Summerset Scene Summer 2025

Summerset Scene

COVER: Margie Dennis

Photo credit: Kevin Bills Media

9,100

More than New Zealanders call

Whangārei

Milldale

Hobsonville

Ellerslie

Karaka

Rototuna

Hamilton

Cambridge

Summerset home

Nelson

Richmond

Bell Block

New Plymouth

Whanganui

Levin

Waikanae

Paraparaumu

Warkworth

Belmont

St Johns

Half Moon Bay

Manukau

Katikati

Avonhead

Wigram

Prebbleton

Dunedin

Mosgiel

Blenheim

Rangiora

Casebrook

Rolleston

Pāpāmoa Beach

Rotorua

Taupō

Napier

Mission Hills

Te Awa

Hastings

Havelock North

Palmerston North

Kelvin Grove

Masterton

Trentham

Boulcott

Aotea

Kenepuru

KEY

= Summerset village

= Proposed village

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Otaihanga

Hello from Ellie

Welcome to the last issue of Summerset Scene for 2025! Christmas is nearly upon us –a time for sharing, caring and community.

In this issue we meet residents across the country who practice these values throughout the year. We head to Summerset on Summerhill in Palmerston North to meet our cover star, Margie Dennis. Margie has dedicated much of her life to helping

others. From working in NGOs in Pakistan and Afghanistan to helping immigrants settle in New Zealand, Margie’s dedication is unwavering. Read her story on page 4.

Over at Summerset at Monterey Park in Auckland, we meet Tom Hendriks, who took a great risk in service to his community in the Second World War. Read his story on page 22.

Also in Auckland, we meet Ann Day, of Summerset St Johns. Ann and her choir bring the joy of singing to the community. Read her story on page 16.

On page 43 read about the efforts that Summerset residents went to in the name of sustainability. For New Zealand’s Recycling Week, our villages across the country took part in crafts, arts, educational sessions and community initiatives with gusto.

Summer means fresh produce, and Lynda Hallinan writes about the magic of beans on page 30. Jan Bilton cooks up festive fare on page 26 and Melissa Wastney has Christmas craft ideas on page 34. We also have puzzles, travel ideas and book reviews, as well as how to support a person with dementia in the holiday season.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and fun-filled festive break.

See you in 2026!

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.

An Intrepid Life

BY LOGAN MUDGE

Margie Dennis has “always been intrepid.” When she was a mere four years old, the Summerset on Summerhill resident would travel eight stops on the tram to and from kindergarten by herself.

This bold spirit continued into adulthood when, aged 28, she moved from New Zealand to Lahore in Pakistan in 1969, working at the Kinnaird College for Women as the personal assistant to the principal.

Highly esteemed, the college was a favourite location for the Pakistani government to send visiting dignitaries; both Princess Diana and Mother Teresa were among its famous visitors.

For Margie, it was a wonderful experience, and she remained in Pakistan for eight years. She learned the language and thoroughly immersed herself in the culture of the region, which was so very different from the one she had grown up with. However, her parents missed her greatly and she returned home to New Zealand. “It had been very hard on my parents for me to be away all that

time,” Margie says. “I wrote aerograms to them twice a week for eight years. One of the neighbours later told me she would see my father walk to the letterbox sometimes five times a day to see if he’d received my latest news.” Margie still has all the aerograms detailing her time away that her parents had dutifully kept.

Back in New Zealand, Margie met and fell in love with Keith, the man who would become her husband. “We had seven wonderful years together before Keith died of cancer. He taught me what unconditional love looked like.”

In the 1990s, there was upheaval on the international stage. Hong Kong was being handed back to China by the British, and Margie assisted Chinese migrants moving to Auckland. “Many of them were coming to escape the handover of Hong Kong back to the Chinese,” says Margie. “They brought family with them who didn’t speak much English. I’m not an English teacher but I could help them – from my time in Pakistan I knew how to relate cross-culturally.” Margie helped many Chinese ‘grandmas’ settle in New Zealand, including advising how to cook with the Western ingredients available, which were so different from what they knew.

In 1995 Margie decided to go overseas again. “I was in good health, I didn’t have any family, as my parents and Keith had passed, and I was ready to try something else.”

Bruce Gibbs, who had previously been principal of Homai School, a specialist school for students who are blind or have low vision in Manurewa, had moved to Afghanistan to head up an eyecare NGO, International Assistance Mission (IAM). He asked Margie to come on board as a counsellor. Aware she was not qualified for such a role, Margie nonetheless looked at the job description and realised she could do most of it. “I said that if he changed the job title to ‘Pastoral Care’ I’d do it. He did.”

Margie was no stranger to Afghanistan, having holidayed there twice while living in Pakistan. “It

felt more advanced than Pakistan in those days –there were tourist buses and beautiful places to stay. It was lovely.”

However, the Afghanistan she returned to was very different after the Soviet–Afghan War, the fighting between the Mujahideen factions and the subsequent rise of the Taliban across the country.

“It was chaos. Every road had been bombed, buildings were destroyed, and the electricity didn’t work. IAM had worked hard to create the best possible living conditions for the team there so we could do our work.

“As a pastoral care worker my role was to help the people working for IAM to settle and to live and work effectively in Afghanistan. There were 150 people there from 17 different countries – my ability to relate across different cultures was very important.”

Above: Margie and her treasured photos from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

From helping with household items such as sourcing and hanging curtains, organising food and most of all offering a listening ear, Margie would help in any way she could.

After more than 35 years as an NGO in Afghanistan, IAM was thrown out of the country by the Taliban in 2001. Most of the workers left to go back to their homelands, but Margie had moved just across the border into Peshawar in Pakistan. IAM’s work continued, but in a different way.

“I loved living in Peshawar. I set up a house there for my colleagues and me, and we were all together.”

After Christmas 2001, a few short months after 9/11, IAM was welcomed back “with open arms” to an Afghanistan where the Taliban had surrendered following the USA’s invasion.

On her return to Afghanistan, Margie spent her last years there turning a disused warehouse into a guest house for IAM workers, which she ran. It was a daunting task, as the building IAM had to renovate was decrepit. “There were 28 cars on the grounds, nothing worked, there was no furniture, and all the windows were broken or had no glass. It was a horror,” Margie recalls.

Margie’s energy and positivity helped her get stuck into the project with gusto.

“With funds donated from New Zealand, I bought furniture, carpets and curtains from staff housing at a school in Pakistan that had relocated to another country due to a terror attack. With the help of a lot of people we got it done.”

In 2006, Margie decided it was time to move back to New Zealand, and the Auckland native settled in Palmerston North to be closer to her surrogate daughter, Kathryn, who had lived with Margie and Keith when she was a first-year teacher in Auckland. “Kathryn was part of our church and quickly became family. I’d never spent much time in Palmerston North, but Kathryn moved here when she married.”

1 & 2. More photos and an old aerogram from Margie’s time living overseas. 3. Margie is pictured in 1969 working at the Kinnaird College for Women in Lahore, Pakistan.

Above left: Margie’s 80,000-stitch tapestry. Above

through her photos from Afghanistan.

Margie moved into Summerset on Summerhill almost 20 years ago. Her light-filled villa is dotted with reminders of her time in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with couches, embroidery, photographs and much more displaying the influence of that part of the world.

Margie’s dedication to service and helping others didn’t end with her move to Palmerston North, however. “When I got back to New Zealand, I believed I would never see another Afghan again. However, following years of upheaval under successive regimes, our government gave shelter to Afghan refugees, with a particular emphasis on women and children. Many men were killed in the war –some just disappeared never to be seen again.

“These women were leaving a very patriarchal society to forge a new life on their own. A friend suggested I should help them through the Red Cross and that’s what I did – I did the training and signed myself up.”

From her time overseas Margie had learned both Urdu and Dari (an official language of Afghanistan) and could help these refugees to start their new lives.

“My role was really to do everything I could to help. That included enrolling the children in school, helping to get uniforms, interviews with the Ministry of Social Development, shopping, setting up their house, and more. Typically, it was a one-year commitment with each family, and they leaned on us a lot – I ran myself into the ground sometimes.”

“Some people treat this as a job, but it was much more for me. I welcomed them into my home and my heart.”

Margie helped six families during her time with the Red Cross and remains in contact with them today. She’s clearly very proud of “her families”,

right: Margie fondly looks back

keeping track of the achievements and progress they’ve made in Kiwi life. “It’s very hard for many of them. So many of these people suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after what they’ve lived through.”

Seeing the need for better housing for refugees, Margie founded the Agapanthus Housing Trust. “I feel I was moved by God to find better homes for these families. I spoke to friends, and they encouraged me to stand up in church one day to talk about what I think was needed.

“I was amazed that people from my church offered $550,000 in loans! We set up the trust and it now has three houses and hopes to have ten in the next ten years.”

Many of Margie’s families have flourished –children have graduated university and others have thriving careers. For one family’s daughter, Margie has just completed an 80,000-stitch tapestry as a wedding gift. Sewing for three hours a day, the stunning piece took her nine months to complete. “Tapestry is about patience and accuracy,” Margie says modestly.

As well as her refugee work and helping Kathryn with her six children, Margie, whose faith is very important to her, is deeply involved with assisting fellow members of her church.

“I realised one day that our church had some lonely people, so I said that if anyone wants to come to my house once a week for a meal, I’d love to have them.”

The offer was readily accepted, and for many years Margie has hosted up to nine guests weekly at her villa. Labour Day 2025 was her last hosted dinner, as she realised it was getting too much for her. This time, the dinner was held in the village’s recreation centre, and she got a cooked ham so that she too could relax and enjoy the evening.

“I am in my eighties now; it is time for me to slow down. I am looking forward to taking part more in village life.”

