Summerset Scene Summer 2024

Scene Summerset

COVER: Di Green models her design ‘Country Garden’. Photo credit: Steve Hussey Photography.

8,400

More than New Zealanders call

Whangārei

Milldale

Hobsonville Ellerslie

Karaka

Rototuna

Hamilton

Cambridge

New Plymouth Bell Block

Summerset home

Avonhead

Wigram

Prebbleton

Richmond

Casebrook

Warkworth

Half Moon Bay

Flat Bush

Aotea

Mission Hills

Hastings

Havelock North

Palmerston North

Kelvin Grove

Masterton

KEY = Summerset village

= Proposed village

Mosgiel

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Lower Hutt

Dunedin

Katikati

Papamoa Beach

Paraparaumu

Waikanae Levin

Kenepuru

Blenheim

Rangiora

Trentham

Te Awa

Taupō

Napier

St Johns

Rotorua

Hello from Ellie

We are a few short weeks away from Christmas which, everyone agrees, comes quicker every year. After reading that it will cost a staggering $7.5 billion to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and it will take a decade, I have been thinking about what those on my gift list need, rather than want, and if I can meet that need by repurposing something or buying second-hand. I wonder how many people will remember the gift they got in ten years’ time, yet the wrapping and waste will still be floating around the planet.

Our Summerset residents certainly know how to repurpose and recycle, and that is never demonstrated better than at the Waste to Waist fashion show at Summerset in the Sun. Now in its tenth year, our residents and staff strut their stuff on the catwalk, showing off their imagination and style when it comes to turning rubbish into works of art. Enjoy our cover story on page 4. You can also read how our villages got involved in NZ Recycling Week on page 39.

Over in Milldale, resident Jackie Kennedy knows you can put on a beautiful display without it costing the earth. Jackie has spent years collecting and repurposing items to celebrate all sorts of festive occasions, including Easter, Halloween, Christmas and Oktoberfest! Read her story on page 20.

We also visit newlyweds Mick and Judy Almond from Summerset at Karaka, and chat to the very first resident of our premium village, Summerset St Johns, recently opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. We have some cracking Christmas reads, pretty crafts, and delicious festive recipes to try, as well as seasonal gardening suggestions and travel ideas for the summer season.

Wishing you a wonderful festive season, and a happy and healthy New Year.

See you in 2025!

Ellie Clifford SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Are you a member of Blind Low Vision NZ? If so, you can also find the latest issue of Summerset Scene in the Blind Low Vision NZ library.

Waste TOWaist

10 years of couture from cast-offs

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

The catwalk is alive with energy, music fills the air, and excitement buzzes at Summerset in the Sun in Nelson as staff and residents prepare for the tenth annual Waste to Waist fashion show.

“This year, we have 45 costumes and 31 participants,” says Desra Fergusson, the Activities Coordinator. “We’ve sold over 200 tickets – this event just keeps growing!”

Waste to Waist is not your typical fashion show; it’s a delightful celebration of creativity and community. All costumes are crafted from waste materials, and each entry embraces a unique theme. Participants can either strut their own designs down the runway or select a model to showcase their imaginative work. The element of surprise is key – costumes remain under wraps until the big reveal.

“We’re very secret squirrel about it,” jokes Desra. “Some of these creations are delicate, so they’re kept safe for the spotlight!”

Opposite page: Gwytha France in ‘Carnival of Venice’. Above left: Rebecca Fergusson in “Haute Couture of France”. Page 5 right: Right: Bruce Craig in ‘Mobility Dreamer’.

The show was initiated by resident Gwytha France in 2014, and she passed the reins to Summerset in 2021. “Without Gwytha there wouldn’t be a show,” says Desra, emphasising her pivotal role. “She is the driving force.”

Gwytha, who upon retirement volunteered her time to create costumes for local theatres, contributed several pieces to this year’s collection, including a stunning dress inspired by her garden’s irises. “I love working with plastic milk bottles – they’re so versatile!” she says. “I always ask the café to save me them when its coming up to Waste to Waist time!”

Gwytha’s husband, Russell, has also played a crucial role, constructing a wooden catwalk to enhance visibility for the audience. An avid model maker, Russell made a police car, a Mercedes 500 and a Morris 8 for three eager children to wear in this year’s show. “I used cardboard from bike boxes for the car frames, and tins and water bottles for the headlights,” says Russell. “The windscreens were made from plastic chocolate boxes.” Russell is also a keen wood carver, and another entry by him was entitled ‘Beauty in wood’, a dress made from many pieces of wood veneer.

To commemorate the tenth show, 14 past costumes were resurrected, including ‘An English Country Garden’ from the inaugural show. Gwytha and Russell’s living room has transformed into a makeshift wardrobe department. “I can’t use my spare room because my daughter is visiting from Sydney,” she laughs. “And the garage is filled with Russell’s entries!”

Beyond showcasing creativity, Waste to Waist fosters community bonds. Current and former staff, along with children and grandchildren, model the costumes, and seasoned

participants provide support and encouragement. “Everyone lifts each other up,” notes Di Green, a long-time resident who is involved in Waste to Waist every year. “It brings us closer and keeps our minds sharp.”

Alan Toker and David Waine have been involved with the show for the past five years, offering a physical hand up to the catwalk for every entry. “The models can’t see their feet in some of the costumes. We don’t want anyone to trip, and some people are frail,” says Alan. “We haven’t dropped anyone yet!” chuckles David.

As the MC, Business Manager Kathy Pantling announces each model to the carefully curated soundtrack. The camaraderie is palpable; the audience cheers and laughs, especially during Bruce Craig’s comedic act with his souped-up walker, the ‘Mobility Dreamer’, where he revs his weed eater engine in time to the music. The three child car models receive rapturous applause, and there are plenty of “Awws” as a young great-granddaughter showcases a balloon creation.

The show’s creativity means that selecting a winner is always a challenge. This year, eleven-year-old Rebecca Fergusson takes home first place for modelling Gwytha’s ‘Haute Couture of France’, a whimsical ensemble of surgical dog collars and fabric scraps. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she twirls down the catwalk.

The community spirit shines brightest when Vivienne Chandler, a veteran participant and fellow organiser, makes her way down the

Top left: Barb Spencer in ‘2 heads, 2 wines & Peggy becomes unsquared’. Upper top right: Vivienne Chandler in ‘Summerset Sunshine’. Centre: The audience. Bottom: Raema Muollo in ‘Table for Two’.

runway without a walking aid, despite a recent back injury. “I wasn’t sure if I could walk the catwalk,” she says, “but I was determined.” Her costume, ‘Summerset Sunshine’ made from past issues of Summerset Scene and modelled to ‘You are my Sunshine’ elicits heartfelt support from the audience, who begin to sing the song back to Vivienne as she walks.

For 2024, all proceeds from the ticket sales will go to charity. “In previous years, we used the funds for village improvements, like pool furniture,” explains Di. “It’s great that now 100 percent goes to charity.”

Chosen unanimously by the residents, this year’s charity is the Nelson Food Bank. “We have raised three thousand dollars!” says Desra. “It’s incredible!”

Recycling, repurposing and raising money for charity, Waste to Waist is more than just a fashion show; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and friendship.

Top: The 2024 Waste to Waist models. Centre: Brenda Murray models ‘I love NZ Bush & Birds.’ David Waine (L) and Alan Toker (R) with Steph Meehan modelling ‘Off the Wall’. Page 9: Jess Franke in ‘Woodland Fairy’.

Heart for Art in the Park

Summerset was a proud partner of Art in the Park 2024. A showcase of creativity, the highly successful event at Eden Park stadium celebrated the talents of established and emerging New Zealand artists. Art in the Park said it was their best show yet, and visitors clearly agreed. Almost 11,500 tickets were issued, with many repeat visitors. Attendees enjoyed photography, metalwork and paintings, and explored the Summerset Sculpture Walk, featuring over 90 stunning sculptures. The Summerset People’s Choice award had more than 5,500 votes cast, with sculptor Merle Bishop winning for her bronze dog. Summerset residents were delighted, with one attendee remarking, “What a great show this was. My wife and I spent two hours there and could easily have stayed longer.”

Summerset staff on King’s Birthday Honours list

Summerset’s National Therapeutic Recreation Lead, Orquidea Tamayo Mortera received the New Zealand Order of Merit on the King’s Birthday Honours List for her services to diversional and recreational therapy and education.

Along with her role at Summerset, Orquidea is also chair of the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapy, and co-chair of Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand. Orquidea has recently completed her master’s degree in professional practice of diversional and recreational therapy and is currently completing a diploma in dementia care.

Orquidea and her guests recently attended the investiture ceremony at Auckland’s Government House. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro addressed the group and awarded her medal. It was a proud moment for Orquidea, who said, “I am so grateful to everyone who has supported my journey so far. This experience has allowed me to realise the massive impact we all can make through our actions to enrich society and contribute to the well-being of New Zealanders.”

Summerset by the Park residents enjoy the show.

L: Residents enjoy the Summerset Sculpture Walk. R: The Summerset People’s Choice winner.

(L): Dame Cindy Kiro with (R): Orquidea Tamayo Mortera.

