Summerset Scene Winter 24

Scene Summerset

RETIRED RUCKSTAR – A NUMBER 8 GREAT START YOUR ENGINES – RESIDENT RACERS WALK THE WALK – CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITORS HOME COUTURE – BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

COVER former All Black Alan Smith. Photo credits: Sandra Henderson from Sandra Henderson Photography.

8,000

More than New Zealanders call

Whangārei

Milldale

Hobsonville

Ellerslie

Karaka

Rototuna

Hamilton

Cambridge

New Plymouth

Summerset home

Nelson

Richmond

Whanganui

Waikanae Levin

Warkworth

St Johns

Half Moon Bay

Flat Bush

Katikati

Avonhead

Wigram

Prebbleton

Dunedin

Mosgiel

Blenheim

Rangiora

Casebrook

Trentham

Lower Hutt

Aotea

Kenepuru

Papamoa Beach

Taupō

Napier

Te Awa

Hastings

Havelock North

Palmerston North

Kelvin Grove

Masterton

KEY = Summerset village

= Proposed village

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Paraparaumu

Rotorua

Hello from Ellie

Hello and welcome to the latest issue of Summerset Scene. While I was in New Plymouth recently snow fell to coat the top of the mountain, and up in Auckland the woollies are on display – it seems winter has well and truly arrived.

I was in Taranaki to meet our cover star, former All Black Alan Smith, who lives at Summerset at Pohutukawa Place. Alan shared some wonderful stories of his time as an AB, including a controversial South African tour under apartheid. Read his story on page 4.

While at Pohutukawa Place I also met Judy Martin, whose boldly decorated villa demonstrates that good taste never goes out of fashion, and downsizing your

home doesn’t mean downsizing your style. Read her story on page 40.

Over in the Waikato, several residents demonstrated that some people will always have a need for speed, joining race car driver Brock Gilchrist (who competed in this year’s Summerset-sponsored GT Championship) for a hot lap around Hampton Downs racetrack. Read about their exhilarating experiences on page 10.

Down in the South Island, residents from Summerset villages across Christchurch showed that age is nothing but a number when it comes to fitness. Spearheaded by Summerset on Cavendish resident, Lloyd Geange, 35 residents and four staff took part in the annual City2Surf fun run, raising money for a children’s charity. Read the story on page 16.

Money expert Liz Koh has suggestions on how to balance your spending on page 32, and actor, author and co-host of

A Summerset World Pinky Agnew shares her fashionista tips in our style column on page 33. We also have travel recommendations for the Coromandel, warming winter recipes, puzzles and book recommendations.

Enjoy, stay warm, and I look forward to seeing you in the spring!

Ellie Clifford SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Retired ruckstar

A NUMBER 8 GREAT

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

For former All Black Alan Smith, playing rugby was a way of breaking the monotony of milking cows twice a day. “We were dairy farmers in central Taranaki, and all the men in my family played. My Uncle Jack was an All Black and my dad represented Taranaki,” says Summerset at Pohutukawa Place resident Alan.

World Cup-winning All Black Conrad Smith is Alan's nephew. “He is a way better player than me!” Alan laughs. The eldest of four children, Alan took on a large share of the farm’s responsibility, as his mother died when he was a mere eight years old. “Dad had taken a bullet in the lung during the war, and wasn’t too good after mum died, so we had to run things, really. I did a lot of cooking.”

With strength built through physical work on the farm, combined with his towering 1.9m height, Alan was ideally placed to play the position of lock, and he was representing Taranaki aged 18. “I was strong and speedy,” he

says. The All Blacks selectors saw him play, and in 1964 he joined the Junior All Blacks on their Australian tour, where he’d play either as a lock or the number 8. Alan joined the All Blacks (as #667) in 1965 and headed to England for their 1967 tour. “We were supposed to go to Ireland too, but we weren’t allowed in. England had had a foot-and-mouth outbreak and the Irish didn’t want us bringing it in!” laughs Alan.

Although sports ought to transcend politics, the reality is the two are often deeply entwined. In 1970, the All Blacks were supposed to go to South Africa, a country whose apartheid laws at the time refused to accept and recognise Māori or Pasifika players.