1. Margie (right) in Kabul in 2004. 2. A balloon seller outside the Kabul guesthouse. 3. Margie with guesthouse staff and friends, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Nationwide Open Day a success!

On 5 October we held our second Nationwide Open Day for 2025 in New Zealand. All 38 of our Summerset villages welcomed a whopping 630 groups of people, who were curious to see Summerset living in action!

Our village staff and resident ambassadors organised activities for our guests to enjoy, and visitors enthused about the welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that greeted them when they stepped through the gates.

Thank you to all who were involved – you truly make our villages the super places they are to live and work in!

Summerset recognised a leader

We have been named a ‘Leader’ in the Australian Financial Review’s Customer Champions awards.

Customer Champion is a title awarded to organisations that excel in creating significant value for the people they serve.

This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for our residents, not just through great service, but by doing things differently – putting people first, listening closely and constantly improving how we work.

September was World Alzheimer’s Month, and several Summerset clinical leaders attended and spoke at the recent Alzheimers NZ Summit in Auckland – Solving the Dementia Challenge.

The two-day event sought to share insights and innovations and inspire action across the sector.

In partnership with Alzheimers NZ, our National Dementia Specialist, Shelley Kennedy, co-hosted a special one-off webinar for residents and their families – A Practical Guide to Alzheimers: From Getting a Diagnosis to Accessing Support.

In the villages, our teams recognised World Alzheimer’s Month in their own creative ways by getting out for memory walks, screening Summerset’s webinar, running memory-focused activities and wearing purple to raise awareness.

Dementia-friendly Summerset

Interactive light table in use.

Summerset’s fourth Australian village gets underway

Oakleigh South, our fourth village in Victoria, officially commenced development on 21 October. We’re proud to officially join the Oakleigh South community, and look forward to welcoming residents to a vibrant, contemporary village that offers highquality homes and a full continuum of care.

Honouring the cultural heritage of the land and its people, the ceremony commenced with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wurundjeri Elder Perry Wandin.

The event was attended by the mayor of the City of Monash, Paul Klisaris, alongside Summerset staff, partners and members of the local community. Coincidentally, two Summerset staffers also have a connection to the site. Summerset Cranbourne North Village Assistant Christine Pollard attended Oakleigh South Primary School, which used to be on the site, and Property Assistant Brett Allen is a descendant of the family that farmed on the site before it became a school.

Also in Australia, Summerset Chirnside Park marked a major milestone with the successful opening of its experience centre and sales suite. More than 60 visitors were welcomed on the open day, and the 3D model of the village gave attendees a clear view of the village layout. Summerset Chirnside Park officially launched at the Chirnside Park Country Club on 10 November.

Summerset Boulcott a finalist in the Sustainability Awards

We are thrilled that Summerset Boulcott has been named a finalist in the 2025 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards in the category of Excellence in Sustainable and Environmental Practices. This recognition celebrates the hard work our Boulcott team has done to embed sustainability into every part of the village – from design and construction through to daily operations.

To boost flood resilience, the site features a water pumping station and tank system that safeguards both the village and surrounding areas. Biodiversity is also front of mind, with native and drought-resistant planting.

During construction, over 582 tonnes of construction waste was diverted from landfill.

The village is also energy efficient, with a 160-panel solar array generating renewable electricity onsite. The system is complemented by LED lighting, monitored irrigation and a building management system that optimises energy use across the village.

Supporting low-emission transport, the village is EV-ready with charging stations and a shared electric vehicle available for residents.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE SCAM-FREE

The festive season is beloved by many, including, unfortunately, scammers and con artists. They are particularly active at this time of year, taking advantage of festive spending, busy schedules and general goodwill. While some scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, awareness can help you avoid becoming hoodwinked.

Fake parcel or delivery texts and emails

Scammers send fake delivery notices asking you to click links to rearrange delivery or pay fees. Clicking may lead to a fake website designed to steal your bank details or install malware on your device.

Family emergency scams

Fraudsters pretend to be loved ones in urgent trouble, asking for money because they have lost their phone or wallet and they are using a friend or stranger’s phone.

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately, and report the scam to Netsafe on 0508 638 723, www.netsafe.org.nz and NCSC.govt.nz

Police nonemergency line: 105

To verify a registered New Zealand charity, visit the Charities Services website: https://register. charities.govt.nz/ CharitiesRegister/ Search

Solution: Don’t click! If you have sent a parcel, always use the official website and the tracking number it was issued with to check if there has been a problem. If you are expecting a parcel, contact the sender and ask them to track it, letting them know you have received an unverifiable message.

Online shopping bargains

Be cautious of social media ads with items at bargain basement prices. Items may be counterfeit or never arrive.

Solution: Stick to trusted retailers instead. Always type in their website address rather than clicking a link from an ad. It’s easy for a fraudster to clone a website’s look and feel.

Bank calls

Someone purporting to be from your bank says you’ve had suspicious activity on your account, and they need to verify your details.

Solution: Hang up and dial your bank’s information line, letting them know about the call. Remember, a bank will never ask for you to disclose your PIN online.

Solution: Always verify by contacting the family member directly, and asking for information known only to you and the family member.

Charity scams

Fraudsters may pose as charity representatives at Christmas, either for a well-known one or a fake one.

Solution: If you are asked for a donation, always check the charity’s official website (not via a link) or call them directly.

Winning scams

It has fallen out of favour in recent years, but the old scam of a ‘prince’ asking you to keep his millions safe (with an added twist of keeping it from the US government) is making a comeback, both on email and increasingly on WhatsApp and other messaging services.

Solution: Delete and report spam, whatever the medium.

The Pickleball Phenomenon

It’s the sport with the peculiar name that has been steadily gaining popularity across the world. Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play and surprisingly addictive. Somewhat the baby brother to tennis, it is so called because the ball resembles – if you squint – a pickle.

It’s played on a smaller court, with paddles instead of rackets, and a plastic ball that doesn’t move quite as fast – which means rallies last longer and you don’t have to sprint like you’re chasing a Wimbledon title. Equally popular between men and women, those in the know say how inclusive it is, as well as easy to learn, even if racket games aren’t in your wheelhouse.

Summerset is thrilled to be a partner of the Pickleball New Zealand Association, sponsoring the PNZA 2025 NZ Open, which was held in Auckland recently. From all over New Zealand 443 players, of all ages and abilities descended on the TotalCoach Tennis Centre in St Johns, Auckland, to compete in the tournament. Held over three days, 1,221 pickleball games were played in total.

Ange Brady, Chair of the PNZA Board says, “The event fostered healthy competition, as well as connection and community. We are grateful to have Summerset as a valued partner in showcasing the exciting future of pickleball in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

As part of our partnership, Summerset also sponsors the 2025 World Cup uniforms for the New Zealand team. The 2025 Pickleball World Cup will be held between 27 October and 2 November 2025 in Florida. There will be 68 delegations and over 3,000 players competing in the international tournament. Channelling the colours of our other great New Zealand sports teams, the black and white uniforms will be worn with pride.

1. Pickleball player. 2. Pickleball medals.

3. Summerset pickleball winners.

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Eden Park:

FULL OF ART

Summerset was thrilled to be a partner of Art in the Park 2025 – a weekend of art and culture, held at New Zealand’s most iconic venue, Eden Park, at the end of September.

The hallowed rugby pitch welcomed a different kind of footfall as more than 11,000 visitors strolled along the Summerset Sculpture Walk held field-side. The three-day event hosted exhibits from 139 artists, and there were more than 90 sculptures on display. The Sculpture Walk had a range of interesting and provocative pieces, including brightly coloured giant Life Saver lollies, a metal dragon, an enormous tyrannosaurus skull, a spaceman and a field of copper lilies.

More than 400 guests from across Auckland and the Waikato enjoyed the Summerset Seniors session. Held on the first morning of the show, the session offered a quieter environment for visitors to celebrate established and emerging artists from across the country.

“The atmosphere and beautiful art created such a spectacular place for connections and emotions, which was beautiful to see.”

As part of our partnership with Art in the Park, we held the Summerset People’s Choice, where visitors voted for their favourite sculpture. The winner this year was Freedom by metal artist Nigel Longman of The Metal Effect. The elegant flock of birds on the wing was the visitors’ top choice, and it has now found its forever home.

More than 800 pieces of art were sold to visitors, and we were thrilled to be part of something that showcases homegrown Kiwi talent. Summerset St Johns also had the opportunity to display artworks by Christian Nicolson, Matt Griffin and Janice Napper, curated by Art in the Park and kindly loaned by Flagstaff Gallery and Framing.

People’s Choice sculpture. 2. People’s Choice voting.

Doing the op shop hop.

ARTICLE BY PINKY AGNEW

Every year I MC the annual prize giving for our local Hospice volunteers. I always dress for the evening in an outfit completely sourced from local Hospice shops, right down to accessories.

I already have next month’s outfit ready – an orange accordion pleat top with a stunning green silk kimono jacket, black pants embroidered with butterflies, and silver lace-up shoes. All bought from Hospice op shops, and the total spend is under $70.

Op shops, as we know them in New Zealand, are an excellent income stream for charities. They are also a happy hunting ground for a bargain-hunting style queen like myself. Op shopping gives us a more budget-friendly way of having fun and experimenting with fashion and trying new looks and colours. And we are doing good in our community, supporting charities and shopping in an eco-friendly way.

Over the years I’ve developed a few golden rules for op shopping. I start with my Four Fs: For Finding Fantastic Finery!

Fit – the garment has to fit well. NOT to be slimmed into at some future date!

Feel – it has to be comfortable, and made from nice fabric.

Function – will it play nicely with other pieces in my wardrobe?

Fab – if it isn’t fabulous, it’s not for me!

