An update from Switzer CEO, Tina Mills As we look ahead into 2026, I’m reminded that our progress, whether in care, training or development, rests on the strength of our people and the support of our community. This year, our Independent Living project has been a standout example of what can be achieved when dedication and partnership come together. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Far North Roading for their unwavering support and exceptional management of the project. Their professionalism and commitment have ensured that our vision for high-quality, community-centred living is becoming a reality. To our staff, thank you for your continued dedication to learning and excellence. And to our community, thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us honour those in our care. Together, we are building a future where every member of our community can age with respect, safety and warmth. Excellent Progress with the Independent Living Units! Block D, comprising eight one-bedroom units, reached lock-up stage before Christmas. The upper units are now in place, exterior painLng is underway, upper decks are being installed, and all electrical and air-condiLoning work is complete, with plumbing now advancing well. Block B is also progressing smoothly. The slab for the sixteen one-bedroom units has been poured on schedule, and the upper units are now fully framed with roofs fiNed. Work has also commenced on Block C, where foundaLons for the four one-bedroom units are currently being prepared. We were pleased to welcome WorkSafe NZ to site recently, and their feedback was extremely posiLve. Our health and safety procedures, toolbox meeLngs and audit processes conLnue to be carried out consistently and to a high standard. Far North Roading is also performing excepLonally well, keeping the project on Lme, within budget, and demonstraLng unwavering professionalism throughout. Donation Requests Recently, we reached out to our community for support to help fund essential equipment such as hospital beds. Thank you to everyone who contributed; every donation, including those made through our Facebook page, made a meaningful difference. Every contribution, whether it’s $1 or $100, helps us continue providing comfort, dignity and quality of life for those who need it most. Read on and enjoy this newsletter all about what has been keeping us all busy at 71 South Road over this spring/summer period.
Tina Mills | Chief Executive Officer Claud Switzer Memorial Trust H ( *
71 South Road, Kaitaia, 0410 09 408 1480 tina@switzer.org.nz www.switzer.co.nz
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 2
The Heartbeat of Switzer ____________________________________________________________________
Volunteers and guest artists are truly the heartbeat of Switzer—they’re one of our greatest treasures and a shining example of the incredible community spirit we’re lucky to have!
We have been blessed over the last months beyond measure by the many groups and individuals who step through our doors, bringing joy, music, laughter, and companionship to our elders. Every visit adds a spark of magic to our days. From the vibrant energy of the Kapa Haka group to the beautiful harmonies of the Strawberry Wine Choir, from Sue Hicks and her wonderful team to Helen with the Ronnie Gardner method, and the musical talents of Mike & Sonia, Kiwi Keith, John Hert, and the Pohutukelele’s, Kaitaia Ukelele group —each performance is a gift. We’ve been serenaded by Margaret & Prue on piano and cello, entertained by Ruby Anne’s lively karaoke, uplifted by Kaitaia Community Voices, Musical moments with Karen, and delighted by Lucy and her dancing dog! Add to that the warmth of our church and school groups and the generosity of individuals like Andrea, Gayle, Riley, Nathan, Susan, Rita and many more …the list of talent and kindness truly goes on and on. To every single one of you: THANK YOU! Your time, energy, and creativity make a world of difference. You don’t just share your skills—you share your hearts, and that’s what makes Switzer such a special place.