Napier land bought

We are thrilled to announce the purchase of land for a proposed new village in Napier, located within the new Mission Hills subdivision. The elevated site west of Mission Estate winery has breathtaking views and will offer a premium retirement location. The site is a short drive from Taradale and Napier city centre. This will be our fifth village in Hawke’s Bay, and the new site will offer approximately 300 units.

Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar says, “Hawke’s Bay is a highly desirable location to retire. Our current villages in Napier are extremely popular with very strong waitlists.”

Procurement team wins award

Readers Digest Award

Summerset has again been recognised for our exceptional quality service, winning Gold in the 2025 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award for the second year running.

The Award recognises companies who deliver outstanding customer service and go above and beyond in creating remarkable customer experiences.

The winners are chosen from a survey of 1,570 New Zealanders across 32 categories.

CEO Scott Scoullar said the win reflects the dedication and commitment that our more than 2,900 team members bring to the business every day, with a focus on bringing the ‘best of life’ to our residents.

“The Quality Service Award is an excellent acknowledgment to our team, and I’d like to thank everyone who works across our business for the role you’ve played in this success.”

Summerset took home the trophy for the Transformation of the Year award at the 2024 NZ Procurement Excellence Awards. The Awards highlight remarkable projects and acknowledge the exceptional individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the industry. Although Summerset has received multiple nominations, this is our first time winning this prestigious award, and we are honoured to be recognised.

DRIVING FORCE FOR GOOD

A Summerset Ford Transit van has been given another lease of life as the new shuttle van for the Wellington City Mission. After being retired from our vehicle fleet earlier this year, the van was given a full groom and emblazoned with the Wellington City Mission’s logo and name of their new community facility, Whakamaru.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge accepted the van from Summerset’s CEO Scott Scoullar. Murray said that the van was a welcome gift to the organisation and will provide a vital transport link for many in the community. With the van having space for two wheelchairs on board, the shuttle service can support the Mission’s commitment to reach everyone who needs them.

Chic MovesWelcoming St Johns’ first resident

For Dianne Cartmer, the decision to move into Summerset St Johns – becoming the first-ever resident to do so – was an unexpected yet easy one.

“Moving into a retirement village was the last thing I thought I would ever do; it was simply never on my radar,” says Dianne, who lived in Karaka. “I’d had a small stroke in August last year and my son Steve (who lives just five minutes’ walk from the St Johns village) suggested I move closer to him. The original plan was that I would buy a house in the area. However, I wasn’t impressed with any we saw.” Another fruitless house hunt let them to visit the Summerset sales office on Remuera Road. “The scale model of the village meant I could see the layout. I said straight away, ‘I have a good feeling about this.’”

Dianne has worked in real estate and property development for decades, so buying off the plans didn’t faze her. “I sold all the sections of the sub-division I live in, and I had to review all the designs of the homes too. I know what to look for in terms of design and quality. St Johns really is architecturally designed. I was amazed that everything, from the carpets to the fixtures, is exactly to my tastes. A lot of the design there is like my home now.”

The lack of maintenance was attractive too. “From tending the garden to washing the house to cleaning it, it was tiring me out and I began to outsource it all. Having it included is really appealing.”

While it was a big decision, Dianne says she tends to trust her instincts. “They were telling me it was the right thing. I can be very decisive, and if I want something then I won’t dither.”

Dianne’s new home is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground floor apartment. “I want my grandchildren and guests to have their own bathroom when they visit me – that was important. I chose the ground floor because I want to be able to open the door and feel the grass underneath my feet.” Dianne’s ragdoll cat, Vinnie, will also appreciate the location. “He is used to hopping in and out of the window and roaming around.”

Above: Dianne Cartmer.

“Summerset have organised various luncheons and events for future St Johns residents, and I will really enjoy getting to know the ones I have met further.”

Dianne has four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, but its granddaughter Mila, aged 10, who has been driving the move. “Mila has been part of the process from the outset,” laughs Dianne. “She’s viewed every house and been to every appointment with me. Her school is close to the village so I will be able to attend Grandparents’ Days. We are both delighted we will see one another more.”

Although she has always lived in the Franklin district, Dianne is sanguine about starting her new chapter. “We are all like-minded. Plus, I have always wanted to live in that area of the city.”

While moving house at any stage can be daunting, Summerset’s moving specialists orchestrated Dianne’s. “I have received spectacular care and attention from [Summerset moving specialist] Anna Irvine. She visited me and we discussed what I would keep, then drew up a plan of the placement of it all.”

Dianne’s belongings had been expertly packed for her the day before, then unpacked and arranged on her behalf in her new apartment by Anna and the Summerset moving team. Dianne took the opportunity on moving day to relax with her daughter, son and granddaughter before opening her beribboned front door to be greeted by flowers, champagne and an unpacked home.

“It was seamless,” Dianne says. “I cannot fault the service provided. I couldn’t have asked for better. It looked great, and my bed was made with my linens and my new TV was up on my wall. They even sent cleaners for my old house!” says Dianne.

So how does she feel about her new home? “I am loving it! It is like living in a high-end hotel. I am enjoying all the personalised attention and getting to know all the staff and finding my way around. It is everything and more than I hoped for.”

Top left: Dianne and her move-in team. Bottom left: Welcome gifts. Right: Dianne and her daughter relax on moving day.

Easy eloping A RUNAWAY ROMANCE

When it comes to love, age ain’t nothing but a number. Mick and Judy Almond are proof that Cupid’s arrow can strike at any time. The couple, who live at Summerset at Karaka, met at the village, fell in love and decided to elope.

Like strong trees, their relationship took time to grow. Judy and her late husband had moved into the village around the same time as Mick, who was a widower.

“We’ve both been here six years,” says Judy. “Our villas were opposite each other, but we became friends as we both liked gardening.” The pair would chat at their respective vege gardens at the village and a friendship grew. Judy’s late husband and Mick became good mates, and when he died, widower Mick was a source of support to Judy. “We were friends for a long time but realised over the years that our feelings for one another had developed.” Mick said he was nervous to change the status quo – he was hesitant to take it further in case they lost their friendship. It was up to Judy to make the first move. “I gave him a hug, and that led to a kiss,” she says simply. The pair decided to remain discreet about their relationship and keep it private. “We would scurry across the road to one

another after dark!” they say in unison, laughing. Intense speculation from fellow residents led them to confirm, two years ago on Judy’s 74th birthday, that they were in fact a couple. “There were 25 guests in attendance, and when we announced it, we surprised no one!” Mick says.

Once the cat was out of the bag, the couple decided to try living together, Judy joining Mick in his villa. “I was a little apprehensive,” Mick admits. “I got married at 23, and I had lived on my own for a long time after my wife passed away.” The adage goes, you never know someone until you live with them, but happily for Mick and Judy, keeping the lines of communication open and conversations going meant they adjusted well, and after a year they moved into a larger villa. “One extra room can make a lot of difference!” says Judy.

February 2024 was a leap year month and tradition dictates that when it comes to marriage proposals, the onus is on the lady to ask the

gent. Judy had been out with friends celebrating a horse sale, and the Dutch courage prompted her to propose. “I said to my friends, ‘I’m going to ask Mick to marry me.’ I texted him ‘Will you marry me?’ right there and there, and he replied with ‘Yes, please!’ I told him he’d better put a ring on it!” laughs Judy. Unbeknownst to Judy, Mick had been pondering the same thing, and had been planning to propose. “She pipped me to the post!” he said.

The pair shared their happy news with fellow residents at the village

Happy Hour to rapturous applause, and chose Judy’s engagement ring together the following week.

Then discussions of the wedding began, with a lot of people putting up their hands to be in the wedding party. The guest list was getting longer and the couple didn’t want to exclude anyone. A ceremony for just the two of them was looking more and more appealing.

The couple decided to elope to Akaroa, a place that held a special place in Judy’s heart. Choosing 8 April as their wedding day, the couple booked in a marriage celebrant and photographer, and headed to Banks Peninsula.

The ceremony took place on Akaroa Wharf. “It was just us, and it was perfect,” says Judy. “The witnesses were the photographer and the celebrant’s friend. It was a beautiful, windy day. I cried happy tears throughout the ceremony.”

When the couple arrived back at the village, they discovered their front door festooned with balloons by their friends, all of whom were delighted to hear the details of their private wedding, as were their families. The couple think that their late partners would be happy they have both found love again. “We have a few coincidences – my late wife and Judy both share the same birthday, 14 November, and we all lived in Waiau Pa at the same time, but our paths never crossed,” says Mick.

At home in the village the couple are kept busy with an active social life, enjoying bowls, croquet and social drinks. “I have never been so sociable in my life!” exclaims Judy. “I find it inspiring that there are many people here, far older than us, who are active and busy. There is so much for us to do, both inside and outside the village.”

Mick is on the Residents’ Committee and spends time in the residents’ workshop, while Judy helps organises croquet games and holds weekly guided meditation classes for residents. These days, though, they share a vege garden.

Page 14 & 15: Judy and Mick in Akaroa on their wedding day.

FOSTERING HOPE for New Zealand’s children

Summerset villages across the country have been generously supporting Foster Hope, a charity that provides children necessities when transitioning into foster care, and then out of it when they turn 18.