Labels – most op shops now have a special rack for designer labels, and these are priced accordingly. They’re always worth a look. I recently scored a Trelise Cooper silk blouse from a designer rack for $35. Other op shops have special boutique branches for more high-end items. However, don’t buy a garment solely for the label. You can have just as much fun and look just as gorgeous in a no-name blouse if it fits your Four Fs.

Allow time – I usually spend half an hour or more in an op shop. I prefer to go on a Monday morning, or another quiet time.

Be methodical – I go through the racks I’m interested in, flipping through each garment. If I like the fabric of a garment, I pull it out for a closer look. If it is a possibility, I hang it over my arm and keep looking. When I have an armful of possibilities, I have a big try-on session.

Check empty hangers – sometimes garments slip off the hanger. I check the floor and find whatever has fallen off. I’ve found some nice frocks this way!

When in doubt, try it on – sizing between labels varies wildly. And it really does look different on your body than on the hanger. If you’re getting your kit off anyway, you may as well make it worth your while and have several garments to try.

Be kind – be open. Have fun. Allow yourself the luxury of enjoying the sight of your own reflection wearing something a bit different.

FROM COURTROOM

TO CHORUS

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

In her former career as a barrister, Ann Day interpreted laws and precedents, crafting arguments with nuance and insight. Now, as a choir singer she continues to interpret and persuade – this time through musical scores, conveying emotion and meaning with the power of her voice.

Ann enjoyed singing from an early age. At school, Ann used to sing every morning in assembly. “I was taught by nuns, and you don’t get through a school taught by nuns without singing!”

Despite her early introduction, Ann didn’t think about singing again until she was much older. “University, career, children, husband... I was too busy. It just went to the back of my mind.”

After marrying her husband, Chris, the couple and their two children moved around New Zealand for Chris’ job. Ann had studied law at Victoria University, and, drawn by the flexibility of making her own hours and choosing her own clients, Ann became a family law barrister specialising in advocating for children. It was only when she started thinking about retirement after 20 years as a barrister that Ann thought about singing again.

“I had a good think about what I wanted to include in my life post-career. A choir was high on the list.”

Singing has a myriad of benefits, explains Ann. “You breathe better. Your posture is better – you can’t sing if you are slouching. It is also good for the brain. It uses different neural pathways, which

is important as you age.” Health benefits aside, Ann enjoys the social aspect. “You gain a whole new circle of friends – people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. Some of them became quite good friends very quickly.”

Ann wanted to join a community choir; a choir that was open to all ages and backgrounds, without auditions. Her research led her to discover Pakuranga Choral. “It is a community choir, but a very good one. There are some excellent singers.”

Pakuranga Choral is an SATB choir; a vocal ensemble with four distinct voice parts: soprano (the highest range), alto, tenor and bass (the lowest, usually sung by men). Ann is an alto, which tends to be a more harmonising part. Commonly choirs have more women than men, and Pakuranga is no exception.

“We do have a good number of men, though, so the tenor and bass parts are well represented.” The choir performs three times a year, singing a variety of classical, contemporary and Christmas numbers. Rehearsals are weekly in the 12-week lead-up to each performance.

“We may have extra rehearsals if the pieces are particularly tricky,” says Ann. “Last year we did Haydn’s Nelson Mass, which is the top end of what we can sing, so a few more rehearsals were needed.”

The choir is led by prominent New Zealand composer and conductor David Hamilton, who has conducted the choir since 2017.

For many years the choir performed at All Saints Church in Howick, but building work on the church means the choir has now relocated to nearby St Andrews. The choir has been going for more than 40 years, with current numbers averaging 40 members. “In Covid times it was obviously less – it’s hard to sing with a mask on!” remarks Ann. Members’ ages also vary. “Our youngest is around 40, and the eldest member is 91! She has a wonderful voice,” Ann says. “Singing at school then stopping is a common theme for our members. They come back to it later in life.”

Currently holding the position of the choir’s Chair, Ann also plays the piano and has a keyboard at her Summerset St Johns home. “I use it to practice for the choir. You don’t need to read music to be part of the choir, although it helps. I

am happy to teach anyone who wants to learn.”

Ann and Chris, who have been married for 53 years, moved into Summerset St Johns in December 2024. The couple decided to make the shift after learning they would need to move out of their St Heliers apartment for repair works. “It got us thinking about the next stage, and we thought we should move now while we are healthy,” explains Ann. “Our rationale for a retirement village was that if something happens to one of us, then the other one is supported. We have seen a few retirement villages and liked how modern Summerset St Johns is. It is so centrally located that we just catch the bus.”

The couple have a three-bedroom apartment with a city view. “It is stunning at night. Having the extra bedrooms is handy for visitors – my sister is coming over from Canada and is staying with us for six weeks.”

Unlike Ann, Chris is not into singing. “He has played bowls for the last 20 years. He and another bowler give lessons to residents who want to learn. And we both take part in exercise classes here. We have settled into village life well!”

JUDE ON... A HIGH TEA

Recently I had the chance to enjoy a high tea in a rather lovely spot – Government House in Auckland. The occasion was attending an investiture. My own, in fact! It was the perfect mix of formality and friendliness, a reason to feel pride as a New Zealander. Of course, there was also the chance to enjoy some rather lovely little club sandwiches and a glass of bubbles to boot.

If you have ever been invested or been to such a moment with family or friends, you will know it is a poignant occasion. Dame Cindy Kiro, our current Governor-General, has a lovely manner about her. I first came across her about 20 years ago when she was the Commissioner for Children in the early 2000s. I was impressed that she advocated for the amendment of Section 59 of the Crimes Act, which provided a legal justification for using force against children. It was something I also wanted to see gone from the legal books. At the time it was, I feel, wrongly referred to as ‘the anti-smacking bill’, when it was not about that at all. I saw it as simply removing a defence for adults to hide behind if they were unjustifiably using physical punishment on a child. The law did change, the world kept turning, and I would venture there has been a generational shift away from physical force being used on children.

It was a time that popped into my head as I walked up to meet the Governor-General to be made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. I had not thought about what we would converse about for our brief one-on-one chat. However, it did come up in conversation that I was pleased to have been active in the support for amending the act and admired her leadership around what was

then quite a contentious issue. And then, before you know it, gong is attached, you take a photo together and you’re back in your seat.

My citation is for services to the community, broadcasting and historical preservation. One of the interesting things about the afternoon was hearing the other citations read before my fellow investees got called forward. Our group of eight recipients represented a wide range of service to the NZ community – people who create amazing art, people who mentor youth, people who remember and support those who served in our military forces, people who are guardians of our environment, and people who were brave in circumstances that could have killed them but they chose to help others in need.

If you know of anyone who deserves some recognition, head to the website (www.dpmc. govt.nz/our-programmes/new-zealand-royalhonours/make-nomination) and put their application together. They too might be at a rather lovely afternoon tea next year! And now that the government has extended her term as GovernorGeneral, the wonderful Dame Cindy Kiro might still be doing the honours – quite literally.

Travelling Together:

MAKING HOLIDAYS WORK WHEN DEMENTIA IS PART OF THE JOURNEY

Travelling can be one of life’s great pleasures, offering new sights, fresh air and a break from the everyday. For people living with dementia mate wareware, though, being away from familiar surroundings can sometimes be confusing or distressing. Still, with thoughtful planning, the right support, and a positive mindset, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip together.

In the earlier stages of dementia, travel is generally easier, as routines and coping strategies are still familiar. As dementia progresses, however, changes in routine, environment and faces can become more unsettling. Before making plans, consider whether the person will be able to manage being away from home and if the destination is suitable for their needs.

Planning and preparation

Preparation is key. Be prepared to take on most of the organising – arranging transport, and holding tickets, money and important documents. Ensure the person wears an identification bracelet with emergency contact details, and carry a list of their current medications, along with enough supplies to cover the entire trip.

Choose destinations that are familiar or have personal meaning – a favourite beach house, a familiar country town, or somewhere you’ve both enjoyed before. Keep travel plans simple: avoid multi-stop road trips or complicated itineraries. If you’re unsure how the person will cope, start small with day trips or overnight stays nearby.

Practical travel tips

Allow extra time for everything, including getting to the airport, bathroom breaks and walking from one place to another. Use accessible toilets with enough space for both of you, and stay together in crowded or confusing spaces. Break long journeys into manageable sections to avoid fatigue.

A small nightlight in your accommodation can make a big difference, helping your companion find their way safely during the night. Encourage bright or distinctive clothing – like a red jacket or hat – to make them easier to spot in busy places.

Staying calm and connected

Let others know about the situation – airline staff, hotel employees or travel companions can offer valuable assistance.

Keep communication clear and reassuring, and gently remind your companion of where you’re going and what to expect. Providing a printed itinerary can also help.

Most importantly, keep a sense of humour. Things may not go perfectly, and that’s okay. Be realistic, plan for the unexpected, and always have an exit strategy if you need to return home early.

With good preparation and flexibility, travel can still be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s not just about the destination – it’s about sharing moments, laughter, and experiences together, wherever you go.

To learn more, visit dementia.nz

Summerset Creates

We’re delighted to announce the winners of the final instalment of 2025’s Summerset Creates, our nationwide competition that celebrates the diverse creativity and passions of our residents, with each round featuring a unique theme.

Our latest competition invited residents to showcase their stunning gardens and potted plants, and the response was nothing short of inspiring. The entries reflected the incredible care, creativity and dedication our residents pour into their green spaces.

All entries were judged by top landscape designer and well-known TV and radio host Tony Murrell. Tony says, “The creativity, plant health and thoughtful design seen across the gardens and potted plants have been truly inspiring.”