New Volunteers Welcome! ____________________________________________________________________
Volunteering in a not-for-profit aged care home offers a chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, oKen in the simplest and most meaningful ways. Many volunteers are drawn to the opportunity to give Mme, companionship, and kindness to older people, whether that’s through conversaMon, shared acMviMes, or simply being a friendly presence. It can be deeply rewarding to build connecMons across generaMons, hear life stories, and know that your contribuMon helps create a more caring, connected community. For many, volunteering is as much about personal fulfilment as it is about giving back. The Lifestyle team (Kim, Frank, and Karen) would be happy to show you around and give you some more informaMon about what you need to do to become a Switzer volunteer. Contact us for an info pack! Email: recepMon@switzer.org.nz
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 3
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 4
Switzer Halloween Halls Drew Mega Crowd! __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Halloween at Switzer is always a highlight on the calendar, but JEEPERS CREEPERS this year’s celebration was something truly special. The Lifestyle team threw open the doors and sent out an open invitation via social media, encouraging the community to join residents for an afternoon/ evening of spooky fun—and the response was overwhelming! From the moment the first of the little ghouls, ghosts, and goblins arrived, it was clear this was going to be a night to remember. Not knowing what numbers to expect, the team made sure residents were well-prepared with buckets brimming with confectionary to keep the trick-or-treaters happy and mischief at bay. And it’s a good thing they did—families came in droves, filling the halls with laughter, excitement, and a delightful dose of eeriness. The costumes were nothing short of spectacular. Fairies fluttered past, witches (both good and wicked) and pumpkins rolled in alongside superheroes, alongside several Wednesday Addams (thanks to the hit Netflix series). There were creatures of every description—more than you’d dare shake an empty candy bucket at! The creativity and effort put into these outfits were inspiring, and residents loved every moment of the parade of characters. The fun didn’t stop at trick-or-treating. As part of Switzer’s Halloween tradition, some braver souls gathered for a spinetingling ghost story. This year’s choice was a true classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the original gothic tale that has haunted imaginations for over two centuries. The reading sparked lively conversation among residents about the origins of horror fiction and the enduring appeal of stories that explore the realms of imagination. As the last trick-or-treaters headed home with their full buckets of loot, the halls gradually grew quiet again. No one was in any doubt that this year’s Halloween had been anything less than a roaring success!
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 5
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 6
Vintage Show ‘n’ Shine a Sure-Fire Hit! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The residents of Switzer Residential Care Facility were treated to their very own 'Show ‘n’ Shine' vintage car show when members of the Far North Rod and Custom Club did a drive-by on a balmy Saturday afternoon in November.
The Far North Rod & Custom Club (FNRCC) covers the Far North region from Kerikeri to Kaitaia, welcoming all classic cars and bikes, and is known for their annual "Wheels of Mayhem" show and community involvement, especially supporting local Far North charities. Upon being asked, the local club members were more than obliging by driving into Switzer after wrapping up the 2025 Wheels of Mayhem car show at the nearby Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds. The Elders who came out to welcome the visitors were, in turn, delighted as the convoy rumbled right up to the front door: one vintage car after another, each one an exclusive and unique display of gleaming chrome and metal, an exhibition of quality, and craftmanship as much as they were evidence of the pride and loving care bestowed on them by their owners. Some of our elders took the opportunity to sit behind the driving wheel of some of the classic cars and have their pictures taken; others just enjoyed standing beside the cars listening to the restored engines rumbling powerfully. The car club expressed their gratitude for being able to come down and have their pride-and-joys admired by the residents. It was a real win-win, which also celebrated principle five of the Eden Alternative, a credo which underpins the fundamentals of residential care at Switzer, being: "An Elder-centred community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom”
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 7
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 8
ArHsts & CraJers Abound
Un d er t
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
he
S ea
Colour, light, and all things bright! The stunning paper blooms adorning the halls have brought joy to so many this Spring/ Summer season. All made by our very own talented Switzer residents! Arts and crafts continue to be a wonderful source of creativity and joy for our elders, sparking imagination and plenty of smiles! Every fortnight, our talented Wellbeing Coordinator, Lisa, joins forces with Melody—a skilled volunteer who generously shares her time and craft expertise with Switzer—to lead an inspiring art group. Together, they’ve guided residents through exciting projects like bracelet making, stained glass-inspired window art, and festive Christmas decorations. These sessions are a highlight for many elders, offering laughter, connection, and the chance to create something beautiful to take home. Meanwhile, the Diversional Therapy team has kept the creative energy flowing with watercolour painting, card making, and vibrant Christmas-themed door hangers. Watching creativity blossom and seeing the pride on residents’ faces as they admire their finished masterpieces has been truly heartwarming. We’re always open to fresh ideas and welcome feedback on what exciting projects you’d love to see next!