At Summerset at Bishopscourt, care centre administrator Jess Scott has been spearheading a campaign to collect Christmas gifts for the 1,500 children in Otago who are in care, and who may not have a very merry Christmas otherwise. A Christmas tree has been set up in the foyer of the care centre for new toys and gifts to be put under, and staff have offered to collect any donations from residents, and their families and friends, if needed.

Who knows better than our residents what is most useful in the home? Residents at Summerset on Cavendish have been kindly collecting for children

at the other end of the foster experience, those who ‘age out’ of the system when they are 18 and are moving into their first flat, providing them with the necessities to set up their new homes.

Residents collect kitchen utensils, cutlery, glasses, appliances, as well bedding and blankets to go into ‘flat packs’.

Meanwhile, over at Summerset on the Coast, the Knitters and Crocheters group at the Paraparaumu village get together each week to create a range of blankets, hats and soft toys for the charity. The group of between 20 and 30 ladies create hundreds of items to ensure that children across the country feel valued, loved and wanted.

Top: Summerset on Cavendish resident Rita Brown and her daughter have been supporting the charity.

Diamonds are forever

It’s Closey by name, Closey by nature for Neil and Betty Closey of Summerset by the Park, Manukau. The couple, who have lived at the South Auckland village for 15 years, recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, enjoying 75 years of marriage!

They celebrated with a family lunch at their villa and were delighted to receive a card of congratulations from King Charles III, the third monarch to sit on the throne since their wedding day (pictured right) in 1949!

Like mother, like daughter

It’s like mother, like daughter for Gail Long, who has moved to the same Summerset village her mum, Joan, happily lived in for a decade. Gail, who shifted to Summerset on the Coast in Paraparaumu in May, recently came across a note written by her mum, detailing how happy she was to have made the move to Summerset. The entry mentioned all the groups she had joined, the social events she enjoyed, the friends made and the support received from staff. Joan, who had

moved from Christchurch, wrote, “I have no regrets whatsoever. I now find there are just not enough days in the week to fit everything in. My life here is so much fuller than it could ever have been in Christchurch. Worries are few in the village.”

Gail says, “I am taking some of my mum’s enthusiasm with me as I enter a new venture and stage of my life. I am enjoying life here and have met some wonderful people. It’s been a good decision.”

Above: Neil and Betty Closey on their wedding day.

L-R: Joan with daughter Gail.

Our Cooking with a MasterChef 2024 series has been one to remember, with NZ’s original MasterChef winner, Brett McGregor , taking hundreds of residents across the country on a tour of their taste buds.

With episodes on everything from cooking with an air fryer, to recipes with peanut butter, to jazzing up eggs, there’s something to inspire everyone to get cooking in this series – both novice cooks and experts alike.

All our previous episodes and recipes are available here: www.summerset.co.nz/cooking-with-amasterchef/ with this latest episode available from 18 October. We’re planning big things for the 2025 run of Cooking with a MasterChef, so watch this space!

Congratulations to the Spring winners of Summerset’s Best Gardens! Our judge, top landscape designer and TV and radio host Tony Murrell, had a tough choice as always to pick the winners.

Best vegetable and herb garden – Maria van Driel, Summerset on the Coast, Paraparaumu

Tony says: “Who knew that un-spun fleece repels slugs and snails? I like what you’ve done – there’s art, character and production”.

Best garden – Val and Pip Harris, Summerset Palms, Te Awa

Tony says: “You have captured the essence of a classic English-style garden and it’s charming.”

Best potted plant – Noeline Dalton, Summerset by the Ranges, Levin

Tony says, “The red hippeastrum at your home is stunning and such a joyful display of rich colour at this time of year.

Best creative garden display – David and Margaret Roil, Summerset Palms, Te Awa

“The transformation of this garden space is a sterling example of creativity and hard work – a special and delightful show of art and plants.”

Our final An interview with ... of the year is with former TV news anchor and accomplished author Mike McRoberts . One of New Zealand’s most recognisable faces, Mike is known for his fearless reporting in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Now, in his role as Te Ao Māori Editor for The National Business Review , Mike shares stories of Māori communities throughout New Zealand. Released Monday, 16 December at 2pm.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and no one is better placed to share the Christmas cheer than beloved singer Will Martin. Enjoy the Summerset Christmas Concert with Will Martin and the NZSO.

Released Wednesday, 18 December at 2pm.

Summerset Sessions will start back up in Feb 2025.

Above: Maria van Driel’s winning entry from Summerset on the Coast.

JUDE ON...

THE LAST SECRET AGENT

On Anzac Day this year, The Last Secret Agent hit the shelves in New Zealand book stores. It is the memoir of Pippa Latour, who was the very last of all 430 secret agents who served in F (French) section of the SOE (Secret Operations Executive) to pass away.

This was the organisation that Winston Churchill had set up in World War Two “to set Europe ablaze.” Pippa was one of only 39 women who served in F section, 14 of whom didn’t survive. She knew the odds were not great – with a 50% chance of survival and the average life expectancy of anyone doing her job being just six weeks. And it was a voluntary job!

Pippa survived and lived to tell the tale, although it was not something she decided to do until the very end of her life. I had the pleasure of being chosen to be the conduit to put her memoir together, and spent many hours with her in her remote abode as she told me about her war. Although she was quietly connected to our military folk here, and they knew a little of her backstory, the masses, as it were, did not. The one interview she did give was with the female editor of New Zealand Army News over a decade ago, but apart from that not too much was known about Pippa. That’s the way she liked it. In fact, even her own family didn’t know what she did in the war until about 20 years ago – she told them she was a balloon operator with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. This was not incorrect; she did do that job. She just didn’t tell them what she did after that.

I really looked forward to our visits as we pieced her story together. I was fortunate that I had a couple of trips to England and France during the time I was interviewing her for the book. Both times I went with a list of tasks to research and places to visit, and was so thrilled to be able to report back to her with lots of photos and videos on my return.

A private person, she did not want to be alive when the book came out. Pippa got her wish, dying a few months before it came out, aged 102. Pippa’s story has struck a chord with many people, as shown by the fact that it was the highest-selling New Zealand book for the first half of the year. This is wonderful news because it means more people than just little old me get to hear about what she encountered. She had to be self-reliant, resourceful and resilient to survive the odds behind Nazi-occupied lines in France. And brave.

I often wonder whether anyone would volunteer to put themselves so blatantly in harm’s way like that today? The world was a dangerous place in 1944, and freedom, with the future you wanted (as opposed to the one being forced upon you), was on the line. If you’d like an appreciation of someone who did face danger and stared it down for the good of all those who wanted freedom from oppression, then go find The Last Secret Agent and walk in Pippa’s shoes for a while.

HIGH DAYS AND HOLIDAYS

A LIFE IN CELEBRATION

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

Like her famous American namesake, Aucklander Jackie Kennedy knows how to dress for any occasion.

The Summerset Milldale resident loves to celebrate holidays, high days and holy days, dressing in costume and decorating according to theme. Her passion has been met with enthusiasm by her new community at the North Auckland village, which she moved to in May. The most recent event was Oktoberfest, and Jackie set to work decorating the temporary rec centre, ensuring fellow residents had something to wear that was in keeping with the theme, lending out hats and a dirndl (German woman’s folk dress) to those without costumes.

Living on a lifestyle block for 20 years, Jackie got used to hosting large gatherings. “We had a lot of big Christmas parties and would celebrate a lot of birthdays. My collection grew over time.”

Christmas looms large on Jackie’s calendar, and every year tends to have a different colour scheme, theme and style. Last year’s was blue and white, reminiscent of Disney’s Frozen , much to the utter delight of Jackie’s four-year-old granddaughter Willow. “I had decorated the living room to look like an icy grotto. She was enchanted!” laughs Jackie. “She has very high expectations now!”

Jackie looked forward to bringing Halloween, her favourite holiday, to her village home, and planned to decorate her home inside and out to get into the spooky spirit. Willow was in attendance, along with grandchildren of the other residents coming to trick or treat. No one was forced to take part. “Residents don’t need to feel pressured to join in if they don’t want to,” says Jackie.

Unlike most people’s seasonal decorations, Jackie’s supplies aren’t stuffed willy-nilly in a box. She is meticulous with her organisation, down to the number of spools of ribbon, organza bows and placemats she has, keeping a thorough digital record.

“I make a lot of my own decorations, so I don’t want to duplicate items unnecessarily,” explains Jackie. “I get a lot of my inspiration from Pinterest, and I like to think how I can repurpose things. Having digital files lets me know what I have got, and where it is kept.”

Above: Jackie’s Halloween garden

This organisation served Jackie well when it came to downsizing, first from her lifestyle block to a five-bedroom home, and then to her 3-bedroom Milldale villa. “I had been thinking about retirement communities for a while, but every one I looked at had been apartments,” says Jackie. “I wanted a villa, a garage and space for my dogs. The sales staff here were lovely and I got a great feeling when I looked around the show home.”

Jackie has turned her garage into her costume department. “I have a lot of shelving in my garage for my decorations! It is three rows deep!” she laughs. “I use one of the bedrooms for my crafting room. It has excellent light so I can see what I am doing.”

As well as making decorations and repurposing costumes, Jackie also creates scrapbooks – gifts she gives to family members for milestone birthdays such as twenty-firsts. Diligent about photographing events, these are no simple photo albums but a compendium of themed pages, all intricately decorated, celebrating a life

lived so far. Like her decorating filing system, Jackie has an ordered system in place, with each family member having a detailed photo file on the computer.

