NZRAF engineer Ian Curtis, 81, the last jumper of the group, it was a return to the skies of sorts, but a very different kind of flight, and one which certainly got the heart pumping!

The remaining three residents, Wendy and Peter Peacock, 70 and 80, and Helen’s husband Bob Lane, 78, then got suited up to do the Sky Walk.

For some, this is actually the more thrilling activity of the two, as it means being at a great height with no barrier for a lot longer.

While it is still perfectly safe, with walkers attached to a harness and zip line, the adrenalin still pumps around the body nonetheless.

Wendy admitted it was quite terrifying and her smile for the camera was more of a grimace.

“It was very windy and cold up there, and I was glad when it was over!”

Pictured: Residents Graham Booth and Ian Curtis loved the jump.

AUSTRALIAN ARMY HONOUR JIM EASTON

When a story about Grace Joel resident Jim ‘Curly’ Easton’s recent 106th birthday came to the attention of Brigadier Gregory Novak, Commander of the Australian Army’s 6th Brigade and Head of Corps (Signals) via social media, it set off an unprecedented flurry of excitement across the Tasman Sea.

That’s because Brigadier Novak and his colleague Regimental Sergeant Major 1st Signal Regiment Warrant Office Class 1 Benn Goulter, realised they had found one of their own - a fellow Signals man.

In the space of just two weeks, they organised a visit with Jim to coincide with a trip to mark the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals’ centenary.

“We think it’s a pretty safe bet that you would be the veteran of Royal Australian Corps of Signals with the longest history with the Corps,” Brig Novak told Jim.

“I don’t think there’s anybody more senior to you still with us so you have an absolutely unique standing in the Corps and we wanted to come and say gidday and wish you a happy birthday for last December. And to congratulate you on your standing within the Corps,” he said.

Jim was a member of the Australian Army’s 8th Division Signals when he was captured by the Japanese in WW2 and sent to work on the infamous Burma Railway.

Incredibly, he survived the three and a half years of horror, and went on to live a long and fulfilling life working the showgrounds around New Zealand, only retiring in his 90s.

Now, as Ryman Healthcare’s oldest Kiwi resident, he amazes everyone with his continued appetite for life.

Brig Novak and WO1 Goulter said it was ‘wonderful’ to have

made contact with Jim, and their excitement also extended to the rest of Signals Corps in Australia.

In a letter to Jim which he read out, Brig Novak said: “Our reputation as a Corps in Army is built on those that went before us and your service and your sacrifice and those of your friends, so in this regard you set a fine example for all the soldiers in our Corps today to aspire to.”

To mark the occasion, he presented Jim with a special commemorative coin given for distinguished and honourable service within the Corps, of which only two have previously been issued, and one of them was to the Corps’ Colonel-in-Chief, HRH Princess Anne.

Pictured: Grace Joel resident Jim ‘Curly’ Easton (centre) with Brigadier Gregory Novak and Regimental Sergeant Major 1st Signal Regiment Warrant Office Class 1 Benn Goulter.

HELLO CAMBRIDGE – HERE WE COME!

Ryman Healthcare has unveiled plans for its latest village in Cambridge.

The $200 million village on Cambridge Rd is under way and will eventually be home to more than 300 residents.

Ryman Healthcare’s New Zealand CEO Cheyne Chalmers told busy public meetings the Cambridge village included the latest in design refinements for residents.

Plans include an indoor swimming pool and spa, library, bar, movie theatre, dining rooms, café, hair salon and beauty therapy rooms.

The village includes 80 resthome, hospital and dementia care beds, so residents moving in could be assured there was care available if their health needs changed over time.

Founded in Christchurch in 1984, Ryman’s philosophy of providing care that was ‘good enough for mum or dad’ had been unwavering, Cheyne said.

“We know it is incredibly reassuring for our residents and their families to know that there is care there when they need it. This will become even more important in the years as the number of people retiring and looking for care options grows.’’

The early stages of the village are selling now.

Ryman designs, builds and operates its own retirement

villages, and has grown to become New Zealand’s largest operator, winning the Most Trusted Brand accolade in aged care and retirement living eight times.

“We’re different in many ways but probably one thing that sets us apart is that we have our own design and construction teams – so our villages are built by us for our residents, so we can have a lot of input into what works and what we can improve on,’’ she said.

‘’We do everything else ourselves, right down to landscaping and interior design. And once the village is developed, we run it with our own team.’’

Ryman’s other Waikato villages are named after female trailblazers Hilda Ross and Linda Jones.

“We think it is a great way to give the village an identity rather than just a location and pay respect to pioneering locals,’’ Bernadette said.

“Who better to ask than the people who live here already – so please let us know if you have any suggestions. There’s nothing better than local knowledge.’’

The early stages are selling fast with first residents expected to move in later this year.

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare’s New Zealand CEO Cheyne Chalmers.

RESIDENTS TAKE TO THE SKY

John Flynn Retirement Village residents proved it’s never too late to try something new when they took to the skies during a visit from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

About 80 residents, team members and friends of the Melbourne village learnt about the history of the RFDS and service founder and village namesake John Flynn when a Pilatus PC-12 fuselage and Education Program Manager, Tom Ryan, and Manager Communication, Brand and Engagement, Jonathan Green touched down at the village.

Jonathan said the need for healthcare in remote Australian communities was as strong as it was when John Flynn founded the service in 1928.

“The RFDS was started on a fundamental basis that not everyone had fair and reasonable access to healthcare,” he said.

“Sadly, we find that still exists in Australia, which is why we are still around and why we do the work that we do.”

In the last financial year more than 330,000 people accessed a service through the not-for-profit.

While the goal to offer healthcare to people in remote parts of Australia remained the same, the service had evolved into offering primary and mental health support as well as emergency care.

“Our clinicians are based in communities from a few days to months,” Jonathan said.

“The benefit of that is people are getting care in their own communities, we’re taking away the distance issue, we’re taking away the concept of ‘I’ve got to take a day off work’.”

Following the presentation eager residents hopped aboard a lifesized replica fuselage of a RFDS plane. The simulator included communications, stretchers, oxygen, and suction as well as a cockpit complete with virtual flight controls.

Disembarking the plane

John Flynn resident and former nurse Barbara James said the visit evoked many memories.

“I trained at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the 1960s and the RFDS used to fly in a lot of patients from the bush, mums and babies, people who had been gouged by bulls, all sorts,” she said.

“I never met John Flynn, but he was always being talked about because if the service hadn’t been available a lot of people would’ve died.

“So, for me it’s quite amazing living in a village named after John Flynn, I’m very proud.”