An update from Switzer CEO, Tina Mills Welcome to this edition of our quarterly Switzer newsletter. At Switzer, life is shaped by many small and significant moments that bring purpose, connection, and joy to our residents, families, and staff. Whether it is music, exercise, friendship, or simply sharing time together, these moments reflect the Eden Alternative principles that guide us. On 1 December, we will hold our Switzer Memorial Day, a special time to remember residents who have passed and to welcome families back to celebrate the lives and memories that remain part of our Switzer whānau. Exceptional Feedback I am incredibly proud of our team. Our recent staff survey showed:
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100% positive responses for finding purpose and meaning in work 100% positive responses for helping fellow team members Strong feedback highlighting teamwork, cultural connection, and a positive workplace atmosphere
These results are particularly meaningful given the recent Influenza outbreak. Throughout this challenging winter season, our staff demonstrated exceptional care, resilience, and commitment to our residents and one another. Independent Living Village Update Our Independent Living Village development continues to progress well, remaining on time and on budget. My sincere thanks go to our contractors, partners, and supporters who are helping bring this important project to life.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Board of Trustees for their incredible, guidance, and dedication. Their commitment and countless hours of work behind the scenes continue to help shape the future of Switzer and our community housing and care projects. Volunteers Needed! As the festive season approaches, we are looking for volunteers to help decorate our Christmas trees’ on 27th November. If you have a few hours to spare, we would love your support in creating a festive and welcoming environment for our residents. Please inform reception and we will be in touch.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Switzer such a special community-owned home. We hope you enjoy this newsletter!
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
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Welcome Home and Welcome to Switzer, Mary! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kia ora and Kia Orana! What a journey it’s been. Coming home to Kaitaia feels like everything has come full circle, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here and to be part of the Lifestyle Team at Switzer. My role is to support our residents, create meaningful moments, and bring a little more joy and laughter into the home. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we really do have the best job!
A little about me... I was born in Auckland and am the youngest of 11 siblings. My father, Ted Rudolph, hails from the centre of the universe, Pawarenga, while my mother, Mary Strickland, is from the beautiful island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. I have been happily married to Daniel Rutene for 40 years. Together we have three handsome sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, three gorgeous grandchildren, and another little one on the way. For the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working in aged care in Queensland as a Lifestyle and Pastoral Care Coordinator, supporting residents across seven aged care homes, from tropical Cairns to country Woodford, Brisbane City, and several places in between. I have a real passion for supporting older people and those living with dementia, having experienced dementia within my own family through my mum. Coming to Switzer and getting to know our residents has been incredibly rewarding. Hearing your stories, sharing a laugh, and spending time together often reminds me of my own
my own family through my mum. Coming to Switzer and getting to know our residents has been incredibly rewarding. Hearing your stories, sharing a laugh, and spending time together often reminds me of my own aunties, uncles, and whānau. I love discovering the things that are important to you, the activities you enjoy, the stories you want to share, the music you love, and the little things that brighten your day. It is more rewarding than you will ever know. I hope you've enjoyed some of the new additions to our Home Happenings programme, including drumming fun, card games, Hoy, and sharing special Facebook moments. Above all, I'm thankful to a loving God for the many blessings I have received and continue to receive. When my friends in Brisbane ask how I'm settling in, I simply tell them, "I hear my dad's voice and see my mum's smile every day." The people here are genuine, caring, and full of aroha. Thank you for making me feel so welcome, and for your patience and guidance as I've settled in. Please stop and say hello when you see me. If there's something we could do better, or something new you'd like to try, come and have a chat. I'd love to hear your ideas. Your home, your way.
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Coffee Club Brewing ConnecCons ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Since launching in July, Coffee Club has quickly become one of Switzer's most anticipated monthly events. Bringing together residents, visitors, and coffee lovers alike, the gathering offers a chance to sit back, relax, and indulge!
