Ryman Times NZ - WINTER 2022

RYMAN TIMES RY M A N H E A LT H CA R E N EW Z E A L A N D

Linda Jones MBE opens her village Eighth win in the aged care and retirement living sector Kiri Te Kanawa village turns 10 years old Cheyne Chalmers promoted to run Ryman’s Kiwi business

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A WORD FROM RICHARD Kia ora and welcome to our latest edition of the Ryman Times.

We’ve had an extraordinarily busy few months and it is hard to believe the year is half-way through already.

It was pleasing to be able to show just how much progress we’ve made at our full year results announcement in May. It was a strong result delivered during challenging times.

The performance was a testament to the resilience of our teams who have continued to keep on doing what they do best as we move from managing through COVID, to living with the virus.

Cheyne Chalmers, who joined Ryman as our Chief Operations Officer in January 2020, has played a lead role in keeping our residents and our team safe throughout the pandemic, as well as making sure our operations run smoothly.

So I was delighted to announce recently that Cheyne had accepted the role of CEO – New Zealand, which means she is now in charge of all of our New Zealand business – from running villages through to marketing and sales. Cheyne will also continue to have oversight of our clinical operations in both countries.

Her appointment is the final piece in a transformation to a regional structure which will allow our operations in New Zealand and Australia to thrive under their own leadership teams, supported by a number of shared functions which span both countries.

If there’s one lesson to be taken from the past two years of pandemic, it is that high-quality health care for older people is more important than it has ever been.

We’re committed to caring for our residents and our people, innovating and growing so that we can continue to build sustainable Ryman communities wherever there is demand in the future.

With 30 villages either under construction or in our development pipeline, including a stunning new site on the shores of Lake Taupō just announced, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

Richard Umbers Group Chief Executive

IN THIS ISSUE

4

Underlying profits up despite COVID-19

6

Linda Jones MBE opens her village

8 9

Eighth win in the aged care and retirement living sector

10

Kaumātua bless site of newest Ryman village

12

Ryman Northwood Retirement Village blessed

13

Nursing dream set to become reality

14

Carol’s gold card tour of 80 whale tails impresses

15

From food scraps to delicious bananas

16 18 19

19

Kiri Te Kanawa village turns 10 years old

16

9 14

Cheyne Chalmers promoted to run Ryman’s Kiwi business Ryman steps up to assist Ministry of Health

10

Retirement village with lake views planned for resort town

20 ora 22 Kia Irihapeti Bullmore Highett smoking ceremony

23

Exceptional sales advisor takes top award

24

Wait, what?

It’s a wētā hotel?!

Front cover: Linda Jones MBE with Richard Umbers at the village opening ceremony.

Ryman Healthcare Ltd

Airport Business Park 92 Russley Road, Christchurch PO Box 771, Christchurch 8042 0800 588 222 rymanhealthcare.co.nz The Ryman Times is a quarterly publication for shareholders.

For editorial enquiries please contact ruthea.vanheerden@rymanhealthcare.com

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UNDERLYING PROFITS UP DESPITE COVID-19 Ryman Healthcare has reported a record full year audited underlying profit of $255 million, helped by a resilient performance through COVID-19 and a strong recovery in Victoria.

“There’s no doubt that the Omicron wave had an impact, but we’ve been pleased to see strong sales in Victoria in February and March.

We anticipate a similar recovery in New Zealand later in the year.’’

Audited reported (IFRS) profit, which includes unrealised fair value gains on investment property, increased 63.8% to $692.9 million in the year to March 31.

Total group sales – which includes both new and resale units topped 1,500 for the first time. Only 1.4% of Ryman’s portfolio was available for resale at March 31.

Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 13.6 cents per share, taking the total dividend for the year to 22.4 cents per share (43.9% of underlying profit).

Growth ambitions remain on track, and capital expenditure continues to be closely managed.

Construction momentum was maintained despite the challenges of COVID, and Ryman currently has 16 sites under construction in New Zealand and Victoria.

Richard Umbers said it was a strong result which proved that Ryman had the capability to deliver in challenging times.

“We’ve got a resilient business model and a fantastic team. We have been able to keep our residents and team safe and have set new benchmarks for clinical care.

“We are also very committed to improving the financial performance as we execute our plans, and continue to acquire land, build new villages, refurbish existing ones, and sell both new and refurbished units.