“It’s the planning of the events I enjoy most,” muses Jackie.

“For things like Halloween I will start a couple months in advance, but for parties I will plan about six months out. I tend to shop throughout the year, although that is tricky with Christmas as that tends to be very seasonal. The real buzz I get is from seeing people’s reactions – the event itself is secondary.”

Fellow residents and staff appreciate her zeal and are keen to join in with the fun. “There’s a lot of awful things happening in the world,” Jackie reflects. “If this spreads a bit of happiness and makes people smile, then I am happy too.”

Above: Some of Jackie’s decorations for various holidays. Top right: Jackie and friend in dirndls. Bottom right: Jackie at a festive table.

VILLAGE PEOPLE

Photo 1: Summerset by the Lake (Taupo) visit Birdwoods in Havelock North.

Photo 2: Cheers! Summerset by the Park (Manukau) visit Ecology & Co. distillery.

Photo 3: Spooky celebrations at Summerset on Cavendish (Christchurch).

Photo 4: Bon soir! It’s French night at Summerset in the Sun (Nelson).

Photo 5: Summerset down the Lane (Hamilton) celebrates Melbourne Cup.

Photo 6: It’s the annual ‘Closest to the pin’ comp at Summerset in the Orchard! (Hastings).

Photo 7: Room with a view: Summerset at Wigram (Christchurch) residents enjoying lunch on the Port Hills.

Photo 8: Resident Joy Cowley signs her latest book A Lot of Silly at home in Summerset at Bishopscourt (Dunedin).

Photo 9: Back to the Swinging 60s! Its party time at Summerset in the Bay (Napier).

Photo 10: Summerset Richmond Ranges residents enjoy Melbourne Cup festivities.

Photo 11: Reduce, reuse, recycle! Keep cups are every day at Summerset Mountain View (New Plymouth).

Melanie Smith

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

Melanie Smith is the Village Manager for Summerset St Johns, our premium village in the heart of Auckland, which recently welcomed its very first residents.

In her six-month tenure, Melanie has seen Summerset St Johns evolve from gigantic construction site to stunning village. “It been wonderful to see it transform,” she says, “and it’s a privilege to help deliver the vision we have for our residents; an exceptional experience, every day, in a beautiful, vibrant setting.”

Melanie has been working closely with teams right across Summerset, including construction, food services, and our clinical teams. “Those involved in St Johns have been very generous in sharing their expertise with me.”

Melanie’s career has always focused on leadership and supporting people. She believes in making sure that everyone in an organisation has the skills and encouragement they need to create great experiences for customers.

After the formal opening by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in early December, Melanie is focused on building, developing and supporting the village staff of Summerset St Johns. “We have such a talented and passionate team.”

“I have a strong affinity for the retirement living sector, having seen the life-enhancing experiences my parents and other family friends enjoy while living independently in a supportive community.” Melanie’s gratitude extended to the extraordinary care and dignity provided to her father by nurses and caregivers while he lived

with dementia. “It’s devastating to see someone you love go through that, but there were still moments of joy, and I cherish the memories from that time.”

With a family member and several friends living in various Summerset villages, their personal experiences and positive feedback guided Melanie’s choice to come on board, and she credits the Summerset village managers with helping her on her journey. “I’ve learnt a lot, and I’ve had many illuminating conversations from various teams including construction, clinical, and food services.

“I’m also enjoying getting to know the wonderful first residents at Summerset St Johns. It’s an exciting opportunity to uphold and enhance the high standards of personal service we’ve set for ourselves as our resident community continues to grow rapidly. I’m confident that the Summerset St Johns team will continue to impress.”

“WE HAVE SUCH A TALENTED AND PASSIONATE TEAM”

DELICIOUS RECIPES

SUMMER SELECTION SUPER

RECIPES

BY

JAN BILTON

IT’S TIME FOR SOME FESTIVE FROLICS WITH YOUR SUMMERSET FRIENDS OR FAMILY. PROVIDING THOSE ESSENTIAL FINGER FOODS TO BALANCE THE TIPPLES DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TIME-CONSUMING OR STRESSFUL. JUST PLAN AHEAD AND REMEMBER IT’S IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE SOME CHOICES THAT ARE DAIRY, MEAT AND GLUTEN FREE. AIM TO SERVE AT LEAST FIVE DIFFERENT SNACKS AN HOUR. THE MORE GUESTS YOU ARE ENTERTAINING THE MORE VARIED THE SELECTION SHOULD BE.

Here are some finger food suggestions:

• Edamame (pronounced ‘ed-a-ma-me’) are young soybeans, usually still in the pod. They’re available frozen from supermarkets. Steam until hot, cool a little, then squeeze or suck out the beans into your mouth.

• Orange & Fennel Olives: Combine 16 pitted Kalamata olives with a 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds, 1 crushed clove of garlic and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on half power for 1 minute. Stir well and serve.

• Lychees Wrapped in Prosciutto: Drain a can of lychees and pat dry. Fill the centres with cream cheese. Wrap each filled lychee in a strip of prosciutto and secure with a cocktail stick.

• Quick Beetroot Dip: Drain a 450g can of beetroot. Place in a food processor or blender with 2 tablespoons each of sour cream and mayo, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 8 mint leaves. Process until very smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a bowl and serve with crisps and/or crisp carrot and cucumber batons.

FESTIVE CHEESE BALLS

MAKES 22 BALLS

INGREDIENTS

200g Gouda or tasty cheddar cheese, grated

100g goat’s feta cheese, grated

75g cream cheese

2 tablespoons finely diced chives

1 teaspoon honey

freshly ground black pepper to taste

50g wasabi peas

1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

fresh herbs, e.g. rosemary, sage, thyme and bay leaves to garnish

METHOD

Combine the cheeses, chives, honey and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well. The mixture should be reasonably firm. Chill for 30 minutes. Place the wasabi peas in a plastic or paper bag. Crush using a rolling pin. Place in a shallow bowl.

Combine the breadcrumbs and paprika in a shallow bowl. Take level tablespoons of the chilled cheese mixture and roll into balls. Chill again for 30 minutes. Roll half the balls in the crushed wasabi peas and the other half in the breadcrumb mixture. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

TIP

Arrange the balls in a ring on a serving plate. Garnish with the herbs to resemble a wreath.

SUMMER DUMPLING SALAD

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

pinch sugar

Salad

250g tomatoes (multicoloured are great)

flakey sea salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup basil leaves

spray oil

6–8 frozen dumplings

crispy fried shallots or chopped spring onions to garnish

METHOD

Whisk the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

Quarter or halve the tomatoes and place in a serving dish. Season. Top with 1/2 the basil leaves.

Cut a sheet of baking paper large enough to line the top section of a steamer. Spray with oil. Add the frozen dumplings. Cover loosely and steam for about 12 minutes or until well cooked.

Arrange on top of the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Garnish with the remaining basil leaves and the crispy shallots or chopped spring onions.

TIP

Crispy shallots are available from most supermarkets and Asian food stores.

BLACK FOREST PAVLOVA

SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS

Cherries

2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup caster sugar

3 tablespoons kirsch

Pavlova

3 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder

2 teaspoons cornflour

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

Topping

300ml cream

2 tablespoons icing sugar

1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder

1/4 cup shaved dark chocolate

METHOD

Cherries

Place the cherries in a saucepan with the orange juice and the caster sugar. Poach until the sugar is dissolved and the cherries are slightly soft. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cherries to a shallow bowl. Cover and chill. Boil the juice until syrupy. Add the kirsch. Chill.

Pavlova

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Whip the egg whites and salt until frothy. Slowly beat in the sugar until shiny. Fold in the sifted cocoa powder and cornflour. Fold in the vinegar and vanilla essence. Pile onto the baking paper to form an 18cm diameter round. Bake for 1 hour until crisp on the outside. Turn the oven off and leave the pav to cool in the oven.

Topping

Whip the cream, icing sugar and cocoa powder until thick. Spoon half onto the pavlova and smooth. Top with half the cherries. Top with the remaining whipped cream and cherries.

TIP

Just before serving, spoon the thickened cherry syrup over the pavlova and sprinkle with the shaved chocolate.

MEXICAN WAVE

ARTICLE BY LYNDA HALLINAN

PHOTOS BY SALLY TAGG

Beloved by bees and butterflies, zinnias put on a dazzling display of summer colour in pots and borders – or indoors in a vase. Sow these heat seekers now, writes Lynda Hallinan

Ask any small child to draw their favourite flower and I bet that – nine times out of ten – they’ll draw a smiling sunflower: a big, bright, buttery yellow blob atop a skyscraper of a stem with green leafy limbs. As a symbol of summer, sunflowers get all the attention, but I think it’s high time another member of the daisy family was awarded a share of that horticultural glory. I’m talking about zinnias, that Mexican cartel of drought-tolerant annuals famous for putting on a theatrical summer show of neon-bright flowers in shades of clear red, bright yellow, glowing orange and hot pink. Considered wildflowers in their native habitat, where they keep their heads down low in dry grasslands, there are about two dozen recognised species of zinnia, though most garden varieties derive from Zinnia elegans .