Guests are treated to freshly brewed barista-style coffee (complete with chocolate art on top), lovingly prepared by Team Leader, Neryl (in her element we might add! Clearly she was a barista in another life!). Along with a tempting selection of biscuits and cake, residents are invited to sip, dunk, slurp, nibble, and savour a little bit of everything on offer. The rich aroma of coffee drifting through the corridors is enough to draw a crowd, (including staff and visitors walking by and remarking how enticing the coffee smells!) This popular monthly event goes on for what feels like hours, with many residents taking advantage of the bottomless cups and great service. Lingering to chat with friends, we have overheard residents discussing with anticipation their next Coffee Club fix. Do we need to do this more than once a month? Let us know! More than simply enjoying a great coffee, the event provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversation in a warm and welcoming setting. It's magical to see friendships flourish over a coffee and a slice of cake in the lively Switzer café!
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CelebraCng Matariki _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Matariki is a time to reflect on the year gone by, look ahead to new beginnings, and come together with whānau through food, conversation, and celebration.
Switzer residents embraced the spirit of Matariki with a delicious hāngī lunch, one of the highlights of our annual celebrations. The feast, lovingly prepared by resident chef Audrey Waters, proved hugely popular, with more than two-thirds of residents placing an order. The verdict? Absolutely delicious! The hāngī was just one part of a week of Matariki-inspired activities, which also included a Te Reo Māori class and opportunities to learn more about the traditions and meaning behind this special time of year. Through celebrations like these, Switzer honours the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa and creates meaningful opportunities for residents to connect, learn, and celebrate together. Did you know?
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Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars that appears in the winter sky, signalling the Māori New Year. It is a time for remembrance, gratitude, renewal, and spending time with friends and whānau. Matariki is celebrated across Aotearoa each June or July and is marked by a dedicated public holiday.
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A LiFle Pampering… _______________________________________________________________
Fridays at Switzer have become even more anticipated with the introduction of our Little Pamper Salon. Each week, the hair salon in Kauri Household is transformed into a peaceful retreat where residents can slow down, relax, and enjoy a little extra care and attention.
Whether it’s a soothing head massage, refreshing face mask, hand massage, foot spa, or a splash of nail polish, every pamper session is designed to nurture both body and soul. Add a glass of bubbly or refreshing lemonade, gentle music, and the calming scent of aromatherapy, and the result is a truly luxurious experience. This delightful addition to the activities calendar, introduced by our talented Lifestyle Team, has been warmly embraced by residents, who love having something indulgent to look forward to at the end of the week. After a morning spa date with friends, our thoroughly pampered residents can then choose to roll straight into Friday afternoon happy hour feeling extra glamorous, refreshed, and relaxed. More than simply a treat, the Little Pamper Salon reflects our commitment to the Eden Alternative philosophy by recognising the importance of touch, companionship, meaningful connection, and care. These small but special moments can bring comfort, joy, and a genuine sense of being valued. After a lifetime spent caring for others, it is wonderful to see our residents taking time to be cared for themselves.
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Unleashing CreaCvity ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Creativity doesn't have an age limit. In fact, opportunities for artistic exploration can play a powerful role in supporting wellbeing, building confidence, sparking joy, and providing a meaningful outlet for self-expression. We're passionate about creating opportunities for residents to explore their creativity and discover that it's never too late to give it a go!
We're incredibly fortunate to have the support of talented local artist Karen Meyers, who has been working alongside our Lifestyle Team to inspire residents through a range of hands-on art experiences. With Karen's encouragement, residents have embraced the chance to experiment and express themselves in ways that are both therapeutic and deeply rewarding. Over recent months, residents have taken part in two standout projects. The Hibiscus T-Shirt Project saw budding artists transform plain T-shirts into vibrant, wearable works of art, celebrating individuality and personal style. Meanwhile, the Nature Art Project invited residents to draw inspiration from the beauty of the natural world, producing stunning pieces featuring leaves, insects, and other natural elements. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Beyond the beautiful artwork created, these projects encouraged connection, stimulated the imagination, and fostered a wonderful sense of achievement. Watching residents proudly share their creations and celebrate each other's talents has been just as rewarding as the finished pieces themselves.
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CelebraCng Cook Islands Language Week ________________________________________________
At Switzer, we love celebrating the rich cultures, languages, and traditions that make up our community. Recognising and embracing different backgrounds helps create opportunities for learning, connection, and belonging, while honouring the diverse stories and experiences of our residents, families, volunteers, and staff.