“We are transitioning from managing through COVID to living with COVID.’’

SIXTEEN NEW VILLAGES CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Auckland • • • • •

Devonport, William Sanders Hobsonville, Keith Park Lincoln Road, Miriam Corban Lynfield, Murray Halberg Takapuna

Hamilton • River Road, Linda Jones

Hawke’s Bay • Havelock North, James Wattie

Christchurch • Riccarton Park, Kevin Hickman • Northwood

Melbourne • • • • •

Aberfeldie, Raelene Boyle Brandon Park, Nellie Melba Burwood East, John Flynn Highett Ringwood East

Victoria

Ryman purchased four new sites during the year and added additional land at another two existing villages. The new sites are at Kealba, Coburg North and Mulgrave in Victoria and Rolleston in New Zealand. Additional land was purchased to extend Ryman’s Essendon and Ocean Grove villages in Victoria.

• Highton, Charles Brownlow • Ocean Grove, Deborah Cheetham

Once constructed, Ryman’s development pipeline of 29 new villages will provide homes for an additional 9,000 residents, and anticipated capital proceeds of over $6.80 billion.

• Cambridge

Pictured: Our new site at Coburg North in Victoria, Australia.

Richard said the second half was impacted by the arrival of Omicron, but Ryman’s operations in Victoria led the recovery with record fourth quarter sales.

SITES IN THE LAND BANK: Auckland • Karaka • Kohimarama

Waikato Wellington • Karori • Newtown

Canterbury • Park Terrace • Rolleston

Melbourne • • • •

Coburg North Essendon Kealba Mulgrave

Victoria • Mt Eliza • Mt Martha Ryman Times • 5

LINDA JONES MBE OPENS HER VILLAGE Linda Jones has officially opened the Hamilton retirement village named in her honour.

The pioneering Kiwi jockey and campaigner for women’s rights flew to New Zealand from her base in Queensland to officially open the village with Richard Umbers in June.

Linda said having the village named in her honour was a thrill.

“I’m very proud of it – I still can’t quite believe it. It’s a beautiful complex and it turns out I know some of the residents – and I know how much people enjoy living here and what the staff do for them.

“It’s an unreal feeling, I still have to pinch myself.’’

The opening also marked the 45th anniversary of her winning her battle against the New Zealand Racing Conference (NZRC) to compete against men.

Back in the 1970s women were restricted to female-only races known as ‘Powder Puff Derbies’.

Linda, backed by her trainer husband Alan, campaigned to get equal status for women. The NZRC refused, but the passing of

a new Human Rights Commission Act in 1977 meant that position was no longer tenable, and she was granted her licence.

The village includes townhouses and apartments, as well as a café, indoor swimming pool, movie theatre, library and billiards room.

She went on to beat the men at their own game, chalking up a whole lot of firsts for women.

Main buildings are named after Linda’s favourite winners, include Holy Toledo and Big Bikkies.

Linda was awarded an MBE in 1979 for her contribution to racing and women’s rights.

Ryman arrived in Hamilton back in 2002, when it opened its Hilda Ross village.

Richard Umbers said it was an honour to have been able to name the village after Linda.

Last year Ryman Healthcare announced plans to invest another $150 million in a new village west of Cambridge.

“Linda stands out as a trailblazer for women, a brave and fierce competitor in a tough sport.

She’s a New Zealand icon whose career was forged in this region and we’re incredibly proud to have her name on this village.’’

Work started on the $260 million village on River Road in 2018, and it has been a strong seller, with more than 330 residents living at the village on the banks of the Waikato River.

“It’s gone better than we had ever expected, and the momentum has grown with the community,’’ Richard said.

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The new village, which is on 8.6 hectares of land on Cambridge Road, will be home to more than 300 residents.

Pictured from top left: CEO NZ Cheyne Chalmers, Chief Development and Construction Officer Chris Evans, NZ Construction Manager Paul Blackler, and NZ Operations Manager Liz Dilger. Ngati Wairere kaumatua Piripi Matika. Mezzo soprano Kristin Darragh, with University of Waikato students, Jordan (left) and Alfred FonotiFuimaono (right). Linda Jones MBE. LJO Village Manager Neville Parkinson and Richard Umbers.

Linda Jones, celebrates with residents from the village.