Winner: Prized Potted Plant – Indoor or Outdoor

Jenny Ward, Summerset in the Bay

Tony says, “Congratulations, Jenny. Your composition of Pelargoniums and Sedums has stood out as a real showstopper. These plants thrive in the hotter summer months, so seeing them looking lush and vibrant this early is a real credit to you. The juxtaposition of the modern vase-shaped planter with a classic garden sculpture works beautifully – well spaced, elegant in proportion and thoughtfully composed.”

Winner: Best Garden

Ruth Winmill, Summerset at Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block

“Congratulations, Ruth. Fabulous plants and intriguing design choices. From the vibrant health of your plants, your soil must be well-nourished. Your Ilex ‘Largo’ acts as an anchor, structurally holding space and providing a visual break in the beds. It’s clear you have a real passion for plants and enjoy experimenting with layout and form.” Summerset Creates will be back in 2026. Watch this space!

Christmas Concert with Will Martin & The Encore Theatre

Collective Kids’ Choir

Get ready for another stunning Summerset Sings Christmas celebration! This December, join internationally acclaimed entertainer Will Martin for a magical afternoon filled with yuletide cheer and theatrical sparkle.

As part of the 2025 Summerset Sessions programme, Will returns with his beloved Christmas concert, joined by members of The Encore Theatre Collective – Auckland’s premier youth theatre company.

Filmed live in Hamilton on 2 December, the concert will be a joyful mix of Christmas carols, musical theatre favourites and other well-known tunes, all delivered with Will’s signature charm and storytelling.

Seven villages from the Waikato, Bay of Penty and Auckland will be attending the concert, and the recording will be released on our website on 17 December for all to enjoy.

www.summerset.co.nz/summerset-sings/

Cooking with a MasterChef

In our quarterly cooking show, MasterChef winner Brett McGregor has been wowing audiences with the versatility of the air fryer. From bold breakfasts to a full roast dinner, Brett has been cooking up a storm and demonstrating recipes to recreate with ease at home.

For more delicious inspiration, visit our website to catchup on past episodes of the Cooking with a MasterChef series: www.summerset.co.nz/cooking-with-a-masterchef/

Jude Dobson, host of our An Interview With... series

It has been a busy year for Jude Dobson, host of our An Interview With... series. At the start of 2025, Jude headed to Summerset at Pohutukawa Place to meet Mark Inglis, the first double amputee to scale Mount Everest. At Summerset Mountain View, Jude caught up with Barbara Kendall, MBE, a Lifetime Olympian and pioneering windsurfer, who made history as the first New Zealand woman to compete in five Olympic Games. Also in the interviewee chair was leading journalist Samantha Hayes, who had a chat with Jude at Summerset St Johns about her role as advocate for environmental and charitable causes. And in October, Jude talked to actress Antonia Prebble at Summerset Boulcott to discuss a career spanning three decades.

To watch past episodes of our “Interview With” series, simply visit our website: www.summerset.co.nz/a-summerset-interview-with/

A Summerset World

Hosts Pinky Agnew and Nick Tansley have been travelling the country, meeting residents who call our Summerset villages home.

Most recently, our hosts headed to the Bay of Plenty to Summerset in the Dunes in Pāpāmoa and Summerset by the Sea in Katikati. From ultramarathon runners, Hato Hone St John volunteers, guide dog trainers and expert woodworkers, there is a range of wonderful individuals in these seaside havens. We can’t wait to see which village they visit next!

Head to our website to watch some of our previous episodes: www.summerset.co.nz/a-summerset-world/

Summerset Creates winner Ruth Winwill –Best Garden.

Summerset Creates Winner Jenny Ward –Prized Potted Plant.

Dutch courage

A TALE OF RESISTANCE

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

For Summerset at Monterey Park resident Tom Hendriks, his life in New Zealand is as far removed in experience as it is in distance from his childhood growing up in wartime Europe. As a teen, Tom lived in Nazi-occupied Holland, taking part in the perilous work of the Dutch Resistance.

Tom’s youth meant he was spared from frontline duty, and could work undetected by German soldiers, who didn’t think twice about a boy on a bicycle. Though it was dangerous work, the resistance took precautions. Tom was never told the names of his fellow resistance members; it was safer that way. “I never dealt with the same people twice. I was told never to breathe a word of what I did,” Tom recalls. “So I never did. My parents never even knew of my involvement ‘til many, many years after the war.” Happily, all five or six safe houses he would smuggle coupons to over the two years were liberated by the Allied forces.

Although Tom’s wife, Else, was only six when war broke out, she vividly recalls hiding in a bedroom as bombs dropped close by. “We were panicking. We’d never even seen a plane before, and my mother told us that we were at war with Germany,” Else recalls. Living close to the Belgium border, the rural village where she lived was soon

under German control. The Germans had ordered every family to turn in their radios to keep them ignorant of what was happening on the Front. The penalty for non-compliance was to be sent to the concentration camps. “My father had two radios,” says Else. “He turned in one, and then kept the other, hidden inside a false wall. He would listen with the neighbours to broadcasts from the BBC World Service.”

Her father was betrayed by a neighbour, and German soldiers raided the house. “I woke up and they were swarming the house,” says Else. “My father had just enough warning to hide inside the cavity with the radio. They turned the house upside down and discovered a speaker under the radio, as well as some incredibly up-to-date maps of the Front that had been created based on radio news reports. My mother kept her cool and claimed the speaker was pre-war and unused, despite not having a speck of dust on it! And of course, we had the maps!” Else can only speculate that the German soldiers knew they were losing the war and thus had lost the appetite to arrest more civilians.

Once the war was over, another threat loomed for Else’s family: the predicted Russian invasion. “My mother was terribly worried and desperate to leave Holland. We were billeting a Major from the New Zealand Army. He talked about New Zealand. My mother was relieved to hear that there were no wild animals or snakes, and decided that it would

become our home.” In December 1948, Else, her parents and her four siblings boarded a ship to start the six-week journey to their new life. “The ship was supposed to go directly to Auckland but instead docked in Sydney. We had to fly the rest of the way – an eight-hour plane ride in those days! We landed at Whenuapai Airport in 1949. It was like we were finally able to breathe.”

Just a few short months later, Tom, who had been serving in the Dutch army, also arrived at Whenuapai. “I had been in Indonesia and was demobbed there. I saw a photo of New Zealand and thought it looked like paradise.”

The couple, who have been married for 73 years, met in an Auckland cafeteria run for ex Dutch servicemen. “I saw Else behind the counter and thought she would be good for my friend,” laughs Tom. “But my friend became a priest, and I married Else!” The pair settled in West Auckland, where Tom moved into real estate and Else raised the family. “We had seven children in nine years! Now we have 22 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren!” Although the children have scattered to the four corners of the globe, the family is tightknit. “They are all coming to Auckland for my 100th birthday celebrations in February,” says Tom. “There will be 93 of us celebrating at the Park Hyatt.”

Tom and Else have lived happily in Summerset at Monterey Park for eight years. “The people and staff here are very friendly, and we know all our neighbours,” says Else. “We like to go to the village centre for afternoon tea and play bridge. It is convenient too. We get our meals delivered three times a week.”

Tom says, “We admired the village as it was being built. When we came on a tour, we loved the stunning northwest views and the oversized patio.” Fittingly, their three-bedroom villa looks across the water towards Whenuapai Airport –where their New Zealand lives began.

Else (back, second from right) and family departing for New Zealand, December 1948.

Tom and Else as newlyweds, circa 1952.

A few of Tom’s war medals for his service to the verzet - the Dutch underground resistance.

Tom and Else celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary together in 2022.

Craig Moore

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

Craig Moore has been working at Summerset for more than four years. He is based at our Head Office in Wellington.

Craig’s title is Continuous Improvement and Change Manager at Summerset. As his title suggests, Craig’s role is to incorporate specific improvements, both to our residents’ experiences here at Summerset, and for the staff who choose to work here.

“Day to day, this means I run pilots, collect feedback from residents and staff, delve into data to help make important decisions or roll out changes to our villages. I work closely with many teams across Summerset – both at Head Office and in villages. Most projects enable me to work directly with either staff or residents.”

Prior to joining Summerset, Craig was a project manager at a former District Health Board, working on projects as diverse as establishing guidelines for GPs to use to treat people safely at home through to setting up a brand-new operating theatre.

“I originally trained as a registered nurse and worked in hospitals and community health centres in New Zealand and Melbourne,” says Craig. “I wanted to work at an organisation that has a strong focus on the customer experience. Summerset was an ideal fit.”

The adage goes that variety is the spice of life, and for Craig that rings true. “At any one time, I have four to five formal projects on the go. I work

alongside some very talented and super committed people. And, as I’m in the Operations team, I get to see firsthand how the things I do make a difference to the lives of our staff and residents.”

Craig’s curiosity – “I was the kid who always pulled old appliances apart to see how they worked!” –and wide-ranging abilities makes him ideally placed to find improvements across Summerset. “That is both the best thing and the most challenging thing about my role, as things constantly evolve.”

When he is not elevating the Summerset experience, Craig likes to spend time with his wife, Kim, and 14-year-old son, Sebastian. “We are a family who love to travel. We spent five weeks in Europe last Christmas, and I am knee-deep in planning a trip to Japan for next year.”

At home in Wellington, Craig likes to play social badminton. “I started recently, but I love the teamwork and the fast pace of the game.”

“I WANTED TO WORK AT AN ORGANISATION THAT HAS A STRONG FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. SUMMERSET WAS AN IDEAL FIT.”

DELICIOUS RECIPES

PLATE SUNSHINE ON A

RECIPES

BY

JAN BILTON

SUMMER IS A SPECIAL SEASON: A TIME OF JOYFUL REPASTS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SHARING LAUGHTER AND STORIES IS EASY WHEN THE TABLE IS LADEN WITH SCRUMPTIOUS SEASONAL AND FESTIVE GOODIES.