As part of Cook Islands Language Week (26 July - 1 August), we were delighted to welcome our special guests, Vaniva and Jamil Lewis from Te Hiku Avaikinui, who brought an abundance of energy, culture, and joy to our home. Residents enjoyed learning beautiful Cook Islands songs, trying their hand at hula dancing, and joining in fun action songs, all while wearing colourful island leis. Laughter and smiles filled the room as everyone immersed themselves in the vibrant spirit of the Cook Islands. One of the highlights of the celebration was learning the song "Time to Learn Te Reo Kūki 'Āirani Today", giving residents the opportunity to learn a little more about the Cook Islands language and the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions. Adding to the excitement was our lucky door prize draw, which saw our lovely resident Hilary take home a beautiful gift set from Rarotonga. A heartfelt thank you to Te Hiku Avaikinui for so generously sharing your language, culture, music, and warmth with us. Celebrations like these remind us that we're never too old to learn something new and that cultural connections enrich all of our lives. Meitaki ma'ata!
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Ake, Ake, Ake - A Forever Language _______________________________________________
This year's theme, "Ake Ake Ake - A Forever Language," celebrates te reo Māori as a language that will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
This year's Te Wiki o te Reo Māori celebrations finished on a high with a fantastic kapa haka performance from Ahipara School. Dressed in full regalia, the students captivated residents and staff with their energy, confidence, and pride in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Their performance was a wonderful display of culture, talent, and connection between generations. The kapa haka group was just one of many ways residents engaged with Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Throughout the week, residents enjoyed singing, drumming, and exercising to popular waiata, taking part in the Our Far North / Te Hiku reminiscence activity, welcoming visitors from Ngāti Kahu, and visiting the museum at Te Ahu. These celebrations provide meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and acknowledge the unique place of te reo Māori as a living language of Aotearoa. They also reflect our commitment to embracing and respecting the diverse cultures that make our Switzer community so special. Did You Know?
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori encourages all New Zealanders to learn, practise, and use more te reo Māori in everyday life. Everyday words such as kia ora, whānau, kai, and Aotearoa are examples of te reo Māori that have become part of daily life for many New Zealanders. Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori
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Back by Popular Demand! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you thought Lego was just child's play, our August Lego Exhibition proved otherwise! Held in the Eden Room over several days, the second LEGO exhibition of 2026 showcased some truly extraordinary creations, with residents, staff, and community members marvelling at the incredible skill, imagination, and attention to detail on display.
Many of the builds were nothing short of breathtaking, and it's hard to imagine just how many hundreds, if not thousands, of hours went into creating them. The exhibition quickly became a popular attraction, with a steady stream of visitors stopping by to admire the masterpieces and try their own hand at Lego building. The room was buzzing with excitement, creativity, and plenty of friendly conversation as people of all ages got involved. (Better still, the event helped raise valuable funds for our Residents' Bucket List Project, making it a meaningful success as well as an entertaining one!) A huge congratulations to our prize winners, residents Pat and Ted, along with two talented young community Lego enthusiasts. Thank you to everyone who contributed, visited, built, voted, and supported the exhibition. The bar has been set incredibly high, but we are already looking forward to seeing what amazing creations appear at the next one!
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Boot Scooters Turned Switzer into a Dance Party! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Too bad we can’t post videos in this newsletter because this event was a hoot! We can't overstate just how much fun this visit was! When Daff's Boot Scooters rolled into Switzer, they brought an infectious energy that transformed an ordinary afternoon into a full-blown celebration.
The dining room came alive with loud modern country music, a bassline that had the admin team and kitchen staff wondering if they were working in a club, and ultimately led to a whole lot of raucous laughter, seemingly contagious dancing, clapping, and plenty of smiling faces. With their modern, upbeat style and enthusiastic performances, it was almost impossible for residents not to join in (or at the very least tap their feet!). The atmosphere was truly electric, with everyone being caught up in the excitement. Before long, the very loud and lively room was buzzing with energy and movement, and a few brave staff members couldn't resist leaping onto the dance floor to try out some moves of their own. The music was pumping, the vibes were sky high, and for a little while it really did feel more like a lively dance venue than a care home! A HUGE thank you to Daff's Boot Scooters from Kaitaia for bringing such a massive injection of joy, fun, and entertainment to our residents. It was a fantastic afternoon that had everyone talking long after the music stopped, and we can't wait to welcome them back again very soon.