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EIGHTH WIN IN THE AGED CARE AND RETIREMENT LIVING SECTOR Ryman Healthcare has been named the Most Trusted Brand in the aged care and retirement industry for 2022.

It is the eighth time that Ryman, New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator, has taken the top award in the industry in the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands awards.

The aim of the awards is to identify the names Kiwi consumers recognise and trust the most.

The winners are chosen from a survey of 1,700 New Zealanders across 71 categories. Catalyst Marketing & Research surveyed respondents on which products they recognised and used, and which held their trust in each category.

Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Louise Waterson said brands that were genuine, authentic, reliable and consistent came out on top in the annual awards.

“To be a trusted brand, you need consistency, reliability and longevity, and Ryman Healthcare epitomises this, taking out the Trusted Brand award in the Aged Care & Retirement Village category for the eighth year.

“Ryman has been pioneering a new way of retirement living for almost 40 years, and its thriving residents are a testimony to its success.”

Survey participants praised Ryman’s beautiful villages and gardens, first-class staff, and, in the words of one respondent, exceptional care that ‘could not be faulted’.

PROUD TO BE VOTED NEW ZEALAND’S MOST TRUSTED AGED CARE AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE BRAND FOR THE EIGHTH TIME.

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Richard Umbers said winning eight times was the ultimate tribute to Ryman’s team.

“I think winning this award shows how widely appreciated our team’s work is out in the community – this award is for the whole team. On behalf of everyone at Ryman – thanks, New Zealand!’’

Richard said residents were the inspiration for everything Ryman did.

“Just like the trailblazers our villages are named after – Sir Edmund Hillary, Rita Angus and Possum Bourne – Ryman residents live their lives with passion and purpose. We dedicate this win to them.’’

KIRI TE KANAWA VILLAGE TURNS 10 YEARS OLD A plaque celebrating the Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village was unveiled 10 years to the day after the Gisborne village officially opened, with the birthday event bringing great delight of residents and guests.

The anniversary of the 2012 opening of the village in the suburb of Lytton West was also marked with a birthday cake and a special social gathering on a warm autumn day in Gisborne.

The retirement village was named in honour of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and Village Manager Penny Forrester welcomed everyone to the celebration of the village and its namesake.

Richard Umbers thanked everyone for the wonderful welcome and

offered a warm welcome to Mayor Rehette Stoltz, who had become somewhat of a household name given some “biblical downpours”.

Mayor Stoltz cut the cake and said she had visited the village on many occasions. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the 10th anniversary.

“Whenever I come in here and see all the friendly faces it makes me feel very welcome. I have been here for (Ryman’s) Olympics, I have been here for fashion parades, I have been here for themed-dinners and then I do come for the odd political grilling as well,” Mayor Stoltz said.

One of Kiri’s longest-residing residents, Keith Jackson, who signed up in 2010 gave some Ryman Times • 9

history of the village saying he had seen the first bricks laid.

“The village came into its own during the power cut in Gisborne 2016 when the city was without electricity for 30 hours after a plane crash took out the main lines.

“Kiri was one of the few places with emergency generators, so it became a haven for older people who needed care.

“It’s been a great success for us here in Gisborne, establishing itself as a home of kindness and compassion.”

Pictured: Richard Umbers with Mayor Rehette Stoltz.

KAUMĀTUA BLESS SITE OF NEWEST RYMAN VILLAGE Prayers, singing and sharing of kai have got Ryman’s newest village in Takapuna off to the best possible start.

Matua Matt Maihi, Connie Maihi and Wyllis Maihi from Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei performed a karakia at the site on April 29, acknowledging those who had gone before as well as calling for protection for those who would build and live at the village near Lake Pupuke.

Matt Maihi said the karakia was a way of safeguarding the wellbeing of the workers, the wellbeing of the kaumatua who would make the village home, and also a way of showing support to the whenua and the community.

“We feel that spiritually, we are all connected, and we wish you all the best with what you do.

It doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, this is just all about a good spiritual feeling and outcome for everyone.’’

Ryman Healthcare Corporate Affairs Manager David King said the karakia meant a lot to the team.

“Your well wishes are important for our builders – who actually do all the work around here – and the people who will eventually live here. The village will be a great place to live, and a source of great comfort to people needing care.’’

Following some initial groundworks, the next phase includes upgrading of the public stormwater drainage and preparations for the basement development.