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 9
Road Trippin’ ____________________________________________________________
Our van trips continue to be a firm favourite with residents at Switzer. Whether it’s a drive to the beach, a visit to a local café, Unahi Wharf, Lake Ngatu, or even a spontaneous stop at the dairy for an ice cream, these outings are always full of smiles, laughter, and great conversations. Sometimes it’s the simplest adventures that bring the most joy — tracing the familiar roads through Kaitaia or Ahipara, a shared memory sparked by a view of the waves, or the pleasure of being out and about together on a sunny day with a gentle sea breeze. These trips are a wonderful chance to enjoy the fresh air, reconnect with favourite places, and make new memories along the way. We are fortunate to have two vans at Switzer and they are certainly well used! Here’s one of our residents enjoying a well-earned ice cream during a weekly van trip, and another resident pictured taking a leisurely stroll along the wharf with Kim, (one of our talented Diversional Therapists!) small moments captured that perfectly illustrate the fun of summer van outings at Switzer.
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 10
Chair Tai Chi & Qigong ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Breathe in…. aaaand ouuuuut… Chair Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle, low-impact movement practices that focus on slow, flowing motions, relaxed breathing, and mindful awareness.
Practised while seated, they are accessible to people of varying abilities and are designed to support balance, flexibility, and overall wellbeing in a calm and enjoyable way. Sessions combine soft movements with controlled breathing to help release tension, improve circulation, and encourage a sense of ease and relaxation. Many people enjoy chair Tai Chi and Qigong for the way it helps them feel more centred, comfortable in their bodies, and mentally refreshed. Both practices have a long history and are widely appreciated for promoting gentle strength, joint mobility, and mindful movement, making them a popular choice for those looking for a relaxed and supportive form of exercise. • • •
If you’re interested in giving it a try, guided chair Tai Chi and Qigong sessions are held every Tuesday at 11am with Kim in the Orange Lounge (Matai Household). You don’t need any special equipment – just pop along one day to see what it’s all about! Sessions are unhurried and welcoming, with an emphasis on moving at a pace that’s feels right for each individual.
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 11
Staff Summer BBQ & Secret Santa Surprises… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
On Friday 19 December 2025, the Switzer team came together to celebrate the end of the year with a relaxed festive summer lunch held in the internal courtyard. The timing couldn’t have been better — the rain hit right before the event, then kindly held off just long enough for the BBQ, with sunshine overhead during the festivities before showers returned later in the day – phew! The courtyard was transformed for the occasion, with giant inflatable Christmas baubles hanging from the trees, festive tunes playing, and Frank expertly manning the BBQ (Thank you, Frank! This was hot work!). A very generous food spread was laid out, including fresh breads, sausages, kebabs, five different salads, and an impressive array of sweets and drinks to suit all tastes. There were enough treats left over to feed the following two shifts into the evening! Nobody went hungry. It was lovely to see a range of faces on the day, including John Carter popping in and joining the celebration alongside staff, a few residents, contractors, and the families of team members, who brought along their partners and children, which added to the lively atmosphere. Picnic blankets and plenty of shade made it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy the afternoon. Christmas crackers were pulled, laughter filled the courtyard, and the Secret Santa gift exchange was a definite highlight — including one newly plant-based staff member receiving tofu, which drew plenty of chuckles. A thoughtful gift indeed! A big thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a cheerful and memorable way to close out the year, and a special thank you to Sophie, Wes, Eddie, Val, Alison N, Frank, Ra, Barbara, Angelica, Doug, and the kitchen staff for all your support with setting up and cleaning up!
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 12
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 13
Royal Variety Show – Eat Your Heart Out! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The annual Christmas Concert at Switzer Residential Care proved once again a knockout success for the elders and the staff as much as the numerous performers. As headline act, the Kaitaia Tamburica Band certainly delivered the goods – featuring Switzer's very own, Drago Yelavich, tearing through a repertoire of well-strummed and very appealing traditional folk tunes. The band, an ensemble of around one dozen members in all, had toes tapping and hands clapping along, with some residents joining the staff and visitors to dance merrily to the upbeat melodic tunes. Other performers helping lift the roof off the joint in memorable fashion were Johnathon Pirini with his daughter and friend playing a great set of tunes, the Strawberry Wine choir - who reformed especially for the occasion - blasting through some Christmas carols, Indi and the Whistlers blasting through a set including songs from the hit musical, Grease. Also notable were members of the Evolve Dance troupe, Ruby and Luana; and wee Faith and Olive doing a gorgeous rendition of the Little Bunnies. Overall, it was a fine afternoon of entertainment, a reminder of the sense of connection, esteem and affection the residents of Switzer are held in by members of the wider Kaitaia community and another notch on the belt for everyone who was part of an unforgettable and successful Christmas Pantomime. The Lifestyle team reserved special mention to Keith Dawson for the use of a sound system for the day. Thank you, Keith!