“We went anyway,” says Alan. “We had three Māori and one Samoan on our team. We had to take a secret flight from Wellington as there were so many protests. We just wanted to play rugby but politics encroached the whole time.”

Alan and his teammates soon saw firsthand the strength of feeling around apartheid. "The Black people liked us. But the ordinary White person in the street was not happy to see us.” This was never more apparent than when the All Blacks beat Transvaal.

Previous page: Alan and Chris at their villa. Above left: A picture of their racehorse. Above right: the All Blacks jersey and newspaper cuttings.

“The Black spectators streamed onto the field in joy at Bloemfontein,” says Alan. “And the police just laid into them, beating them with their truncheons.”

At the public receptions, the team were treated well by the political elite. “At one function the Rhodesian (modern-day Zimbabwe) prime minister Ian Smith asked me if we were related!” says Alan. “As we were both from English stock. Turns out we had no family in common, but we spent the evening chatting and got on well.”

This fledgling friendship advantaged the All Blacks when the team headed to Rhodesia to play. “The customs official took one look at Sid Going’s passport and decided there was no way he was going to let a Māori missionary into the country,” says Alan. “We said, if they weren’t going to let Sid in, none of us would go in. It was a stalemate. Then I remembered I had Ian Smith’s phone number, and I rang him,

explained the situation and he said he would sort it. Sure enough, a couple of hours later we were all waved through!”

Alan played 18 games for the All Blacks over 4 years. “It should have been 20, but the ones against Canada weren’t recognised,” he says ruefully. Alan laughs as he shows off his trophies. “In those days you got a towel or a mug! You get a bit more these days.”

Alan switched sports from rugby to cricket and played for Taranaki, where he held the record for all-time bowling average, with 40 wickets

“In those days you got a towel or a mug! You get a bit more these days.”

for 8. It was through cricket that he first crossed paths with his wife, Chris, to whom he has been married for 58 years. “I had played for the club side and got 164 runs and took 7 wickets for 11 runs.” Chuffed with himself, Alan was convinced that his achievement would make the newspaper. “And it did, but only a tiny paragraph! Three-quarters of the page was devoted to a Christine Bree, who had just broken eight Taranaki athletics records!”

Although she had stolen his thunder, the pair eventually began dating. “He took me to a show for our first date. The first and last time!” laughs Chris.

Plagued by injuries and continuously tearing ligaments, Alan began to need surgeries, and his cricketing career came to an end. “Some were rugby injuries, but it turned out I had broken my hip and leg as a kid and didn’t realise. My horse had thrown me when I was a child, and while I got treated for gravel burns, the doctors didn’t notice my broken leg and hip! I was 32 before I found out!”

Off the pitch, Alan decided to turn his hand to breeding racehorses. “He came home one day and said, ‘Do you mind if I buy a thoroughbred mare?’ laughs Chris. "I said sure, and then he poured all love and attention into this horse!”

Alan had success breeding from her, with her grandson Abit Leica winning 14 races and becoming number three in New Zealand.

Although he may no longer play professionally, Alan’s rugby career is still bringing him connections, notably when he needed radiation treatment at a hospital in the Waikato. “The nurse there was Welsh and asked me if I had ever played against the Welsh captain Mervyn Davies.

"I told her yes, I had swapped jerseys with him. It turned out she was a great fan of his and had won a poetry contest when she was 14 with a poem she had written about ‘Merv the Swerve’, as he was known! I offered her his jersey, but sadly she couldn’t accept it. A shame, as she had made my six weeks of treatment much easier. But she shared the winning poem with me!”

Back in full health, Alan keeps active, cycling regularly with Chris and taking part in the CB Fit classes in the village centre. “We love it here. We’ve made loads of new friends. We might live in a retirement community but everyone likes to enjoy themselves – everyone gives everything a go!”

Top: Alan's All Blacks cap. Below: Alan's trophy cabinet.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

It was a night of splendor and sparkles recently as Summerset's annual staff recognition event – the Applause Awards – took place on Thursday 16 May 2024 at the Te Pae convention centre in Christchurch. We know we have many superstars working across our business, and with nearly 2,200 nominations received across 37 different categories, to be selected as a winner is a huge accomplishment. The event was livestreamed, and many residents and staff watched it to support and cheer the nominees on.