The completed village will offer a full range of retirement living options with care tailored to each resident’s needs.

The integrated village will include apartments for residents living independently as well as care beds and assisted living apartments for residents. Resthome, hospital and dementia-level care options will be provided.

The village will include a movie theatre, hair and beauty salons, a bar and café.

Pictured: Wyllis Maihi, Connie Maihi and Matt Maihi from Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei lead the karakia at Ryman Healthcare’s new Takapuna development on Killarney Street.

“We have a long relationship with the tangata whenua of this area and there is no better way to get a project under way than to get together with you for a karakia and share this time.

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RYMAN NORTHWOOD RETIREMENT VILLAGE BLESSED Ngāi Tahu mana whenua have blessed the site of Ryman Healthcare’s latest retirement village in Christchurch in a heartfelt ceremony.

Initial construction work on the Northwood site, located on Main North Road near the Northwood Supa Centa, has started. Building will now ramp up in the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, as the distractions from COVID-19 fall away.

Ryman’s Northwood village will eventually be home to a community of more than 300 residents.

Ngāi Tahu mana whenua Maaka Tau performed a warming karakia on the site.

Maaka said he was making the Te Reo blessing on behalf of

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (TRONT) and the Christchurch rūnanga Ngāi Tūāhuriri to spread spiritual goodwill around the village setting.

Richard Umbers welcomed everyone to the Northwood site, then joined with other Rymanians, including members of the development team and construction teams, to receive the blessing.

“It’s hugely important that every village in every community for us, gets the right start. So, I’m delighted to welcome Maaka Tau from Ngāi Tūāhuriri.”

Maaka offered a prayer for the new site, and thanked those at the ceremony for the opportunity to offer a blessing on behalf of his hapu and the kaumatua.

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“We’re also asking for spiritual, emotional and physical blessings on all the workers here.”

Everyone enjoyed the karakia, and then in turn the team and visitors sang the waiata Te Aroha.

The village will offer magnificent views of Canterbury’s big skies and is within a short distance of the Styx River, with the Port Hills visible in the distance.

The village is Ryman’s ninth in the Canterbury region. Ryman has existing villages in Halswell, Rangiora, Mairehau, Halswell, Beckenham, Riccarton Park, Papanui and Hornby. Ryman also has another village planned for Park Terrace, near Hagley Park.

Pictured: Richard Umbers with Maaka Tau at the Northwood site.

NURSING DREAM SET TO BECOME REALITY Finding out that she was 2021’s winner of the Graeme Rabbits Scholarship was an emotional rollercoaster for Edmund Hillary Caregiver Ichchha Koirala.

Since arriving from Nepal three years ago, she was immediately drawn to Ryman Healthcare’s Edmund Hillary village, with its many Nepalese references and 10 other staff from Nepal making her feel quite at home.

It also inspired her to revisit her dream of becoming a nurse, something that she had put on hold in her home country.

“In our country there is no respect for nurses, so I chose a different path as a medical lab technician.

I did that for three years.

“But when I came to New Zealand and started working at

Edmund Hillary, I felt like it was a more loving and caring job, where resilience and kindness are encouraged.”

Ichchha has embraced her role at the village, signing up for extra training modules to progress to a senior caregiver while also investigating the possibility of studying for a nursing degree at Auckland University.

“It’s my dream to go to Auckland University and it has been my dream since I came to New Zealand, but the course fees were too expensive.”

The Rabbits family said there were a number of things that appealed to them about Ichchha.

“The fact that she is a caregiver and is looking after our very important elders, her dream Ryman Times • 13

of becoming a nurse, that she is a hard worker and actively involved in activities outside her regular work, and that she has come a long way to make a new life for herself and her family.

“She just sounds like a very special person with a good heart who brings sunshine into other’s lives,” they said.

Ichchha says finding out she had been chosen made her feel ‘like a bird’ – although there was a rather tense wait before she learnt the news.

“I was so happy I literally cried at the time!” she laughs.

“Now, with this award, I feel like I can have my dream again.”

Pictured: Edmund Hillary

Caregiver Ichchha Koirala.

CAROL’S GOLD CARD TOUR OF 80 WHALE TAILS IMPRESSES An idea to check out a bit of outdoor art with an environmental theme has turned into a jaw-dropping feat of accomplishment which has taken Edmund Hillary Retirement Village resident Carol Jones the length and breadth of Auckland – and all using public transport!