In humid climates, Zinnia elegans is susceptible to powdery mildew. But once plant breeders started crossing it with Zinnia angustifolia , another Mexican species that’s less susceptible to fungi, their garden performance was significantly improved. The result? Bigger plants with bigger flowers on sturdier stalks, such as ‘Giant Lime’ and ‘Giant Wine’.

In the wild, zinnias sport simple single daisy flowers with exactly a dozen petals, but we gardeners can now choose from a range of pretty

varieties with flamboyant frills, fringed mop tops or pointy petals that fold into spidery shapes as well as bicoloured beauties like the Christmasthemed red and white ‘Candy Cane’.

But the biggest change in recent years to the zinnia’s fortunes has come not from commercial nurseries but from boutique flower farmers like American social media trendsetter Erin “Floret” Benzakein. When Erin says a flower is worth growing, her 1.2 million Instagram followers take her word for it. So when Floret decided that the prettiest zinnias weren’t the bright blooms of old, but subtle antique shades of salmon pink, pale apricot, bleached lemon, caramel and faded pink, seed companies (and brides) around the world took note.

In New Zealand, Taranaki founder Sarah Hawkless now offers a range of Erin’s ‘Floret Original Seeds’. These gorgeous zinnias, with romantic monikers such as ‘Victorian Wedding’ and ‘Dawn Creek Honey’, cost close to $1 per seed, but they’re worth it. Plus, you can save your own seeds at the end of each season.

Zinnias don’t like cold soil, so now’s the perfect time to sow the seeds. Start them in trays and carefully transplant into pots or beds when they are about 5–8cm high with a couple of sets of leaves. I try to sow mine a few weeks out from

Christmas so I can get them planted and growing well before I get distracted by the summer holidays. Zinnia seedlings need regular watering when first transplanted or if planted in pots in a hot spot, but on the whole they’re remarkably drought-tolerant in average soil. Full sun is a must.

If you want to grow heaps of flowers for picking, the secret is to lop off the main stem before it buds up for the first time. Cut it down by at least half to promote branching at the base.

Zinnias can easily last up to two weeks in a vase, but the trick is not to cut the flowers as soon as they open. Wait a few days to conduct what Floret dubs ‘the wiggle test’. “Grab the stem about 20cm down from the flower head and gently shake it. If the stem is droopy or bends, it’s not ready to cut. If the stem is stiff and remains erect, it is ready to harvest.” Add a drop of bleach to the vase too.

Zinnia seedlings are available in mixed colours in punnets at most garden centres, but they’re also a doddle to raise from seed, and it means you can grow the colours that take your fancy. Check out the varieties offered by mail-order from kingsseeds.co.nz, egmontseeds.co.nz or emerden.com.

SEASONAL CHECKLIST

• Water, feed and weed! Keep on top of the maintenance tasks at this time of the year.

• Sow dwarf beans, lettuces, radishes and spring onions.

• Stake and tie dahlias.

• Feed and spray roses to keep on top of bugs and fungal diseases.

• Protect broccoli, cabbages and cauliflower from white cabbage butterflies by covering seedlings with a fine-grade insect mesh (from hardware stores).

• Use liquid fertiliser weekly or fortnightly for crops in pots, especially tomatoes. I use organic fish-based fertilisers such as the new Naked range, which is made from the waste products from Sealord Fisheries. (As a bonus, fish fertilisers can help deter whitefly on greenhouse crops.)

Christmas giving

LIZ KOH

As we age, it seems the years go by faster. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman in his best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow explains that our brains perceive the passage of time faster as we age. And it’s that time again. Here we are preparing for another Christmas.

While the festive season can be a time of great joy, it is also a stressful time for many because of the financial pressures that arise from giving and celebrating. This is particularly so for retirees who have limited financial resources and large extended families.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when Christmas shopping is assuming the price paid for a Christmas gift is a measure of love and affection. In fact, the value of a gift is not its monetary value but the value to the person receiving it. An unwanted gift, even though it may be expensive, has no value. Economists argue that the most effective way to give is to give money. That’s because it’s not easy to judge how much the other person will appreciate a gift and they will receive more value by choosing something they want or need.

There are lots of reasons it’s good to give money instead of, or as well as, gifts. Giving money makes it easy to stick to your budget as you can decide an amount in advance for each person, and the temptation to go over budget is removed. There are plenty of people who could do with a bit of extra cash at Christmas to pay for necessities as well as small luxuries. For students with low incomes and big debts, young parents struggling with their mortgage payments, and grandchildren who are saving for something they really want,

money is a welcome gift. You can use a gift of money as a way of teaching grandchildren about money; that is, explaining to them the need to set aside money for later, or to save for a goal. You could even give a small investment of shares or a managed fund to teach grandchildren how investment markets work.

Giving money doesn’t have to be boring. Check online for creative ways to give money. There are plenty of ideas for how to use notes and coins to make decorative gifts, such a money bouquet, a money Christmas tree, or a box of money ‘chocolates’.

If you simply don’t have the financial resources to gift either money or presents, get a pre-NUP agreement with family and friends. What’s a pre-NUP? It’s pre-Christmas No Unnecessary Presents! Your friends and family will be as relieved as you are.

Christmas is a time to think about giving to those who are most in need. The economic downturn has seen a huge increase in clients for foodbanks and budgeting services. Include a charity on your Christmas list to spread the good cheer!

Liz Koh is a money expert specialising in retirement planning (www.enrichretirement.com). The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person.

SUMMER 2024: GLOWING!

PINKY AGNEW

Dressing for summer means finding the right fabrics to keep us cool, comfy and chic. Sweating – glowing, if you prefer – is your body’s way of cooling you down. Some breathable fabrics – including cotton, silk, merino wool and linen – can make the heat more bearable.

My previous themes have been around colour and layering, and jewellery colours and lighter layers are perfect for a mood-lifting summer wardrobe. Now I’d like to add cut.

COOL CUTS

Is our Baby Boomer generation finally being heard by the fashion buyers? Variations on the all-forgiving buffet dress abound. A buffet dress is so-named because its loose fit means you can keep going back to the buffet! Buffet dresses come in a variety of styles from A-line to more voluminous. They may be tiered, but always in one fabric so the tiers don’t cut the figure in three horizontally. This flattering style is perfect for summer. Most of these dresses come with pockets, another plus for the glasses case and hanky.

The roomy cut of the buffet dress can be challenging in Aotearoa’s breezy climate, as it tends to billow upwards, so a pair of footless tights adds security, and a flirty flash of colour. A cross-bag helps anchor a floaty frock.

For users of wheelchairs and scooters there needs to be a certain amount of care, tucking fabric out of harm’s way. Three-quarter pants, or generously-cut knee-length linen or cotton shorts, teamed with a buffet-style top make a summer ensemble that is more adaptable for

mobility-aid users. Long, wide-cut trousers can be a trip hazard, as a foot can easily get caught on flapping fabric, so a slimmer cut or shorter style of trousers may be safer.

A versatile summer look for men is a cotton T-shirt with a favourite bright linen or cotton shirt worn unbuttoned on top. With cotton cargo shorts and linen knee-length shorts, you’ll feel as cool as you look. A looser fit is more forgiving.

PLAYING FOOTSIES

Plastic clog-style shoes are back in fashion. They may be comfy for the wearer, but they don’t always pass the whiff test. Or the slip test.

Instead, try orthotic-friendly sandals with adjustable straps, preferably in leather. They come in stunning colours and styles for women and men. Don’t forget the sun block on exposed skin.

Sneakers are a go-to for the summer wardrobe. For other shoes and sneakers, low-line socks keep feet dry.

TO TOP IT ALL OFF

There are so many gorgeous hats around, and we all have our favourites. A trilby hat looks funky for both men and women. Likewise, a cool cap in a light colour is perfect to pull on to protect the scalp from the sun.

Patchwork tote bag

If you enjoy patchworking fabrics together but can’t quite stretch to the huge commitment that is a quilt, you could make a tote bag instead! And to make things even simpler, use a pre-purchased bag to showcase your patchwork creation.

For this project I wanted to use some small pieces of linen fabric I had left over. I sewed the pieces together, then hand-stitched the patchwork piece onto the front of a plain cotton tote bag I already had, concealing the logo on the front.

This is a nice way to spruce up an old shopping bag, and it would make a handy carry-all for taking to the beach, or even a unique gift for your friends.

MELISSA WASTNEY

SUPPLIES

• Small pieces of cotton or linen fabric to sew together for the patchwork

• A new or recycled cotton tote bag

METHOD

• Needle and thread, pins, scissors and iron

• Sewing machine. You could also hand-sew the pieces together for a slower stitching project

TO MAKE THE PATCHWORK ATTACH THE PATCHWORK TO THE BAG

1. Press and trim your fabric scraps, then sew them together in any way that you prefer.

2. You could work in strips, and then sew the strips together to make a rectangular block. In the red and blue example pictured, I used cotton fabric from old shirts to create four small ‘log cabin’ blocks, which I then joined together to make a square.

Another option is to cut all the pieces into similar-sized squares and sew them together.

3. Try to make the finished patchwork piece just a little smaller than the front side of your tote bag.

4. Press the finished patchwork block and trim the threads. Finally, use a steamy iron to press the outside edge under by a centimetre or so around all four edges of the block.