In past Christmases, our family would indulge in delicious, aromatic hot hams, but now that the kids have flown the nest, ham steaks are prepared in a special festive way. The ham is already cooked, so the steaks only need to be warmed through, either in a frying pan or on the barbecue. Too much cooking toughens them.

I serve the ham steaks with a fullflavoured festive cranberry sauce. The tangy berries are available frozen from supermarkets. Sweeten them with brown sugar to taste (the sauce recipe

follows). Any leftover frozen berries can add interest to your bubbles or be sweetened and cooked for an ice cream topping. Alternatively, tart cherries could replace the cranberries.

My indulgent sweet ending combines freeze-dried raspberries and white chocolate in a cookie. The berries have an intense flavour and a crunchy texture. They’re an excellent pantry item to jazz up your pav or cheesecake, or add them to your morning cereal. Freeze-dried berries are available from the baking section of your supermarket.

CUCUMBER & SALMON ROLLS

INGREDIENTS

1 x 20cm long plump telegraph cucumber

100g spreadable cream cheese at room temperature

1 teaspoon wasabi paste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

100g thinly sliced smoked salmon freshly ground black pepper to taste

SPICY PRAWN CRACKERS

MAKES 10 MAKES 12

METHOD

Using a vegetable peeler, remove a lengthwise strip from each of the two opposite sides of the cucumber. Discard. Continue removing thin strips from both sides until you have approximately 12 slices that can be rolled. Pat dry.

Combine the cream cheese, wasabi paste and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Spread each cucumber strip from end to end with the cream cheese. Slice the salmon into small pieces and place over the cream cheese, leaving about 1.5cm clear at each end of the strip. Roll up. Place on a serving plate with the rolled edges up.

Cover and chill until ready to serve. The rolls can be drizzled with lemon juice just before serving (optional).

INGREDIENTS

10 cooked, peeled and deveined prawns

3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided 1/2 peeled and stoned avocado

salt and pepper to taste

10 small crisp crackers, crostini or similar

10 dabs mayonnaise

10 drops Tabasco sauce

METHOD

Place the prawns in a bowl with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Gently toss.

Mash the avocado together with the remaining lemon juice and seasonings. Spread generously on the crackers.

Drain the prawns and place on the avocado. Top each with a dab of mayo and Tabasco sauce.

May be garnished with sprigs of fennel or dill.

HAM STEAKS

WITH CRANBERRY & CINNAMON SAUCE

SERVES 2

Excellent served with steamed greens, such as broccolini and green beans and topped with lightly steamed shaved asparagus. As well as baby potatoes

INGREDIENTS

Cranberry and cinnamon sauce:

1 cup frozen cranberries

1/2 cup preserved cranberry sauce or jam

3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ham steaks:

2 good-quality ham steaks

2–3 tablespoons table spread or butter

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

METHOD

To make the sauce, place the frozen cranberries and sauce or jam in a small saucepan and heat through until warm. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Simmer on low until the cranberries are cooked, about 7 minutes. Add a little water or orange juice if too thick.

Snip the edges of the ham steaks about every 4–5cm to prevent curling. Spread both sides of the steaks with table spread or butter. Season with black pepper.

Pan-fry on medium heat for 2 minutes each side. Pour the maple syrup over the top and heat gently for 1 minute.

Place a little of the cranberry & cinnamon sauce on a serving plate. Top with the ham steaks, then spoon more sauce over the steaks.

RASPBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES

MAKES 20

Special occasion treats.

INGREDIENTS

175g butter, softened

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla essence

2 cups plain flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (20g) freeze-dried raspberries

60g white chocolate

Topping

40 small white chocolate buttons or bits

10g freeze-dried raspberries, lightly crushed

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat until creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla essence until well combined. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir until just combined.

Chop the white chocolate into 7mm pieces and fold into the mixture. Gently fold in the freeze-dried raspberries, being careful not to squash them too much.

Take tablespoons (35g) of the mixture and roll into balls. Place on the baking trays 7–8cm apart. Flatten the cookies lightly. Bake one tray at a time for 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. (Refrigerate the second tray while the first cooks.)

While still hot, place two whole white chocolate buttons on each cookie and a little crushed freeze-dried raspberry. Cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool place or freeze.

IN THE GARDEN

MAGIC

BEANS

ARTICLE BY LYNDA HALLINAN

Sow dwarf or climbing beans now to ensure your vegetable garden is full of beans this summer, writes Lynda Hallinan.

With apologies to Dr Seuss and Sam-I-Am, I do not like green eggs and ham – in a box or with a fox –but as for green beans and ham, well that’s another story!

I grew up on a farm, and every Christmas we hosted our entire extended whānau for a pot luck festive feast. Mum and Dad raised a free-range ham, Uncle John brought a bucketful of green beans and new season’s spuds, Uncle Ash made fried rice, Aunty Kay whipped up a posh salad and Grandma brought plum duff and apple shortcake. Every year without fail we all ate far too much and, if it was a sunny day, we’d have to trundle off after lunch to haul in a truckload of freshly baled hay.

Uncle John’s beans and potatoes always came fresh from his organic garden. The spuds required only a gentle scrub before they went into the pot, while the job of top-and-tailing beans went to any child foolish enough to be caught idling near the kitchen.

Uncle John died 15 years ago, but this Christmas we’ll be eating his beans again, as recently I found an old envelope of his saved seeds, and all but one germinated! This prolific runner bean has long, smooth pods with white seeds, and is most likely descended from the highly recommended heirloom variety ‘Shiny Fardenlosa’ (available from Yates Seeds and McGregor’s Seeds).

Beans are a stalwart summer crop, growing readily and reliably in garden beds, pots, tubs and

troughs. Climbing beans take up very little room and are best trained up strings, so the twining vines can be easily cut down at the end of the season. There are dozens of varieties to choose from, ranging from dwarf French green and butter beans to speckled Italian borlotti beans and tried-and-true perennial ‘Scarlet Runners’, which die down in autumn only to rise up like Lazarus from a woody crown the following spring.

‘Scarlet Runners’ used to be the most popular of all beans, but our tastes have changed in more recent times away from hairy, stringy beans to smooth-skinned, stringless varieties. But I’ll always have a soft spot for ‘Scarlet Runners’, with their flamboyant orange flowers and lumpy pods up to 30cm long – my mum used to boil them until they were grey.

Mum also used to bottle her overcooked beans in a pickling brine made from 2 litres water, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons sugar. Modern cooks who believe in only the briefest steaming and blanching of beans would be horrified, but to me they taste like home, especially when served with lashings of butter and a sprinkle of finely chopped aromatic herbs such as mint, chervil or summer savory (Satureja hortensis).

Sow beans directly where you want them to grow, simply by pressing the large seeds into the soil, spaced 20cm apart and 2–3cm deep. Choose a sunny spot, feed with liquid fertiliser (or granular

tomato fertiliser) and keep well-watered once the pods start forming.

Gently misting the flowers can aid pollination if you find that the bees aren’t doing an adequate job. Watch out for slugs and snails and, if whitefly becomes a summer nuisance, use a fish-based foliar fertiliser; the aroma acts as a repellent.

Dwarf beans tend to produce a large first flush, followed by a smaller secondary crop about a month later. Personally, I’m not convinced that the second flush is worth waiting for when you can simply sow more. As soon as your first batch of seedlings starts to flower and set pods, get on with sowing a succession crop.

Climbing beans are gentler on bad backs; ‘Blue Lake Runner’ is one of my favourite varieties, as it produces bunches of beans that grow out from the vine, making them easy to spot and snip, whereas ‘Scarlet Runner’ has a habit of hiding its pods behind its large leaves.

If you have grandchildren, sow climbing ‘King of the Blues’ (Kings Seeds) for shiny purple pods that change colour when cooked. When my children were young, I told them these purple chameleons were actually magic beans. Though if you really want to impress the young ’uns – or your neighbours – why not have a crack at growing the world’s longest bean?

The current Guinness World Record stands at 89.7cm for a ‘Scarlet Runner’, or a whopping 1.3 metres for a so-called ‘Yard Long’ bean (Vigna sesquipedalis, from Kings Seeds).

SUMMER GARDEN TASKS

• Water, water, water. Irrigation is essential for summer crops of beans, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, courgettes and salad greens. Heat-stressed plants quickly stop producing to focus on survival.

• Move potted plants into a spot that gets some respite from the afternoon sun. Sit potted plants on plastic saucers topped up with water to act as a cooling reservoir – and an ant deterrent.

• Plant marigolds, zinnias and sunflowers for colour.

POET’S CORNER

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A POEM FOR CONSIDERATION IN POET’S CORNER, SEND IT TO MAGAZINE@SUMMERSET.CO.NZ

Age is... Just a Number

When I was just a little kid, Nearly eight decades ago , I’d gaze at Grandma’s wrinkled face, And watch her walk quite slow ... But her twinkling eyes shone back at me, And her chuckles hinted of fun –

We’d gather seashells; play marble games; Follow ant-trails in the sun.

Cooking fritters, we’d sing silly songs; She taught me card tricks too!

I swept Gran’s path – earned one shilling, As well as a minty to chew.

We SO loved staying there overnight, To sleep in the bouncy bed –Breakfast: big, brown hard-boiled eggs, And sprinkles on fairy-bread!

She helped me learn my 5 X table; And thread macaroni ‘beads’; She cheered when I finally rode my bike; We together, sowed poppy seeds !

We’d think up riddles, while shelling peas; Went fishing off the rocks; She gave me my first fountain pen, She crocheted the top of my socks.