Back in January, with the monotony of endless lockdowns wearing thin, Carol decided to go and look at some of the whale tail artworks which form part of the World Wildlife Fund’s 2022 Whale Tales Art Trail.

“I had great fun doing it!” says Carol.

“I loved the fact I was getting outdoors enjoying the fresh air.

It seemed like a great thing to do.”

Carol’s first tail was spotted whilst on a village outing to Māngere and pretty soon her casual interest turned into an all-consuming obsession to tick off all 80 tails, a feat which took a total of 29 days to complete.

What makes her achievement all the more remarkable is that because Carol doesn’t drive, it meant she had to get herself from Orewa to the north, Pukekohe to the south, Henderson to the west and across to Waiheke Island via buses, trains and ferries.

“It was a case of ‘I’ve got to finish it!’” she laughs.

Carol soon learned to be prepared and to do her research beforehand for efficiency’s sake.

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“Some of them are rather well hidden so I started phoning the sponsors and asking them where exactly the whale tail was. That made life easier, to get directions beforehand.”

Carol documented each tail she visited and says her two favourites were an Egyptian-themed one by Sofia Minson in Parnell and one near Britomart by Charlie Baptist, which was made using rubbish collected from the ocean.

The project involves 80 whale tails all decorated by different artists who tell their own story through their art depicted on the tail.

The tails were on display for 12 weeks before going up for auction, with the proceeds going towards WWF and its work to protect the ocean.

FROM FOOD SCRAPS TO DELICIOUS BANANAS The first bunches of bananas to be grown using food scraps collected from Evelyn Page Retirement Village are ripening now – and will soon be ready for tasting.

The team at Ryman Healthcare’s Orewa village celebrated the milestone of diverting over 50 tonnes of food scraps from landfill since they joined a pioneering local composting scheme three years ago.

They marked the occasion with Betsy and David Kettle from City to Farm who delivered a bunch of bananas grown using the compost made from the food scraps.

By using the lifecycle analysis calculation provided by WasteMINZ (Waste Minimisation Institute New Zealand), that 1kg of food diverted from landfill equates

to 2.66kg of CO2 equivalent avoided, Betsy calculated that the village had now diverted 138 tonnes of greenhouse gases from the environment!

“It’s quite a significant milestone and with the village being our biggest contributor they have played an essential role in the study. We could not have done it without Evelyn Page, we’re very grateful,” she said.

It was village resident Graeme Howard who first suggested the idea that Evelyn Page join the City to Farm Composting Pilot after reading about it in the local paper back in 2019.

“I thought all this stuff is going to waste, why not do something with it?” Graeme said.

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Village Manager Jill Clark agreed, as did Clem von Ellerts-Martinoli, the village Chef at the time, who encouraged the whole team to get on board with correctly collecting food scraps which Chef Devon Maurice has since continued.

While separating food scraps is more expensive than not doing so, it was about ‘doing the right thing’, said Betsy, who, along with husband David, is managing the scheme under the umbrella of Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste, with research assistance from Massey University Palmerston North and a grant from Auckland Council.

“It is great that Evelyn Page is ahead of the game and helping to develop low carbon options to deal with business food scraps.”

Pictured: The proud residents hold up their delicious bananas.

CHEYNE CHALMERS PROMOTED TO RUN RYMAN’S KIWI BUSINESS Ryman Healthcare’s new regional leadership structure is complete with the appointment of Cheyne Chalmers to head up the New Zealand arm of the Australasian retirement village operator.

Richard Umbers said he was delighted to announce that Cheyne would be stepping into the previously announced role of CEO – New Zealand.

Cheyne has been Ryman’s Chief Operations Officer since January 2020. She has been selected for the new role following an international search.

“I’m delighted that Cheyne has accepted the role, and her appointment is testament to the depth of leadership talent we have within the Ryman team,’’ Richard Umbers said.

“She knows Ryman well.

She arrived just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, and her leadership throughout the crisis has been exceptional.

“Prior to joining Ryman, Cheyne built a strong track record in executive management in large healthcare organisations in Australia and New Zealand, and she understands our business and the industry landscape well.’’