1. Lay the pressed patchwork block onto the front of your tote bag and carefully pin the pressed edge to the bag all the way around. Make sure the block is centred evenly on the bag.

2. Now, hand-sew this edge down with small stitches all the way around, removing pins as you go. You could also use a sewing machine for this step but be careful not to catch the back of the bag in your stitching.

3. Press the finished bag and trim any loose threads.

Above: Trimmed fabric scraps.

Above: A patchwork bag makes a great gift.

REVIEWS BY KAREN MCMILLAN

The Dark Wives

ANN CLEEVES

DI Vera Stanhope has appeared in many of Ann Cleeves’ crime novels and the popular ITV screen adaptations, and Vera returns in this new mystery.

Outside a care home for troubled teens, a young man who worked there is found dead and fourteen-year-old resident Chloe is missing. Vera doesn’t know if Chloe is the murderer or if she has also come to harm, so the race is on to find the missing teenager. But then they discover a second body, and the stakes are higher than ever to find Chloe. The investigation takes Vera and her team to the Three Dark Wives stones in the wild Northumbrian countryside, where superstition and folklore seem to collide with fact.

In the meantime, Rosie, a new police officer, joins the team. But will she be comfortable working with Vera, who is often unconventional in her approach to solving crimes…

The Dark Wives is atmospheric and gripping, with characters to care for and superb plotting. It is no wonder that Ann Cleeves has so many fans. She is one of the best crime writers currently producing consistently excellent novels.

No One Will Know ROSE CARLYLE

After foster homes and travelling the world, Eve feels she has found love and a safe anchor with her boyfriend, Xander. But her world is abruptly shattered when he dies in a car accident and she is rejected by his wealthy parents. She is utterly alone – and newly pregnant. Her options are few, but she is determined to have her baby. When she is offered a job nannying for a glamorous couple who live in remote Tasmania, it seems everything has worked out. But many things don’t add up. She is kept hidden out of view with no contact with outside people, and it appears some criminal activity is happening. Just what has she got herself into?

No One Will Know is a breathtaking, twisty novel that is so suspenseful that I read it in one sitting. It’s a claustrophobic read, with characters that jump out of the page and an atmospheric setting. At the heart of the story is a young woman trying to do her best for her child, but she is adrift in a world where ruthless people are ruled by greed, no matter the consequences to others.

No Autographs, Please!

KATHERINE WILES

No Autographs, Please! is the captivating memoir of NZ-born opera singer Katherine Wiles, who generously gives the reader a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional opera. From meeting stage legends such as Dame Julie Andrews to having her costume partly eaten by a horse to getting the giggles in a serious scene, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of a successful performing artist.

Katherine has earned a full-time living for many years performing on one of the world’s most iconic stages, the Sydney Opera House. With an engaging writing style, she takes the reader on a journey with a shy girl from Hamilton with a love of singing and a dedication to her craft that has seen her perform around the world.

The book details how hard it is to succeed at this level. Not only does Katherine have to be a superb singer, but she usually has to sing in a foreign language as well as have acting skills and be able to dance. But Katherine’s love for what she does shines through on every page, as well as numerous moments of joy and hilarity.

Tracey Bennett is a busy plant-based, wholefood chef, mother and grandmother who brings valuable life experience to this inspiring and practical cookbook. Over 90 of Tracey’s favourite recipes feature, and they are all delicious and easy to make. It’s clearly created with love, and bursts with goodness and healthy vitality.

Tracey shares her personal journey with food, including the moment she discovered she was dairy intolerant after having had a love affair with all things cheese. Once she had recovered from the shock, she embraced a plant-based wholefood way of eating, and she’s never looked back.

Standout recipes include sweetcorn and zucchini fritters, which are completely delectable, just as Tracey promises. Moroccan carrot soup, with the spices making this so delicious. Lentil Bolognese, the old classic, just without the mince. For something sweet, you can’t go past the raw chocolate macaroons.

What is refreshing about Plant-Based Goodness is the realness of the entire production. It features food and people that look vibrant and real, not photoshopped and fake. This cookbook is fresh and fabulous.

Green Update

SOLAR

We’re passionate about embracing a greener future. Here’s a glimpse of some of the exciting things we’ve done this year.

EV

We have made significant strides in promoting sustainable transportation with new EV charging stations and a village car-sharing initiative. Our fleet is now made up of 12% electric vehicles, up from under 6% last year, and we have EVs in 19 out of 37 villages. To keep this momentum going, we’re retrofitting charging stations at current villages and ensuring they are part of the infrastructure in our new villages.

We have enhanced our commitment to renewable energy by installing solar panels on the main buildings of several villages. Panels in our Papamoa, Richmond, Rototuna and Boulcott villages reduce our reliance on grid electricity. This initiative has been enthusiastically embraced by residents, while solar-powered streetlights at our Havelock North, Paraparaumu and Palmerston North villages have also been well received.

GREEN WASTE

Residents at Summerset at Karaka have been greeted with an army of automatic lawnmowers happily grazing on the grass. With plans for further rollout, the robotic mowers not only keep our green spaces looking neat but they also munch up grass clippings to naturally nourish the soil, which reduces waste and chemical fertilisers.

We monitor our waste minimisation efforts in our villages, focusing now on reducing food wastage, with two villages participating in Otago University’s project on wasting food waste in aged care.

CONSTRUCTION WASTE

Since launching our construction waste avoidance programme in 2021, we’ve made great progress by really examining all the materials we use. As we renovate our older villages and welcome new residents, we’re excited to establish a refurbishment baseline. This helps us set more environmentally friendly standards and enhance our waste minimisation efforts.

NZ Recycling Week, the annual initiative to raise awareness around waste minimisation and recycling, was 21-28 October, and our villages embraced the scheme wholeheartedly. For many of our residents and staff, recycling and repurposing is habitual. Here is a snapshot of how residents at Summerset Mountain View are doing their bit:

• Residents who have limited mobility contribute to recycling by giving their soft plastics to those who use the Summerset van for their weekly shopping. Van users also collect soft plastics from the Summerset kitchens to drop off at the recycling point at the local Woolworths.

• Local foodbanks need a safe way to transport eggs to recipients, and Owen Davies is the man for the job. Owen has been collecting egg cartons from fellow residents for almost five years, delivering a total of 5,727 so far – 1,200 cartons in the last 12 months alone!

• Postage stamps may be small, but they are mighty popular with artists and collectors. Gillian Clareburt has a collection point in the

village library for used stamps, which she donates to Hearing Dogs NZ. The charity uses them for fundraising.

• They say books make great gifts because they hold entire worlds within their pages. Sally Morch transforms old book pages into unique cards, bookmarks and gifts, allowing others to share in that magic.

Staff at seven South Island villages kicked off Recycling Week with a good-natured inter-village competition – creating birdfeeders out of waste materials! ‘David Owlie’ – so called because of his two different coloured eyes like singer David Bowie – was one of a family of birdfeeders created out of tins and ice-cream lids at Summerset Richmond Ranges. Getting into both the recycling and Halloween spirit was ‘Australian Breakdancer’ – a spooky skeleton offering kai out of a cup and saucer, created by staff at Summerset Prebbleton. Summerset at Avonhead is located on a flight path, so had to think beyond birds. As insects are vital for both pollination and the diets of wildlife, they created ‘bug hotels’ to encourage insects to flourish.

L-R: Birdfeeder with a difference. Top left: Owen’s eggcellent efforts. Bottom left: Books for bookmarks. Top right: Sally’s book craft. Bottom right: Gillian’s stamp of approval.

BULLER DISTRICT

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

Sitting at the top of the South Island’s West Coast, the Buller District charms with its spectacular natural beauty and abundance of outdoor attractions. From the historical town of Reefton to popular Punakaiki, all the way up to Karamea and the spectacular Ōparara Arches, this vast area of New Zealand begs to be explored!

ACCOMMODATION

With some distance between destinations, your plan for exploring the Buller District should include accommodation in various spots.

Located close to coastal walks, the Paparoa Track and the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Te Nikau Retreat in Punakaiki offers a selection of rustic but comfortable self-contained cottages immersed in the surrounding rainforest. Fall asleep with rain on the roof and wake to native birdsong in your own private oasis.

Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation is an utter gem. Positioned at the mouth of the Mōkihinui River between Westport and Karamea, this incredible spot offers seaside camping as well as

cottages and houses nestled among the surrounding hills. Campers are well catered for, with a huge selection of spots to set up in, an excellent camp shop and café, a wood-fired pizza oven and basic cooking facilities. The self-contained accommodation options offer another level in comfort, with the addition of privacy and great views.

EATING

In such a scenic part of the country, eating out in the Buller District is all about the location. Find a café with a spectacular lookout to really dine out on the best this region has to offer.

Try the cute little Pancake Rocks Café at Punakaiki where the specialty is – you guessed it – pancakes! Feast on your pancake stack right across the road from the fantastic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Enjoy coffee, lunchtime pizzas and their own West Coast icon chocolates.

Berlins Café gets a mention purely for its completely unexpected location. As you’re driving along SH6 alongside the jaw-droppingly spectacular Buller Gorge, Berlins Café appears seemingly out of nowhere. Grab a coffee, a sandwich or something more substantial from their

huge menu and make sure you grab a window seat to revel in the views of the Buller River.