Around her table, we’d pull up chairs, To draw, and chatter, or read –She inspired us, each to set some goals, And Gran herself, took the lead.

She knew SO many quirky quotes –(like the one to get out of bed!) It seemed to change ones’ attitude, From grumpy, to cheery instead.

Gran had us practice ‘courtesy’!

We’d communicate with ease –

Then always, humour bubbled up –We’d laugh till weak at the knees!

Many life lessons, I surely learned, From Gran – ah, those magical days ... With her ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ ...

PLUS laughter – hugs, and praise.

“Live ALL the Days of Your Life,” she said, (I’d thought that a stupid line) –But I’d tuck it away, who knows why, Till it drifts to the fore of my mind ...

Gran’s support continued for years –Through our teens, and far beyond!

We shared with Gran, our highs and lows, Coz her love and warmth still shone!

Laughter was “internal jogging”

So Gran kept hale and hearty! She fully intended that ALL of her friends Would come to her Century Party!

But Gran slipped away ... one starry night ... Leaving love-notes behind –

Yes, ALL she was, and shared, and did, Lives on and on ... we find!

Some folk seem ‘old’ by sixty-five ... Their hearts sort-of slide into slumber –

But to those who LAUGH, and LOVE, and LIVE ... Well, age is ... just a number!!

WRITTEN BY JUDY HARDING OF SUMMERSET PALMS, TE AWA, NAPIER

A Rich Literary History Procrastination

The written word reveals a rich literary history of our town of Katikati

Journals kept by pioneers of the harsh, three-month-long sea voyage from Belfast

Memoirs and letters home to Ireland speak of the sights that met their weary eyes,

Transported up the Uretara, to the landing, to the promised land, of a town that didn’t exist.

Journals kept by hardy pioneers, who arrived that spring for a first glimpse of their new home

The blanket of cloud on the Kaimais, the swampy ground covered in raupō

Transported up the Uretara to the promised land, a landing, a few raupō whare,

A few rugged tracks through “a windy expanse of fern, scrub and tutu, stretching away to the hills.”

The blanket of cloud on the Kaimais, the swampy ground, covered in raupō

The hills clothed in thick native bush, so many rivers to cross

A few rugged tracks through “a windy expanse of fern, scrub and tutu, stretching away to the hills”

The daily trek to clear their allotted blocks of land.

The hills clothed in thick native bush, so many rivers to cross

Memoirs and letters home to Ireland, speak of the sights that met their eyes

What adventures they had to write home about, what challenges, what hardships.

The written word reveals a rich literary history of our town of Katikati.

BY CHRISTINE DONEHUE, OF SUMMERSET BY THE SEA, KATIKATI

I had a very special friend who left this world last year

We did many things together so I often feel her near

We played tennis loved our swimming

Explored many a bushy track

Also attended school together watching each other’s back

The only problem I suffered with this friend so merry and bright

Was her reluctance to make decisions when I wanted us to take flight

There was many an opportunity to get bookings at special rates

The world was an open book to me but we always left it too late

I was happy to travel where she wished to go

Didn’t matter if plane bus or train

But the time that it took her to make up her mind

Was why we missed out again and again

I’ll sleep on it was her favourite phrase

And although once or twice we came close

To making a booking from an ad we had seen

Followed up after indecision

And so it had been

Already booked out we were back to square one

And I knew in my heart what we should have done

But procrastination had won the day

She may have slept well but there was now no way

We could travel so would just have to stay

Enjoying music and scrabble when winter set in

All I could was take life on the chin

But now the time’s come when I live on my own

Fantasising of travel almost causes a moan

Can I risk leaving this country

Will insurance back me

Do I want to go by air or by sea

So many questions puzzling my brain

I’ll just have to sleep on it

Think it all out again.

BY IRENE SWADLING, OF SUMMERSET BY THE SEA, KATIKATI

ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

HANDMADE

ORNAMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Making some ornaments yourself is a lovely thing to do in the lead-up to Christmas, and these would be fun to make with a group of friends or family, including grandchildren!

Air dry clay is inexpensive and easy to handle. It tends to be quite forgiving to work with, and it doesn’t require firing or baking.

These little ornaments are endlessly customisable, so do use your creativity and make this project your own.

SUPPLIES

You will need:

• Air dry clay – I used a 500 gram packet of white Jovi clay, which can be found in shops like Spotlight and The Warehouse, and I used about half of the package to make 16 ornaments

• String, wool or ribbon (I used baker’s twine)

• Waxed baking paper and cling film

• A bowl of warm water

• Rolling pin or bottle

• Cookie cutters or a small glass

• Items to make an impression in the clay: ferns, herbs or small branches, a piece of lace ribbon or a wood-block stamp

• A toothpick or a metal straw

• A tray or board

• Acrylic paint and clear varnish to finish (optional)

METHOD

Getting started

To protect your table or bench top, lay out a piece of baking paper. Have a bowl of warm water ready nearby.

Break off a chunk of the clay and gently knead it for a few minutes. Place it on the baking paper and cover it with a piece of cling film. I found the clay easier to work between these two layers, and it also protects your rolling pin, as the clay is not food safe.

Roll the clay until it is about 5–6mm (half a centimetre) thick.

Making the ornaments

Peel off the cling film and use the cookie cutters or the rim of a glass to make shaped ornaments. You could leave the shapes plain at this point, or press some plants into them to make an impression. I tried rolling a sprig of rosemary into the clay before cutting out circles. I also pressed in some ferns, a dried flower and a wood-carved stamp, and they all had interesting results. You could try a small sprig of pine from the Christmas tree, seed pods, leaves,

Finishing

a piece of lace ribbon, or anything else you might have around!

Make a hole near the top with the metal straw or a toothpick so you can hang the ornament later. If the edges of your ornament are a bit rough, dip your fingers in the warm water and use them to smooth them. You could also use fine sandpaper to do this once the clay has dried, but it’s easier to do at this stage.

Place your ornaments on a tray or board lined with baking paper to dry. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid cracking. Carefully turn the ornaments over a couple times during the drying process, which should take 1–2 days.

Once they are dry, add painted details with acrylic paint or even nail polish and a fine brush, and after drying, add a layer of clear varnish to protect them. You could also just leave them plain and natural, which looks lovely too.

Tie a length of ribbon or string through the hole and hang them on your tree or in a window, or tie onto a gift along with a tag.

If you have leftover clay, re-wrap it tightly in the original packaging and fasten it with an elastic band. Place the package of clay into an air-tight container such as a glass jar or in a zip-lock bag for next time.

1. Pressing the ferns. 2. The impression of the ferns in the clay. 3. Placing the ornaments on a tray to dry. 4. Tying string to hang. 5 & 6. The finished ornaments.

7. Finished ornaments.

REVIEWS

Rules of the Heart

JANICE HADLOW

MANTLE PUBLISHING

RRP $38 NZ, $35, AUS

This is a superb historical novel based on the real life of Harriet, Countess of Bessborough, who held an enviable position in society but a marriage without love.

But then Harriet met the extremely handsome Lord Granville, twelve years her junior. At first she dismissed his advances as mere flattery, but then she saw a different side to him and discovered they shared undeniable chemistry; the love she had been seeking all her life. They embark on a passionate, all-consuming affair, and Harriet is soon torn between her duty as a wife and mother and her deepest desires to be with Lord Gravnille. Harriet knows she can never marry Granville, but she fears their love affair will come to an end when he wants to settle down, marry and have legitimate children.

From the author of The Other Bennet Sister , this will appeal to lovers of Pride and Prejudice . The writing is impeccable and captures all the nuances of this period of history and society well, with an unforgettable main character and tragic heroine.

It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession

PETA MATHIAS

PETA MATHIAS BOOKS

RRP $38 (NZ & AUS)

It’s impossible to select my favourite essay from this new book, as they are all irresistibly funny, insightful and fabulous. As colourful as Peta herself, this well-known personality shares eclectically from her life in a book seasoned with wit and style. From her hilarious Agony Aunt letters, cooking classes and encounters with friends, lovers and the badly behaved, Peta approaches life with panache.

There is so much to learn from reading this entertaining book. Peta offers insights on love, ageing, sex, and good reasons for not letting yourself go. Whether it is choosing to wear red lipstick, sexy lingerie, and colourful clothes, her stories are warm and funny but also peppered with insights about life and the importance of living it to the full.

This is a delightful book of essays that you can dip in and out of according to your mood. There are also tips on what to eat, and the helpful hints at the back of the book are invaluable. This is where I do have a favourite: “You’re never too old for anything. Don’t listen to other people. Listen to yourself.”

Softly Calls the Devil

CHRIS BLAKE

ECHO PUBLISHING

RRP $37 NZ, $35 AUS

From a serving police officer and Ngaio Marsh Awards double finalist comes a gritty crime novel with authenticity. Matt Buchanan is the sole charge constable in sleepy Haast on the West Coast, after turning his back on life working for the police in Auckland. Life is peaceful, and he is content with keeping their beautiful corner of the world safe. But then his much-loved predecessor is found murdered, and everyone’s peace is shattered.

Other personalities in the small town suddenly look suspicious, and it all seems linked to a cold case from 1978 – a sinister murder–suicide, where the bodies of the parents were found, but not the body of the daughter. A journalist comes to town, sniffing around as tensions rise, and there are more deaths, this time of a former forest ranger and a local hermit, and Matt discovers remnants of a cult. What do all these people have in common? What is really going on here?

As Matt follows the leads, he puts himself and others in grave danger. This is a dark, heart-palpitating police procedural with well-crafted characters and a fabulous sense of place.