As CEO – New Zealand, Cheyne will lead the NZ leadership team in a structure that mirrors the already established structure in Australia under the leadership of Cameron Holland; CEO – Australia. Both roles report to the Group CEO Richard Umbers.

The New Zealand business includes 38 retirement villages which are home to 12,000 residents. Ryman has nine villages under construction and another seven in the development pipeline in New Zealand, and a team of 5,800.

Cheyne is from Hamilton and began her healthcare career as a registered nurse before moving into management roles.

She was nurse leader at Green Lane Hospital and was a senior leader at the Capital and Coast District Health Board.

Cheyne moved to Melbourne in 2009, where she was Executive Director of Residential and Support Services, and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Monash Health, during this time she led a number of key business improvement initiatives.

She moved back to New Zealand to join in 2020.

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Cheyne has also held a number of senior leadership roles in healthcare industry bodies in New Zealand and Victoria and has a deep knowledge and operational experience in the healthcare sector.

Cheyne said she was thrilled to have been appointed to the position, and was looking forward to leading the team, and embarking on the next phase of growth.

“On an excitement scale of one to 10 I’m at about 11. I’ve loved Ryman since I joined, because of the difference we make to the lives of our residents and their families.

I enjoy being in a company with a strong culture and purpose.

“I’m looking forward to building new village communities in New Zealand and we’ve got an exciting strategy to roll out, I am thrilled about shaping our future.”

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RYMAN STEPS UP TO ASSIST MINISTRY OF HEALTH When New Zealand’s Ministry of Health approached Ryman Healthcare for assistance to produce an important video to help educate healthcare workers on the safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a residential care setting, Ryman was more than happy to oblige.

Ryman’s Wellington village, Malvina Major, stepped up and offered the use of their village resthome as the filming location, and Senior Caregiver Jacqueline (Jacque) Manzano took on the starring role to show the importance of performing this vital step-by-step process correctly.

Anna Ramsey, Senior Communications Advisor for Ministry of Health (the Ministry) and member of their COVID Communications team, was leading the video production project.

In the video Jacque shows the process right from the beginning, the first step being the important need to complete a risk assessment to determine what her risk of infection could be and what PPE she needs to wear before she provides care.

The other items of PPE shown in the video are a long-sleeved gown, eye protection (face shield or goggles) and gloves. We also see the important practice of performing hand hygiene.

In this facility, the range of PPE items that might be required for resident care are available in a PPE station and Jacque collects all items together, so she has them at hand. Following the risk assessment, Jacque then puts on the correct PPE in the right order outside the resident’s room.

“There is a lot of information for a health care worker to remember.

Correctly putting on, taking off and disposing of used PPE items in the right order. Performing hand hygiene at key stages and ensuring they don’t touch the outside of their used PPE items after providing care to avoid contamination to themselves and the environment,” said Lorraine.

We see Jacque put on both a medical mask and then a P2/N95 particulate respirator, and we see how she performs a seal/fit check to ensure the respirator is fitted correctly so no air escapes around the edges of it – a critical step in the process.

“We were thrilled at how accommodating and kind Malvina Major’s Manager, Albie has been. Without them (the village), we couldn’t have completed this project and we are very pleased with the end result,” she said.

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RETIREMENT VILLAGE WITH LAKE VIEWS PLANNED FOR RESORT TOWN Ryman Healthcare is planning to build a new $220 million retirement village in a peaceful setting with stunning views of Lake Taupō.

New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator has purchased a 9.79-hectare site on Acacia Bay Road in Nukuhau just 1.7 km from Taupō’s town centre.

Ryman is planning to build an integrated retirement village with town houses, serviced apartments and a care centre offering resthome, hospital and dementia care.

Chief Development and Construction Officer Chris Evans said Ryman had been looking for the perfect spot for a village in Taupō for some time.

“Taupō is a popular retirement destination, and we were delighted to be able to find a flat site with magnificent lake views and residential zoning so close to town.

“Taupō has a large, retired population and a shortage of living options for older people, so we can’t wait to get going on this project.’’

The new village will employ more than 200 construction workers during its peak and it will create about 120 full-and part-time jobs once the village opens.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said Ryman’s arrival was good news for the region.

“We welcome Ryman with open arms. I think it’s wonderful to have Ryman Times • 19

a well-known operator with a reputation for quality and building beautiful villages planning to come here. We welcome new people to town and we’re building new amenities to cope with the growth we see in the years ahead.