Some of our village staff winners include:

Activities coordinator Diane Green and office manager Victoria Welch from Summerset in the Orchard in Hastings, who both took home the Strong Enough to Care award.

Anne-Maree Godfrey from Summerset Mountain View was awarded with the title of Activities Coordinator of the Year .

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place received the Developing Village of the Year award, Summerset at the Course took home the Rising Star award, and Summerset in the Sun were awarded the title of Green Champion

Meanwhile, Summerset at Karaka took home both the Care Centre of the Year award and Care Centre Manager of the Year , received by care centre manager Jeffrey Bulangit Summerset at Wigram ’s Paige Schumacher took home the Caregiver of the Year award, and Shontelle William , Summerset at Monterey Park ’s care centre administrator, took home the Living Our Founding Philosophy award.

Finally, huge congratulations to Summerset on Summerhill in Palmerston North for winning Village of the Year . Their village manager Tarsh McConchie also took home the coveted Bringing the Best of Life Supreme award and the Village Manager of the Year award.

Well done to all the winners and finalists. Without you, Summerset wouldn’t be the wonderful place our residents call home.

Top left: The awards. Top Right: Tarsh McConchie.

Bottom left: Jeffrey Bulangit.

Bottom right: Victoria Welch and Diane Green.

CELEBRATING OUR CONSTRUCTION CADETS

It was a day of proud celebration at the 2024 Cadet Day in Auckland recently, as three cadets became the first to graduate from Summerset’s Construction Cadet programme. Aidan Neal, Cameron Savoy and Henry Evans have been in the programme for just over two years, and during their tenure they have been exposed to every aspect of the construction process at Summerset sites, including Boulcott, Ellerslie and St Johns. From understanding project intricacies

to hands-on experience, they have navigated every facet of construction. Created by Auckland Construction Manager Stuart West, Summerset cadetships offer promising construction students a comprehensive insight into Summerset’s construction processes, along with mentoring and guidance. Stuart says, “It is awesome to see how far they have come in just two years. Yes, it is an investment, but the value our cadets have given us at Summerset is just outstanding.”

Mauri stone blessing at Boulcott

On 30 May a ceremony took place at Summerset Boulcott’s main building to lay a Mauri stone and bless the building. The Mauri stone symbolises both the land's history and the vital energy that will infuse both the building and its future endeavours. Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and Waiwhetu Marae chair Kura Moeahu led the proceedings, with members of the Summerset construction team and village management in attendance. The Mauri stone has pride of place under glass, set in the

foundations of the floor of the village centre. A formal village opening event for residents and staff will be held in early 2025.

Left to right: Cameron, Henry and Aidan.

Left to right: Driver Brock Gilchrist, residents Mike

START

YOUR ENGINES!

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

On a wet Friday at Hampton Downs racecourse, several intrepid Summerset residents enjoyed a day out with a difference. The final round of the 2024 GT Championship race weekend took place at the famous Waikato racecourse, and residents accompanied driver Brock Gilchrist on a hot lap around the track in a McLaren 570S GT4.

Our residents were in expert hands, for not only is Brock the 2023 champion in the Toyota 86 class, he has a scholarship for the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia and is also the fully funded recipient of the Giltrap Motorsport scholarship, driving the full season in the McLaren. As primary sponsors of the Championship, Summerset was delighted to offer this unique opportunity to residents living in Auckland and Waikato villages. Summerset Scene caught up with Brock’s co-drivers.

For Summerset at Heritage Park resident Tricia Burns, the chance to hop into a supercar is now one item she can tick off her bucket list. A keen motorsports fan, Tricia knows her way around a racetrack. Her daughter Ali and her son-in-law Marty compete in car rallies, and she has always dreamed of speeding around the track herself. “I have never been in a really,

really fast car before,” says Trish. “The run was so exciting! Despite the wet track causing a slower run than the norm, we achieved almost 200km/h on the straights and about 120km/h on the tight corners.”

For Trish, wearing the required safety gear led her to happy reminders of her previous career in the British Army. “Pulling on the overalls and helmet took me back nearly 60 years, when I was just trying parachuting and helicopter flying. Not sure what I can do next that would match those three things!”