ACTIVITIES

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the West Coast with a visit to Reefton. This historical mining town is known as the first location in the southern hemisphere to have a public electricity supply, but there is so much more to Reefton’s story. Stroll the historical main street, explore the second-hand shops, gift stores, museum and art gallery, or book yourself in for a fascinating tour with The Bearded Miners where you can experience a miner’s hut, see the blacksmith’s forge at work and try your hand at gold panning. We may have mentioned it once or twice already, but the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are well worth a visit. A New Zealand icon, these unusual limestone structures draw thousands of tourists a year to marvel at their curious formations. The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk is an easy 20-minute loop that takes you in and around the rocks and blowholes that perform best on a wild high tide, so don’t be put off by bad weather! Geology is at play again in the district’s north, where you’ll find the incredible Ōparara Arches.

These stunning, age-old natural archways are surrounded by lush rainforest, making for a magical walk through part of Kahurangi National Park. Take a stroll to discover the arches yourself, or book a tour with The Oparara Experience to get full access to the Honeycomb Hills cave system along with informative narration and insights from your guide.

With its abundance of natural attractions, unusual features and rich history, the Buller District delivers in spades for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace.

STATS

Region

West Coast

Airport: Hokitika

Main road: SH6 and SH67

Population: 9,670

It’s about the fun-draising

It’s estimated that every year 26,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer. Here we meet some Summerset residents who are raising money for cancer research in hair-raising ways!

A trio of ladies from Summerset in the Sun in Nelson took a literal bold leap to raise money for the Cancer Society – by jumping out of a plane! With a combined age of 241, each took a tandem jump at 13,000 feet, raising a whopping $5,000, with $1,000 alone donated by fellow residents. Carol Ercolano, who jumped aged 86, Dorothy Cochrane, 80, and Joyce Pascoe, 75, made 600 cheese rolls and held a disco and raffles at the village to raise the money. Skydiving was a tick off Dorothy’s bucket list, enjoying it so much she’s planning her next one. Though Joyce has bungy jumped before, she freely admits she was terrified. “The first part was so scary,” she said. “Face down and the ground is rushing up to meet you. Then the chute opens, and that’s the best part!” Carol, meanwhile, is more used to adventuring under terra firma; a keen potholer in the past, she is a lifelong member and cofounder of the Nelson Speleological Group – established to study caves in the area. Always keen on the idea of flying, Carol wanted to do something out of her comfort zone.

Over at Summerset at Karaka, Peter Foster has raised an astonishing $3,750 for breast cancer research. With a goal of swimming 100 laps of the

village pool, Peter swam 200 lengths in a mere 1 hour, 13 minutes and 29 seconds.

Peter says it is a privilege to be able to raise funds for such a good cause and chose to swim on behalf of the ladies at his Summerset village – “Those who are, or who have been, affected by this horrible disease.” He also swam in honour of Colleen, his late wife of almost 63 years who died from bowel cancer two years ago. “She didn’t like the water at all, though,” he says fondly. “She often wondered why she had married a swimmer.”

Keen on staying fit, Peter exercises six days a week, alternating between swimming and hitting the gym. To prepare, he says he just swam a few extra laps each time. Peter also used to be a keen water polo player, so his body is used to exerting itself in the water. Residents readily donated to his fundraiser, and a sweepstake was run on his finishing time. Supporters were made up of residents, Peter’s family, and friends. “Not that I could see or hear them,” says Peter. “I had my head in the water.” In lieu of celebrating, Peter went home for a two-hour nap, and the next day he was back in the pool.

Left: Peter swimming. Centre: Lap counting. Right: Summerset in the Sun skydivers.

LET’S TALK ABOUT BRAIN HEALTH

If you have someone with dementia in your family, you may be wondering how to navigate Christmas celebrations with them. Here is some practical advice to make sure the big day dishes up as much joy as possible.

Take into consideration how your spouse or family member copes with groups of people, extra stimulation and going to unfamiliar places. Keeping things simple and scaled back will usually be more successful.

Think about what Christmas means to the person with dementia – if they used to love presents, having the family around or going to church, then plan to do modified versions of these. Don’t impose something on them that they have disliked previously.

Lots of people and noise can be overwhelming. Change your expectations of how the day should look. Think about whether it is better for the family to come to you rather than for you to go somewhere unfamiliar. Perhaps the gatherings should be in smaller groups for shorter periods of time.

Involve the person in the rituals of Christmas –hanging decorations on the tree, looking at Christmas lights, listening to Christmas carols, wrapping presents.

Monitor alcohol intake, as people with dementia are more susceptible to the effects.

There should be a sober person on standby in case the person with dementia needs to be taken home early.

Avoid family arguments as this will be even more difficult for a person with dementia to cope with.

Don’t overdo the wrapping on their gifts – make them easy to open so they don’t struggle to do this in front of others.

People with dementia often find it difficult to listen to a conversation with other conversations going on nearby. Sit them at the end of the table or in a quieter room so they can escape the noise if they need a break.

Try not to change the person with dementia’s routine and keep them orientated to the day, time and what is happening next.

Remind the person with dementia of the names of the family and friends who are visiting, and make sure you introduce everyone clearly, with reference to the relationship, to avoid embarrassment.

Reminisce about the past, as people with dementia will be more able to engage in conversation that uses the long-term memory.

The brain remembers music remarkably well, so the person with dementia may be able to join in Christmas carols even if they struggle with many other things.

One of the most important things is to look after yourself – sharing caregiving duties with others is important.

Communicate openly with family about how you think the person will manage on the day and the strategies you are using to make things go smoothly.

Ask family and friends to spend a little one-to-one time with the person who has dementia – this will often be more valuable than gifts.

Highway to habit

BY DANIEL HARDIE

As summer arrives and the days are longer it means more time for moving, whether a new routine or an old favourite. Remember to stay hydrated, and if exercising outside, do it in the shade and avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Aerobic activity

This includes anything that gets your heart rate up for a sustained period of time. Walking, hiking, cycling, rowing and swimming are among these. Research is showing evidence that both “low and slow” and “short and intense” Zone training are beneficial. Longevity expert Peter Attia has some great information on approaches to Zone training.

Strength training

Maintaining bone density, growing functional muscle and keeping healthy joints are key to an active and independent lifestyle. Weighted workouts, strength and balance classes, yoga and Pilates done 2– 3x per week will ensure that your body has all the tools it needs to stay strong and stable on your feet. Strength training is for every human being at any stage of life. Ensure you’ve cleared yourself with a medical professional before beginning any strength training programme.

Flexibility/mobility

Motion is lotion. Daily stretches such as reaching for your toes, lifting your arms above your head or turning your spine from side to side are great ways to keep flexible. Our bodies adapt to what we do, and also what we don’t do. Simply put, if you reach for your toes once a day for a year, that’s 365 reps invested into your most important asset, you!

Today is always the best time to get moving. And remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Find a friend, neighbour or family member to help keep you accountable and enjoy the progress alongside.

POET’S CORNER

Would you believe...

Would you believe I used to

Run and jump and skip

With never a thought

Of what pain might come

To back or knee or hip

Would you believe

I rode my bike

Up many a hill and dale

Played tennis all day

Then rode away

To Thorndon Baths to swim

Would you believe I climbed up high

To many a mountain top

Played cards on top of Mitre

On a Tararua day

When for once the wind stopped

The cards weren’t blown away

Would you believe I tramped

On many a bush and mountain track

Carrying gear for four or five days

In a pack upon my back

The joys of many great walks

With husband and children three

Recalled now very clearly

In this old age memory

Would you believe

Life’s changed for me

But there’s still good things to do

I’ve bought a mobility scooter

A real adjustment that’s true

I’ve ridden it many a mile

Taken it on the train

Shopped in the supermarket

Been caught out in the rain

Would you believe

In my garden

Around my villa set

The bird bath and tūī feeder

Bring birds of every hue

Pīwakawaka, blackbird, tūī and thrush

Sparrow, chaffinch, white eye all in a rush

They splash and ruffle their feathers a lot

Before stopping to drink at the very same spot

So though my skin is wrinkled

And joints fuss on some days

With books, songs, music and garden

Life’s great in many ways.

Irene Swadling

Summerset at Aotea

BRAIN TEASE

DOUBLECROSS

PUZZLES

Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

CROSSWORD

75. Pagoda, 79. Trail, 80. Dale, 81. Fife, 82. Beta, 85. She.

67. Maharani, 68. Scan, 69. Drastic, 72. Heroics, 73. Neural, 4.7 Launch,

52. Value, 54. Ides, 55. Legible, 56. Cutlet, 61. Rifle range, 63. Harry,

46. Illusion, 47. Stolen, 48. Inducement, 49. Darn, 50. ss,Cutla 51. Sun god,

31. Fiancé, 32. Titled, 35. Acorn, 37. Point, 38. Deft, 40. Yeti, 45. Sigma,

20. Real, 23. Motif, 24. Entrance, 26. Candour, 28. Tsunami, 30. Bishop,

Down: 2. One Way, 3. Mount, 4. Nan, 5. Inch, 6. Gondola, 7. Friend, 8. Itch, 9. External, 11. Aghast, 12. Extinguish, 13. Only, 14. Stellar, 18. Nine-to-five,

85. Slalom, 86. Cleverly, 87. Wipe the slate clean.

Character, 76. Triennial, 77. Fairy, 78. Instead, 83. Trainers, 84. Nationwide,

Abstinence, 65. Above par, 66. Abbey, 69. Doodle, 70. Embassy, 71.