“It’s a great site with lake views and it will also help with connectivity for families to visit because it is so close to town,’’ Mr Trewavas said.

Taupō District has a population of 40,000 and its economy is built on forestry, agriculture, geothermal energy, and tourism.

It has the second largest urban population in the Waikato behind Hamilton and has long been a popular destination for retirees because of its stunning scenery on the shores of the lake.

HIGHETT SMOKING CEREMONY Smoke gently wafting into the beautiful bayside sky has marked an important milestone in the development of Ryman’s new Highett retirement village in Melbourne.

The smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.

After a number of pandemicinduced postponements, a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country was held at the Highett construction site in April.

Ryman’s Victorian Communications Manager Michael Cummings, who organised the event, said the company holds a smoking ceremony and Welcome to County at all its construction sites to properly acknowledge the traditional owners of the land.

The ceremony was led by David Tournier, representing the Boonwurrung people, and attended by more than a dozen Ryman staff, including Group CEO Richard Umbers and Australian CEO Cameron Holland.

David spoke of the aboriginal word ‘wominjeka’ – meaning ‘to come together with purpose’ – and how the spirit of wominjeka underpinned the ceremony those in attendance were participating in.

“But it’s also about education,” Michael said.

“We want to challenge our staff and our residents to look at the land we’re building on through a different cultural lens.

“We might hold the deed for this particular piece of land, but its story predates us by tens of thousands of years and will continue long after we’re gone.

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“In that sense, we want to think of ourselves as custodians of it and to connect with it in a much deeper way than we otherwise might.”

Michael said the ceremony was about acknowledging “something that is bigger than just the here and now”.

Following the smoking ceremony, Richard and Cameron performed a ceremonial turning of the first sod.

Construction of the Highett village is well advanced, and the first residents are due to move in around the end of March next year.

Pictured: David Tournier,

representing the Boonwurrung people, led the ceremony.

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KIA ORA IRIHAPETI BULLMORE Irihapeti Bullmore was tearful and smiling from one moment to the next as she took centre stage at a mihi whakatau, marking the start of her new role with Ryman Healthcare.

Irihapeti, Ryman’s first cultural kaitiaki or navigator, was given a collective Ryman Christchurch welcome. She was joined by whānau, fellow iwi members and a Canterbury-based Māori community collective from many walks of life.

There were ukulele players from a Birdlings Flat musical group, her children, her brother and a host of wahine, some that knew her from previous work places.

The mihi whakatau, traditionally used for welcoming, introductions, openings and some off-the-marae events, included welcoming words by many Rymanians including Group Chief Executive Richard Umbers.

“Irihapeti is our cultural navigator and her appointment recognises the importance we place on tikanga Māori and our Te Tiririti

partnership with manu whenua…,” Richard said. “(Also) I’d like to acknowledge her predecessor – Dame Aroha ReretiCrofts – who passed away a few short weeks ago.”

Dame Aroha, ”from just down the road at Tuahiwi, near Kaiapoi”, was part of the Ngai Tahu iwi and championed her people, in particular, wahine Māori, Richard said today. She spent some of later years in Ryman’s Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village.

Dame Aroha’s baton was being passed to Irihapeti, Richard said.

Chief Strategy Officer MaryAnne Stone said it was right for Irihapeti to be welcomed with the gathering. “Your role will help Ryman become stronger through our growing knowledge and practice of tikanga Māori.

“This is a new skillset for us, and it is a wonderful season to begin (your role),” Mary-Anne said, referring to the recent celebration of Māori New Year.

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Everyone then sang the waiata – Te Aroha, before senior executives from Ryman and various iwi members talked of their own family histories and experiences with Irihapeti.

Irihapeti acknowledged her whanau and Dame Aroha.

“I stand on this platform, a sacred platform… in honour and recognition of Dame Aroha… who forged the way as many of our whanau do.”

She spoke of a long tradition of people coming together in unity, and said this would continue to happen with iwi members and Ryman. “It’s about the collective and coming together in unity that we can actually achieve. You can achieve what you need, and we can achieve what we need. And that’s really exciting for us today to be given this chance to see how well we’re going to marry up.”

As a cultural navigator, Irihapeti is Ryman’s Taha Māori Kaitiaki.