For Summerset at Monterey Park resident Barry Reyland, the memories also came in thick and fast, as Barry is a self-confessed petrolhead. “I used to go to Pukekohe a lot in my youth to watch the races,” he says. “I’ve taken part in a few rallies in my day.” Barry has a keen

Lowe, Tricia Burns and Barry Reyland.

appreciation of cars. “I have mucked around with them all my life,” he says. “I had a ’47 Studebaker, a ’47 DeSoto, ’52 Ford Twin Spinner, and a ’67 Mustang. My two-door Chrysler Valiant Regal was pretty special, as was my 1967 Mustang.” Barry’s love of grunty American cars hasn’t diminished, as he still drives a Mustang. “I used to always have two cars; something to drive to work, and then something good to drag about in on the weekends!” Barry loved being on the track. “It was great. I wish it wasn’t raining so we could have gone even faster! We were well strapped in and it was a comfortable ride!”

For Summerset by the Park resident and hot lap winner Maureen Lowe it was too good a prize not to gift to her husband, Mike, who took her place in the passenger seat. “This has been an absolutely wonderful day!” says Mike, who was delighted that his wish of racing in a McLaren came true. “I really enjoy motorsports. Our son races cars in the ‘Lemons’ division, where a car is bought for a maximum of $1,000 and any amount can be spent doing it up. He has a Hyundai that he races at Hampton Downs several times a year, which we always try to attend.”

Maureen may not have raced herself, but she enjoyed another treat – reuniting with her former work colleague Tricia from Summerset at Heritage Park. “What a small world, meeting up at the racetrack of all places!” she said. “We both worked at the C.A.B and haven’t seen one another for five years. I didn’t even know she had moved into Summerset!”

Cambridge resident and hot lap winner Helen Keen developed her interest in motorsports through her late husband, James. “He had a love of all types of motor racing. This often involved getting up to watch the televised events in the wee hours of the morning! He was a motor mechanic and built and raced his own go-kart for many years.” Helen found her McLaren ride truly exhilarating. “It was the most fantastic experience, one I will never ever forget,” she said, her eyes shining. “I could not believe how fast he went into the corners! I admit I was a bit worried about the wet surface of the track, but the grip was amazing.”

Our Summerset residents were not the only ones who enjoyed a hot lap; four netballers from Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic also joined in the fun, zooming around in a Porsche, and then had an impromptu game of netball with the drivers.

Left: Waikato/Bay of Plenty netballers ready to race. Insert: Drivers and netballers play netball.

VILLAGE PIPELINE

Construction is well underway at five future villages across the country. For more information visit:www.summerset.co.nz/find-a-village/

SUMMERSET WAIKANAE

This is the perfect spot for a relaxed coastal retirement lifestyle. We have welcomed our first residents to the village.

SUMMERSET MILLDALE

Summerset Milldale offers easy access to everything on the Hibiscus Coast that a busy retirement life demands. The first homes are ready and we have welcomed our first residents. Plans and pricing for other homes are available now.

SUMMERSET BOULCOTT

Perfectly positioned next to Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Course in Lower Hutt, we have welcomed our first residents to the village. The village centre and its resort-style facilities open mid-year.

SUMMERSET ST JOHNS

On the edge of Auckland’s Eastern Bays, Summerset St Johns is the address for a luxurious retirement experience. The first homes will be ready mid-2024, with plans and pricing available now.

SUMMERSET BLENHEIM

Situated in the heart of sunny, wine-growing Marlborough, the first homes have just been completed and we have already welcomed our first residents.

Some images are renders

Hato Hone St John Appeal 2024

Residents of Summerset at Heritage Park love it when Hato Hone St John volunteer Glenis Stokes makes her weekly visit to the care centre. Glenis knows that looking good leads to feeling good, and she dedicates her time to providing our care centre residents with some gentle pampering, including manicures and hand massages. Fellow volunteer Michelle French has been visiting the care centre for four years, enjoying her role as quiz master for the weekly quiz.

Meanwhile, Sharon Everard spends her time playing board games or the ukelele and accompanies residents on outings, while Carlyn Grace teaches residents te reo Māori, waiata, poi and action songs.