The Humiliation of Millicent Salmond

JENNY LYNCH

MARY EGAN PUBLISHING

RRP $38 NZ AND AUS

This collection of short stories is like a decadent dessert with just the right amount of tart. These tales of greed, ambition, lust and betrayal are hugely entertaining. Jenny Lynch is an astute observer of human nature, and her stories are delightfully twisty, witty and surprising. They are a perfect escapist treat for readers.

It’s impossible to have a favourite story, but to give a flavour of this excellent book, you can’t go past the very first story, ‘Death by a Thousand Bites’, when an unhappy wife hatches a plan to do away with her hapless husband. ‘Written in the Stars’ has an unexpected take on the weekly horoscope advice that is sometimes a staple of women’s magazines. ‘School Reunion’ will resonate for anyone who has been to a reunion and met schoolmates who haven’t been seen in decades. ‘The Knitting Lady’ tells a story of death during a tornado that will surprise you. The title story reveals the awful nature of Millicent Salmond and her downtrodden husband. What each of these stories has in common is the razor-sharp wit, the flawless writing and the superb characterisation.

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

GET IN SHIPSHAPE THIS SUMMER

Spring has sprung and summer is almost here. Many of us treat exercise like tending to the garden when the seasons change. We put it off for weeks in the winter, in spring it comes back with a vengeance and on one sunny day we decide to sort it all out in one go! Fitness doesn’t quite work the same way. We can’t undo many weeks of non-activity in one big session. And it’s a relief for many to realise this.

We can chip away at getting fit again with shorter, better-quality exercise done regularly. The pressure might be on to get fit for summer activities, and sometimes we might rush things. The more research around exercise and fitness evolves, the more evidence there is to show that smaller bouts, done more often, with high-quality movement, are superior to ‘one off’ big sessions. Though, if you are fit, healthy and love to exercise, then don’t hold yourself back from a big session!

Walking small amounts every day, focusing on staying tall, looking far ahead, getting out of your chair regularly to move and even chipping away at house work or gardening in bits means you’ll keep moving more often. It’s amazing the difference a few extra small movements in our life makes, and it gives us the opportunity to focus on performing them better each time.

Go ahead and embrace the warmer weather: move more often and enjoy the longer days.

THE COMPLEXITIES OF GIVING

ARTICLE BY LIZ KOH

Giving to others brings great pleasure and happiness, and there is no better evidence of this than the joy of Christmas. However, giving is often loaded with emotion and purpose. We place various meanings on the act of both giving and receiving. In some cases, people give to make themselves feel better – perhaps by absolving themselves of guilt – or as a way of demonstrating love, particularly if they have trouble expressing love in other ways. Receiving a gift can bring about a range of emotions, from joy to indifference to embarrassment. There can be dilemmas around whether to give or not give in certain circumstances. People have expectations about giving and receiving that may sometimes not be met, and this can lead to disappointment or tension. The acts of giving and receiving can be very complex.

Deciding on how much to spend on gifts is not easy. Overspending on gifts for others has its roots in psychology. It is often a reflection of a need to be wanted and loved, to belong, to compensate for low self-esteem or to be admired by others. While lavish spending can provide a solution for these desires, the effect is only temporary. Research shows that lasting satisfaction and happiness comes not from material goods but from experiences. A good life comes from doing things, not having things. This is particularly true at holiday time. Unlike material goods, holiday experiences become more valuable over time, giving us memories to treasure. If experiences are shared with others, then the memories are shared as well, creating a lasting bond between those involved. Spending time with the people you love can be the greatest gift of all.

Giving can take many forms – from love and affection to tangible gifts and money. Parents who constantly give to their children and grandchildren in different ways often do so as a means of dealing with guilt or making themselves feel as though they are better parents or grandparents. Constant giving to family members can lead to expectations or even demands from them, and in some cases can create an unhealthy dependency. Generous giving can be taken for granted by the recipient over time.

As a parent or grandparent, one of the best gifts you can give to a family member is the ability to be financially independent. How well a child succeeds in life will be as much about financial literacy as it is about education and career. Giving too much to children, including adult children, deprives them of the opportunity to learn to fend for themselves. There is, of course, a fine balance between helping children too much and helping them too little. Where there is genuine need for help, for example when a family has suffered a traumatic event such as death, divorce or redundancy, generosity prevails. There is, however, a limit.

People who are overgenerous may feel as though they are helping their family members, but in fact their acts of giving can be detrimental. Give, but not too much.

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.

TŪRANGI

ARTICLE BY CARRIE INGHAM

Nestled at the southern tip of Lake Taupō, Tūrangi is a compelling mix of volcanic landscapes, riverside calm and gateway adventures.

While it’s often overlooked by its bigger brother Taupō to the north, canny holidaymakers know better than to just drive though, and second homes here are favoured by the moneyed. Sitting in the rain shadow of the Tongariro National Park, Tūrangi is framed by the Kaimanawa Range to the east and volcanoes Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu and Pihanga – the protagonist mountains in Māori myth The Battle of the Mountains – to the south.

The terrain is dramatic, with alpine peaks, native bush, braided rivers, and the massive lake shore all adding to its wild yet accessible feel.

ACCOMMODATION

While there is a range of B&Bs, motels and baches in the area, for the ultimate in understated luxury, head to the five-star River Birches Lodge. Reminiscent of a British country retreat, the boutique lodge boasts king-size beds, cedar hot tubs, tranquil gardens and delectable dining. The attentive staff can arrange excursions and fly fishing packages across the region.

In the same country-esque style is Tongariro Lodge. Offering a range of accommodation options from private villas to cheaper chalets, the wood-panelled lodge is set in 22 acres of park-like grounds, with a tennis court, secluded spa and open fires to add to the ambience.

DINING

A gem beloved by locals and visitors alike, the Hare & Copper Eatery has a robust menu of sharing plates influenced by central American and Asian flavours, and a dessert list to impress even the pickiest sweet tooth.

For coffees and casual food, head to the Hydro Eatery. Known for hearty dishes and good

cabinet meals as well as Mojo coffee, this is the perfect place for a repast to set you up for a day of exploring.

ACTIVITIES

Fly fishers flock to Tūrangi, with enthusiasts spoiled for choice for spots either on Lake Taupō or along the mighty Tongariro River. Whether you are a newbie keen to learn, or more experienced and looking for some hidden spots, then the New Zealand Fly Fishing Company can set you up with a guide and a range of fishing options for river, lake or back country.

The Tongariro National Trout Centre is also well worth a visit, with an aquarium stocked with New Zealand native freshwater fish, a museum and a rainbow trout hatchery. The grandies will enjoy fishing from the well-stocked ponds in the school holidays, catching and cooking their catch.

Nature walks and biking trails are plentiful, with the Kaimanawa Forest Park and Tongariro National Park offering short hikes and longer multi-day treks, including, of course, the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day hike traversing volcanic terrain, crater lakes and dramatic ridgelines.

If you prefer wheels to walking, the 14km river cycle is a great way to see the beautiful bush. Tongariro Mountain Bikes have bikes to hire, but don’t let the name fool you, there are e-bikes on offer for those who prefer a more leisurely explore. Golfers of all levels are welcome at the Tūrangi Golf Club to sample the 18-hole, par-72 course, set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

After all that action, visitors need a therapeutic tonic. The newly opened Tokaanu Thermal Pools offer private and public bathing in their hot mineral pools – an ideal way to unwind and relax tired muscles.

STATS

Region: Waikato Airport: Taupō Airport

Main road: SH1

Population: 5,000

Top left to right : Tongariro River, Rainbow trout, duck on the outboard.

Green Update

In a significant step towards sustainability and modernisation, Summerset on Summerhill in Palmerston North has successfully transitioned its entire street lighting system to solar-powered technology. This decision was prompted by the failure of existing power supplies, which made the upgrade both necessary and timely.

GOING SOLAR

A total of 18 street lamps are being replaced, with 17 already installed and the final unit arriving soon to complete the transformation. The previous lighting set-up consisted of a mix of older mercury vapour lamps and some retrofitted LED units. The mercury vapour lamps consumed between 120 to 180 watts per hour, resulting in an estimated daily energy usage of up to 17,000 watts. By switching to solar, Summerset on Summerhill is now saving this substantial amount of energy every day.

But the benefits go beyond energy efficiency. The new solar street lamps bring a fresh, modern aesthetic to the village, enhancing its overall look and feel. These lamps are equipped with smart technology that allows them to operate at 30% power during periods of inactivity, conserving energy while maintaining visibility. When movement is detected, they instantly brighten to 100%, ensuring safety and illumination only when needed.

This upgrade not only reflects the village’s commitment to sustainability but also demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure improvements can positively impact energy efficiency and environmental outcomes.

Summerset solar street lamps.

RECYCLING WEEK

20 October marked the start of NZ Recycling Week, and wow did our villages step up! Staff and residents across the country embraced the challenge of reusing, recycling and repurposing everyday items.

It was a true celebration of sustainability and community spirit at Summerset at Pohutukawa Place. Residents showcased incredible recycled-art sculptures, and enjoyed voting for their favourites and crowning a winner with an eco-friendly prize.

Recycling was top of mind at Summerset Mountain View. The café recycled cardboard and milk bottles, and staff delivered household items to WISE Charitable Trust for repurposing. Educational sessions from the Zero Waste Hub inspired new practices, and ongoing efforts include battery collection, soft plastics recycling and egg carton donations to the foodbank.

Small, handmade Izzy dolls were created from recycled wool for children in the Emergency Department at Taranaki Base Hospital. The café turned leftover scones that would have been tossed out into pizza scones – a tasty example of reuse in action! Ongoing efforts include kerbside recycling, battery and bottle-top collections, coffee grounds for gardens and compost bins funded by last year’s recycled fashion show.