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Introducing Our Bucket Wish List Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Making wishes come true! At Switzer, we believe it's often the little things that create the biggest smiles. That's why we're excited to introduce our new Bucket Wish List Project, an initiative designed to bring joy, choice, and meaningful experiences to our residents.
Each month, a wish is drawn from our Bucket Wish List box during the resident meeting. Some wishes may be adventurous, others beautifully simple, but every one reflects something special to the person who submitted it. Our goal is to turn those wishes into reality, one by one. What makes this project even more special is that it's powered by our community. Funds are raised through raffles, creative projects, and fundraising activities, with residents, families, staff, and supporters all playing a part in helping make dreams (big, small, and everything in between) come true. We're delighted to share that our very first Bucket Wish List recipient was Ros, whose wish was to take a trip to McDonald's with her daughter. Enjoying coffee, hotcakes, burgers, fries, hashbrowns, and soft serve; quite the feast was savoured! While it may sound small, the outing was filled with laughter, connection, cherished memories, and plenty of happiness. Ros's special day was the perfect reminder of what the Bucket Wish List Project is all about. Sometimes the greatest wishes aren't the grandest ones, they're simply opportunities to spend time with loved ones, revisit favourite places, and create moments that matter. We can't wait to see which wish is drawn next!
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Yee-Haa! A RooCn’ TooCn’ Father’s Day CelebraCon _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Our gentlemen were treated like true VIPs this Father’s Day, with the Lifestyle Team transforming Switzer into a lively Wild West town complete with cowboys, straw bales, bandanas, and plenty of country charm.
The celebrations kicked off with some well-deserved pampering, including relaxing hand and head massages, before the ladies decided the fun looked too good to miss and happily joined the festivities! The Western theme carried on throughout the day, culminating in a special Happy Hour where the gents enjoyed a refreshing drink and a generous serving of hot chips. Many of our fathers and grandfathers were also spoiled by visiting family and whānau over the weekend, making the occasion even more special. A big thank you to all the wonderful men of Switzer. Father’s Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contributions, wisdom, and stories they bring to our community every day. Did you know? Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September in New Zealand but is not a public holiday. Father's Day was first observed on 14 July 1929.
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Carnival Fever Hits Switzer! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you walked past the dining room during Diversional Therapy Week, you could have been forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into a carnival arcade! The room was alive with action, laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement as residents put their skills to the test across a variety of fun-filled games.
From the moment the carnival kicked off, there was a real buzz in the air. Residents cheered each other on, celebrated their wins, collected prizes, and enjoyed plenty of good-natured banter along the way. Every corner of the room was packed with activity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that had everyone smiling. Of course, no carnival would be complete without great food, and the afternoon finished with a delicious pizza feast that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Diversional Therapy Week is all about celebrating the activities, connections, and experiences that bring purpose, joy, and meaning to everyday life. Our Carnival Afternoon captured all of that perfectly, showcasing the fun, friendship, and sense of community that make Switzer such a special place to call home. A huge thank you to our dedicated Lifestyle Team for creating such a memorable week. Judging by the laughter and excitement, it was a winning celebration from start to finish!
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The 10 Eden AlternaCve 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 creaCng a human habitat where life revolves around close and conCnuing contact with people of all ages and abiliCes, as well as plants and animals. It is these relaConships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living. 3. Loving companionship is the anCdote 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 anCdote to helplessness.
New volunteers always welcome Got Cme to spare and hobbies to share? Come on down and find out about being a Switzer Volunteer or email us for an info pack.
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 creaCng an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interacCons and happenings can take place. This is the anCdote to boredom. 6. Meaningless acCvity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essenCal 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 top-down bureaucraCc 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. CreaCng 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 subsCtute.
Far North Fauna Spring is the perfect Cme to be reminded that we live here in the beauCful subtropical Far North. The birds are certainly colourful and we can grow some very exoCc fruit! These visiCng Eastern Rosella were spo]ed enjoying some fallen custard apples (cherimoya).