Pictured: Irihapeti Bullmore and iwi members at Ryman Christchurch.

EXCEPTIONAL SALES ADVISOR TAKES TOP AWARD When Janine Wilde (pictured) accepted her award for Salesperson of the Year at the National Retirement Living Awards, she used the opportunity to talk about one of her passions: Ryman Healthcare.

The Victoria/Tasmania Retirement Living Salesperson of the Year Award recognises Janine’s exceptional customer service, strong resident and community engagement, and sales success.

“When I was presented with the award, I was very emotional and it felt quite surreal,” Janine said.

“I felt honoured and privileged to be accepting the award for doing a job I feel blessed to be able to do every day.”

As well as thanking Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson, Area Sales Manager and Victorian Community Relations Team Leader Denise Thompson, and her family, Janine acknowledged Ryman co-founder Kevin Hickman.

“I can never go past Kevin Hickman for his vision and passion to create retirement living based on the philosophy that it’s got to be ‘good enough for mum or dad’,” she said.

“I really hope I can meet him in person one day.”

Janine’s retirement industry win comes after she was named Ryman Healthcare’s ‘Sales Advisor of the Year’ at the 2021 Ryman Awards.

Since starting at Ryman more than two years ago, Janine’s love of her job has contributed to unprecedented demand for villas at Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village.

As a result, the village is set to expand, with a further 66 villas to be built on a 2.35ha block of land next to the existing village.

Ryman Healthcare Area Sales manager Denise Thompson said Janine was exceptional.

“Janine’s passion for her job shines through in everything she does, and it really is so much more than a job for her - it is about supporting people during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives,” she said.

“I am thrilled Janine continues to be recognised for her talent.”

Janine is now a finalist in the National Salesperson of the Year Award category of the National Retirement Living Awards.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on the Gold Coast during the National Retirement Living Summit in June.

While the recognition was humbling, Janine said the award would not change her approach to the role.

“I will continue to do whatever it takes to support those considering a move to Ryman,” she said.

“I truly believe Ryman is the best retirement living option in Australia.”

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WAIT, WHAT? IT’S A WĒTĀ HOTEL?!

In a small slice of native forest neighbouring Ryman Healthcare’s William Sanders Retirement Village, half a dozen tiny wooden structures have appeared on tree trunks.

No, they are not elf houses or baches for Devonport’s fairy population, they are in fact wētā hotels.

The cute habitats have been installed by residents within Mary Barrett Glade, aka Polly’s Park – the marginal strip located between the village and Ngataringa Bay – and are designed to encourage New Zealand’s favourite native insect species to move in.

William Sanders resident and passionate environmentalist Kathy Farquhar is one of several residents who volunteer for Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH).

The local environmental group works tirelessly to increase biodiversity along the Ngataringa eco-corridor and provide essential assistance to the Department of Conservation (DOC), which administers the Glade.

Kathy says she is proud to continue the work started by Mabel ‘Polly’ Pollock, the inspiring Devonport woman who, in honour of her late daughter Mary, transformed the Glade.

Says Anne: “The bush here is very inspiring, it inspires us all. And the residents in the village love being so close to this area, watching the birds while they’re having their breakfast.”

“Polly won’t know what a legacy she’s created and also how much she is valued, but this space is terribly important to those who live on the edge of the bush,” says Kathy.

The hope was that by encouraging wētā to move into the area the biodiversity would increase, and more native birds would frequent the glade.

“Every morning we wake up to hear the tūī.”

Fellow residents Val and Colin Griffiths agreed, saying the work was a great way to honour Polly and the Glade was a wonderful place to take the grandchildren for a walk.

Working with the residents is RTH ‘super volunteer’ Anne McMillan, a Devonport resident who helped to initiate the Million Metres stream side campaign for the Ngataringa eco-corridor, and, coincidentally, whose mother Maureen lives in a serviced apartment at the village.

“Wētā are a key species, and if you don’t have them a lot of other species disappear.”

Anne said wētā acted as foragers who recycle wood and eat seeds.

The wētā hotels were designed with a circular entrance of no more than 16mm across – any larger than that would allow mice to move in instead!

Six hotels were put in the glade with a further six placed further along the eco-corridor.

Pictured: William Sanders resident Kathy Farquhar and Devonport volunteer Anne McMillan.