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 14
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 15
Switzer Christmas - Sweeter Than a Candy-Cane ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Day at Switzer was once again a heartfelt and joyful occasion, filled with warmth and moments that will be fondly remembered by residents, staff, and families alike. From the early hours of the morning, there was a sense of excitement in the air as everyone came together to help make the day as special and meaningful as possible for our residents. The Christmas lunch was a standout highlight, with an inviting and beautifully prepared spread that was thoroughly enjoyed. The menu featured Glazed Champagne Ham, Roast Lamb, traditional stuffing, roasted potatoes, kumara, pumpkin, and seasonal vegetables — a classic Christmas feast that brought smiles around the tables. The desserts were just as impressive, with Berry Trifle, Christmas Pudding served with rich brandy custard, and mini pavlovas topped with crème Chantilly, kiwifruit, and berries. Many residents happily went back for seconds — and even thirds — declaring the food “too good to resist,” with plenty of compliments shared with the kitchen and serving teams throughout the day. The dining rooms were filled with conversation, laughter, and the comforting feeling that comes from sharing a special meal together. Families joined their loved ones wherever possible, adding to the festive atmosphere, while some residents headed out to spend time with their wider whānau, returning later with stories of their celebrations. In the true spirit of Christmas, staff went above and beyond to ensure the day ran smoothly. Several team members generously brought in their partners and children to help serve meals, pour drinks, and spend time chatting with residents. Their presence added an extra layer of warmth and connection, and it was a beautiful reminder that Christmas is about community, kindness, and giving. Seeing staff families pitch in so willingly was a touching reflection of the care and commitment that defines the Switzer community.
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 16
Goodbye 2025… Hello 2026! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Our residents welcomed 2026 with an afternoon packed with laughter, cheer, and festive spirit! At 3 PM, the excitement peaked with a balloon countdown—Frank tugged the string, and a cascade of colourful balloons descended as everyone joyfully joined in a 10-to-1 countdown. The tables gleamed with gold stars and bright decorations, and residents donned New Year badges, funky glasses, and party hats to fully embrace the celebration. A themed trivia quiz kept energy levels high, exploring quirky traditions from around the world and sparking plenty of animated chatter and friendly competition. One standout question was: “What’s the most common New Year’s resolution?” Unsurprisingly, health and exercise topped the list! To cap it all off, guests clinked glasses filled with non-alcoholic bubbly, beer, and wine, and it was a wonderful afternoon brimming with unforgettable moments!
Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2025 Page 17
Fun scrubs for Xmas!
The 10 Eden AlternaHve Principles __________________________________________________________________
1. The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our Elders. 2. An Elder-centred community commits to creaMng a human habitat where life revolves around close and conMnuing contact with people of all ages and abiliMes, as well as plants and animals. It is these relaMonships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living. Switzer Newsle,er Spring/Summer 2024 Page 20
3. Loving companionship is the anMdote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and animal companionship. 4. An Elder-centred community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the anMdote to helplessness.
Mobile Shop! Lisa, our ingenious Resident Wellbeing Coordinator came up with the idea for a mobile shop. In addiMon to the regular shop we have set up in the Eden room each week, the mobile shop helps keeps residents stocked up in between and on-the-go! That’s smart service with a smile!
SWITZER BOARD MEMBERS • • • •
John Carter (Chair) Paul Reeves (Trustee) Jack Rogers (Trustee) Eddie Aitken (Secretary)
( (09) 408 1480 * recep-on@switzer.org.nz
5. An Elder-centred community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creaMng an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interacMons and happenings can take place. This is the anMdote to boredom. 6. Meaningless acMvity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essenMal to human health. 7. Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master. 8. An Elder-centred community honours its Elders by de-emphasising topdown bureaucraMc authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them. 9. CreaMng an Elder-centred community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life. 10. Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no subsMtute.
No fur or purr? Pet corner this season got a li\le repMlian! The staff and residents were introduced to a new kind of non-furry friend! Meet Mochi, the Bearded Dragon! Everyone was capMvated by her (and some were brave and gently touched her!)