53. Dialect, 57. Gold, 58. Fodder, 59. Tingle, 60. Weighty, 62. Nil, 64.

41. Theorem, 42. Cornea, 43. Edible, 44. Anti, 45. Spirits, 48. Indecisive,

Steamer, 29. Gunner, 33. Fiend, 34. Tiramisu, 36. Comic strip, 39. Nay,

17. White lie, 19. Pasture, 21. Hound, 22. Croissant, 25. onal,Octag 27.

Across: 1. Commanding officer, 10. Ravenous, 15. Return, 16. Confiscate,

Across

1. Senior military official (10,7)

10. Extremely hungry (8)

15. Come back (6)

16. Seize property by authority (10)

17. A minor untruth (5,3)

19. Grazing land (7)

21. Dog (5)

22. French roll (9)

25. Eight-sided (9)

27. Ship powered by coal or wood (7)

29. Artilleryman (6)

33. Devil (5)

34. Italian sponge cake dessert (8)

36. Peanuts or Garfield (5,5)

39. No (archaic) (3)

41. Idea (7)

42. Part of the eye (6)

43. Fit to eat (6)

44. Against (4)

45. Alcoholic drinks (7)

48. Dithering (10)

53. Language of a region (7)

57. Valuable metal (4)

58. Food for livestock (6)

59. Prickling sensation (6)

60. Heavy (7)

62. None (3)

64. Self-denial (10)

65. Better than average (5,3)

66. Religious building (5)

69. Scribble aimlessly (6)

70. Building used by diplomats (7)

71. Person in play, film or book (9)

76. Every three years (9)

77. Sprite (5)

78. Alternatively (7)

83. Running shoes (8)

84. Across the country (10)

85. Downhill ski race (6)

86. Intelligently (8)

87. Start again (4,3,5,5)

Down

2. __ __ or Another: 1979 song by Blondie (3,3)

3. Setting for a gem (5)

4. Grandma (3)

5. Old unit of measurement equal to 2.5mm (4)

6. Ski lift cabin (7)

7. Chum (6)

8. A yearning (4)

9. Outside (8)

11. Horrified (6)

12. Put out (10)

13. Solely (4)

14. Relating to the stars (7)

18. Working hours (4-2-4)

20. Actual (4)

23. Theme (5)

24. Way in (8)

26. Honesty (7)

28. Tidal wave (7)

30. Chess piece (6)

31. Betrothed (6)

32. Named (6)

35. Fruit of the oak (5)

37. Indicate (5)

38. Dextrous (4)

40. Himalayan monster (4)

45. Mitsubishi car 1976-1996 (5)

46. Magic trick (8)

47. Taken illegally (6)

48. Incentive (10)

49. Repair by sewing (4)

50. Curved sword (7)

51. Ra or Helios (3,3)

52. Worth (5)

54. Caesar’s fatal date in March (4)

55. Able to be read (7)

56. Thin slice of meat (6)

61. Target practice area (5,5)

63. British prince (5)

67. Maharajah’s wife (8)

68. Read quickly (4)

69. Severe (7)

72. Acts of bravery (7)

73. Relating to the nervous system (6)

74. Small motor boat (6)

75. Asian temple (6)

79. Lag behind (5)

80. Valley (4)

81. Small, high-pitched flute (4)

82. Second letter of Greek alphabet (4)

85. Her (3)

PETS OF SUMMERSET

One of the best-known residents at Summerset Milldale is of the four-legged, hairy variety. The pet pooch of Nancy and Ross Dudley, cocker spaniel Ollie likes to head daily to the Summerset recreation centre for his morning tea, greeting his fellow residents and staff. He even has his own box of dog treats behind the bar in readiness for his visits! “He is a little reserved to start with, but once he knows you he is as friendly as anything,” says Nancy.

Ollie might be the social mayor of Milldale, but that wasn’t always the case. An unkind neighbour and a collection of yapping dogs next door to their old home meant that five-and-a-half-yearold Ollie was often timid and stressed. “Since moving here he has been a changed dog,” says Nancy. “He is happy, calm and relaxed. His tail doesn’t stop wagging from the moment he wakes up until bedtime.”

Dogs have always been a big part of Nancy’s life. Her father used to breed German shepherds, and Nancy has had a succession of cocker spaniels over the years, which is a breed known for its fondness and loyalty to its family. Ollie has a fine pedigree, winning ‘Best junior reserve breed’ at the New Zealand Kennel Club show when he was just one year old.

He might be award-winning, but he is not the boss in their house. “That title goes to Dougal the cat,” says Nancy. Eight-year-old Dougal is a

magnificent 6.5kg blue mitted ragdoll, who spends his days lazing in the window behind the sofa, visiting the staff in their office, or romancing the cat across the road. “It’s very sweet to watch,” says Nancy. “He and Evie [fellow residents Les and Mary Cave’s cat] rub noses and cuddle up together on the drive. I reassure them that he’s from a good family!”

Nancy and Ross were the second set of residents to move into Summerset Milldale, and they are thrilled with their decision. “We can’t speak highly enough of the staff,” says Nancy. “We were all made to feel so welcome and supported, the pets included!”

DIRECTORY

AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

Summerset Mount Denby

7 Par Lane, Tikipunga, Whangārei 0112

Phone (09) 470 02820

Summerset Falls

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910

Phone (09) 425 1200

Summerset at Monterey Park

1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616

Phone (09) 951 8920

Summerset at Heritage Park

8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060

Phone (09) 950 7960

Summerset by the Park

7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019

Phone (09) 272 3950

Summerset at Karaka

49 Pararekau Road, Karaka 2580

Phone (09) 951 8900

Summerset St Johns

180 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072

Phone (09) 950 7980

Summerset Half Moon Bay*

25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012

Phone (09) 306 1420

Summerset Milldale

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale 0992

Phone (09) 304 1630

WAIKATO

Summerset down the Lane

206 Dixon Road, Hamilton 3206

Phone (07) 843 0157

Summerset Rototuna 39 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North 3210

Phone (07) 981 7820

Summerset by the Lake 2 Wharewaka Road, Wharewaka, Taupō 3330

Phone (07) 376 9470

Summerset Cambridge

1 Mary Ann Drive, Cambridge 3493

Phone (07) 839 9480

BAY OF PLENTY

Summerset Rotorua*

171–193 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3010

Phone (07) 343 5130

Summerset by the Sea

181 Park Road, Katikati 3129

Phone (07) 985 6890

Summerset by the Dunes

35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118

Phone (07) 542 9080

HAWKE’S BAY

Summerset in the Bay

79 Merlot Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112

Phone (06) 845 2840

Summerset Mission Hills*

Puketitiri Road, Napier 4182

Phone (06) 835 2580

Summerset in the Orchard

1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122

Phone (06) 974 1310

Summerset Palms

136 Eriksen Road, Te Awa, Napier 4110

Phone (06) 833 5850

Summerset in the Vines

249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130

Phone (06) 877 1185

TARANAKI

Summerset Mountain View

35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310

Phone (06) 824 8900

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place

70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4371

Phone (06) 824 8530

MANAWATU–WHANGANUI

Summerset in the River City

40 Burton Avenue, Whanganui 4500

Phone (06) 343 3133

Summerset on Summerhill

180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410

Phone (06) 354 4964

Summerset Kelvin Grove*

Stoney Creek Road, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4470

Phone (06) 825 6530

Summerset by the Ranges

104 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510

Phone (06) 367 0337

WELLINGTON

Summerset on the Coast

104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032

Phone (04) 298 3540

Summerset on the Landing

1–3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022

Phone (04) 230 6720

Summerset at Aotea

15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024

Phone (04) 235 0011

Summerset at the Course

20 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018

Phone (04) 527 2980

Summerset Waikanae

28 Park Avenue, Waikanae 5036

Phone (04) 293 0000

Summerset Boulcott 1A Boulcott Street, Lower Hutt 5010

Phone (04) 568 1440

Summerset Masterton*

Cashmere Oaks Drive, Lansdowne, Masterton 5871

Phone (06) 370 1790

NELSON–TASMAN–MARLBOROUGH

Summerset in the Sun

16 Sargeson Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011

Phone (03) 538 0000

Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 7020

Phone (03) 744 3430

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7272

Phone (03) 520 6040

CANTERBURY

Summerset at Wigram

135 Awatea Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8025

Phone (03) 741 0870

Summerset at Avonhead

120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042

Phone (03) 357 3200

Summerset on Cavendish

147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051

Phone (03) 741 2330

Summerset Rangiora*

141 South Belt, Waimakariri, Rangiora 7400

Phone (03) 335 6310

Summerset Prebbleton

578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604

Phone (03) 353 6310

Summerset Rolleston*

153 Lincoln Rolleston Road, Rolleston 7615

Phone (03) 353 6980

OTAGO

Summerset at Bishopscourt

36 Shetland Street, Wakari, Dunedin 9010

Phone (03) 950 3100

Summerset Mosgiel*

51 Wingatui Road, Mosgiel 9024

Phone (03) 474 3930