In Hamilton, Summerset down the Lane residents toured the saveBOARD plant. They learned how saveBOARD turns composite packaging waste into products that can re-enter the local supply chain to eliminate waste. In the care centre, creativity flowed as bottles were transformed into colourful vases. Summerset on the Landing residents turned old CDs into stunning sun catchers, proving that recycling can be beautiful. And Summerset at Karaka hosted a popular clothes swap, giving garments a second life, and donating leftovers to charity.

1. Summerset on the Landing sun catcher creations. 2. Summerset in the River City recycled wearable art garments.

Summerset by the Dunes residents tackled the problem of food waste while fostering community spirit. The village launched a produce-sharing stand built from recycled wood. The produce stand is designed for sharing vegetables, fruit, flower posies, small plants and other food items with fellow residents and village staff.

Summerset Richmond Ranges focused on collecting can tabs and bottle lids for the charity Kidney Kids. Summerset in the River City, Summerset Palms and Summerset in the Sun held wearable arts shows and competitions, turning waste into whimsy for a fun and creative sustainable take.

Well done all for another truly inspiring Recycling Week.

VILLAGE PEOPLE

a spectacular day out watching Wellington’s renowned World of WearableArt (WOW) show.

Lake residents celebrate the village’s milestone 25th anniversary in October.

Photo 1: Summerset at Aotea residents try their luck during casino night.

Photo 2: The ladies of Summerset Rototuna are clad in pink for a cause at their pink breakfast fundraiser.

Photo 3: Residents from Aotea, Boulcott and Paraparaumu villages enjoy

Photo 4: Summerset by the

Photo 5: Summerset Mountain View residents proudly participating in New Plymouth’s Intergenerational March on International Day of Older Persons.

Photo 6: Families have fun at our Nationwide Open Day on 5 October.

Photo 7: Hold your horses! Summerset Falls residents get ready to race at their own Melbourne Cup event.

Photo 8: Summerset down the Lane lounging in style for Melbourne Cup Day.

Photo 9: It was bubbles and couture at Summerset in the River City for their Melbourne Cup festivities.

BRAIN TEASE PUZZLES

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

SUDOKU

51. Outdo, 52. Placebo, 53. Preliminary, 54. Rascal, 55. Chief of staff, 64. Parsnip, 65. Liberty, 67. On paper, 69. Expense, 70. Recoil, 71. Strop, 73. Ounce, 75. Proof, 77. Lynx, 78. Idea, 82. Ski.

45. Link, 46. Shiner, 47. Holly, 48. Dominate, 49. Undersell, 50. Lumbago,

30. Gigolo, 32. Prize, 34. Realm, 36. Skein, 38. Tomb, 43. Paper, 44. Earring,

20. Toothache, 23. Tireless, 24. Mariner, 26. One-star, 27. Brewer, 29. Proviso,

in, 9. Sack, 10. Claret, 11. Singe, 12. Glimpse, 13. Interesting, 14. Deficit,

Down: 2. Raccoon, 3. Erase, 4. Rib, 5. Seem, 6. Insufficient, 7. st,Lea 8. Barge

81. Discount, 83. Troop, 84. Elixir, 85. Self-satisfied.

71. System, 72. Open house, 74. Slip-ups, 76. Eat, 79. Irony, 80. Piranha,

62. Lectern, 63. Reason, 65. Logjam, 66. Abnormal, 68. On the money,

52. Prosper, 56. Perennial, 57. Ashamed, 58. Mute, 59. Lee, 60. Raid, 61. Tetchy,

39. Hint, 40. Cleanse, 41. Economise, 42. Regular, 43. Peerless, 48. Doubloon,

27. Biennial, 28. Simple, 31. Speech, 33. Evident, 34. Raisin, 35. Lots, 37. Ire,

17. Chafe, 18. Gem, 19. Modesty, 21. Off-the-peg, 22. Revive, 25. Anno Domini,

Across: 1. Irrepressible, 8. Bisect, 14. Drill, 15. Scrabble, 16. Spanner,

Across

1. Impossible to control (13)

8. Cut in half (6)

14. Power tool (5)

15. Board game (8)

16. Wrench (7)

17. Rub, irritate (5)

18. Jewel (3)

19. Absence of vanity (7)

21. Ready made (clothes) (33-3)

22. Resuscitate (6)

25. Of the Christian era (Latin) (4,6)

27. Every other year (8)

28. Uncomplicated (6)

31. Verbal communication (6)

33. Obvious (7)

34. Dried grape (6)

35. Items for sale at an auction (4)

37. Wrath (3)

39. Suggestion (4)

40. Wash (7)

41. Spend sparingly, cut back (9)

42. Periodic, recurring (7)

43. Without equal (8)

48. Former Spanish gold coin (8)

52. Flourish financially (7)

56. Plant lasting three seasons or more (9)

57. Deeply embarrassed (7)

58. Silent (4)

59. Sheltered side (3)

60. Surprise attack (4)

61. Irritable (6)

62. Stand for speaker’s notes (7)

63. Logic (6)

65. Deadlock (6)

66. Not usual (8)

68. Accurate (colloq) (2,3,5)

71. Organised way of working (6)

72. Provide hospitality to all (4,5)

74. Mistakes (4-3)

76. Consume (3)

79. Sarcasm (5)

80. Small, voracious fish (7)

81. Reduction in price (8)

83. Group of apes (5)

84. Magic potion (6)

85. Smug (4-9)

Down

2. Ring-tailed mammal (7)

3. Wipe out (5)

4. Chest bone (3)

5. Appear (4)

6. Not enough (12)

7. Smallest amount (5)

8. Enter uninvited (5,2)

9. Dismiss (4)

10. Red wine (6)

11. Slightly burn (5)

12. Glance (7)

13. Fascinating (11)

14. Shortfall (7)

20. Dental pain (9)

23. Unwearying (8)

24. Sailor (7)

26. Lowly-rated hotel (3-4)

27. Beer maker (6)

29. Stipulated condition (7)

30. A paid male escort (6)

32. Winner’s reward (5)

34. Kingdom (5)

36. Group of geese in flight (5)

38. Crypt (4)

43. Academic essay (5)

44. Painting: Girl with a Pearl ___ (7)

45. Join (4)

46. Black eye (colloq) (6)

47. Christmas decoration (5)

48. Control (8)

49. Value too lowly (9)

50. Pain in the lower part of the back (7)

51. Exceed (5)

52. Drug which has no effect (7)

53. Preparatory (11)

54. Rogue (6)

55. Senior military position (5,2,5)

64. Whitish root vegetable (7)

65. Freedom (7)

67. Theoretically (2,5)

69. Cost (7)

70. Flinch, move back (6)

71. Leather strap used to sharpen razors (5)

73. Imperial unit of weight (5)

75. Evidence (5)

77. Eurasian wild cat (4)

78. Notion (4)

82. Move over snow (3)

PETS OF

SUMMERSET

Ann and Don Mackenzie deliberated long and hard over the decision to add to their family, but the arrival of Yorkshire terrier puppy, Poppy, has brought them nothing but happiness.

“She is 690 grams of sheer joy,” confirms Ann, who lives at Summerset in the Dunes in Pāpāmoa. “I was concerned that getting a pet aged 80 was irresponsible, but with the prospect of Don having to move into memory care soon, I wanted the company.” Reassured that their daughter Rachel would take Poppy if needed, the Mackenzies haven’t regretted the decision for a moment “She is just the best,” says Ann. “I can’t take her anywhere in the village without someone giving her a cuddle, and she is especially beloved by our Village Manager Sharon. She even bought Poppy a souvenir from her holiday!”

for what it cost us to relocate her!” laughs Ann. When Bella passed five months ago, Don, especially, took it hard. “With his late-stage dementia, Don kept asking where Bella was,” says Ann. “So, my thoughts turned to another pet.”

Searching for a small dog with the right temperament, Ann took her time finding Poppy, settling on a breeder from Katikati. “She has been breeding Yorkies for 30 years. She has won competitions with Poppy’s parents.” Ann likened finding Poppy to welcoming a new baby into their lives. “It was like pregnancy without the labour pains!” she laughs. “Since she was a female, I got all her toys and accessories – and an outfit or 10 – in pink!”

While Ann and Don have had pets before, Yorkshire terriers were new to the couple. “We have had a toy poodle and several cats over the years – two beautiful Siamese and later a Tonkinese, Bella.” The apple of the couple’s eye, beloved Bella was flown from Queensland, Australia, to join the pair in New Zealand. “We could have flown business class round trip twice

Affectionate, friendly and funny, Poppy is also a breeze to train. “She is so clever,” says Ann proudly. “She only needs telling once or twice before she has picked something up, though of course she gets a treat for doing it. She is very food motivated.”

Ann recommends that anyone who longs for a pet doesn’t hesitate, citing the joy pets bring. “There is always someone who will walk or babysit your fur babies if you need.” With a whole extended family of humans in her village, Poppy is a lucky pooch.

AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

Summerset Mount Denby

7 Par Lane, Tikipunga, Whangārei 0112 Phone (09) 470 0280

Summerset Falls

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910 Phone (09) 425 1200

Summerset Shoal Bay*

65 Hillary Crescent, Belmont, Auckland 0622 Phone (09) 489 9142

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, Auckland 1072 Phone (09) 950 7980

Summerset Half Moon Bay*

25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay 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, Pāpāmoa Beach, Tauranga 3118

Phone (07) 542 9080

DIRECTORY

HAWKE’S BAY

Summerset in the Bay

79 Merlot Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112

Phone (06) 845 2840

Summerset Mission Hills*

11 Pakeke Drive, Poraiti, 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 Otaihanga*

73 Ratanui Road, Paraparaumu 5032

Phone (04) 296 4302

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 Cashmere Oaks*

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