In her role as volunteer co-ordinator, Fay Crabtree is responsible for orienteering and rostering the volunteers and coordinating with the care centre staff. Diversional therapist Bobby Gerneke says, “Fay has done a superb job and is a huge asset to both me and the volunteers.” It is not just Summerset at Heritage Park residents who benefit from Hato Hone St John either. Other Summerset villages across the country enjoy visits from Hato Hone St John therapy pets, volunteers and cadets. Along with a wide range of volunteers who offer their time, skills and energy through the charity, Hato Hone St John is first and foremost an ambulance provider, supporting New Zealanders

when their health is most at risk, in an emergency. It is something they have been doing tirelessly for more than 130 years. However, some of their ambulance stations are in need of care, with 14 stations across the nation identified as needing a critical rebuild.

This year, as part of their annual Light the Way appeal, Hato Hone Hone St John aims to raise $4 million to go towards the redevelopment, upgrade or rebuild of ambulance stations that require futureproofing or are no longer fit for purpose. The goal is to offer a place for their teams to recharge, rest and reset, and where ambulances are restocked, ready to respond whenever the call comes.

In June, our villages will be holding fundraisers throughout the month to support this beloved charity. The street appeal on 14 June means many of our residents will be out shaking a bucket. And for 24 hours from 3pm on Thursday, 20 June, until 3pm on Friday, June 21, it is Giving Day, the day where donations made are doubled! Hato Hone St John aims to raise $2 million on this day alone. To find out more, or to donate via Summerset’s unique link, visit www.stjohn.org.nz/ summerset or scan the QR code.

Anzac Day 2024

Remembering the fallen is always an important occasion for New Zealanders, and especially for many of our residents whose parents or close relatives went to war. On 25 April, Anzac Day, our villages marked the day with fervour.

Here are a selection of photos and stories of Anzac services that took place within our village centres from across the country, including remembrance walls, wreath laying, and the sharing of family memorabilia from past wars.

Summerset Richmond Ranges

Summerset Richmond Ranges Summerset Palms

Summerset Palms

Summerset on the Landing Summerset in the Orchard

Summerset in the Orchard

Summerset in the Bay Summerset by the Lake

Summerset by the Dunes

Summerset at Monterey Park

Summerset at Monterey Park

Summerset wins gold!

We are overjoyed to have been awarded Gold in the 2024 New Zealand Commercial Projects Awards for our Summerset on the Landing village in Kenepuru.

These awards celebrate the collaborative efforts and innovation of project teams, and encompass various types and scales of builds, emphasising teamwork and innovation as key criteria for recognition. Our Summerset on the Landing village stood out for its strong 'One Team, One Dream' approach, which created a united work environment focused on safety and inclusivity. With over 250 workers at its peak, it highlighted the project's scale and collaborative effort.

Summerset on the Landing has also been chosen as a finalist for the Oceania Retirement Living and Aged Care Category for the Property Council New Zealand 2024 Property Industry Awards. These prestigious awards have celebrated excellence in design and innovation in the built environment for more than 25 years, and we are honoured to be recognised.

Located within the premium subdivision of Kenepuru Landing, Summerset on the Landing offers a range of retirement homes to choose from, including villas, cottages, and independent and serviced apartments. The stunning village centre offers a wide range of amenities including a café, indoor swimming pool and spa, residents’ bar and hair salon.

Dream Team: Members of Summerset on the Landing celebrate their win.

WALK THE WALK: CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITORS

Summerset residents from four different Christchurch villages demonstrated that age ain’t nothing but a number by taking part in the City2Surf fun run in March. Beginning in Latimer Square and finishing in New Brighton, the City2Surf route follows the Avon River and goes along the Ōtākaro trail.

Funds raised from the 2024 entry fees will go to Cholmondeley – a children’s charity that offers respite care for young children aged 5–12 as well as outdoor activities and learning experiences designed to foster wellbeing and resilience. Summerset was happy to sponsor the 35 residents and four staff members from across the villages, providing Summerset-branded T-shirts and covering the $40 per participant entry fee.

Summerset resident Lloyd Geange led the charge for participants from his Summerset on Cavendish village, recruiting nine fellow residents to join him on the walk. “I know the residents in the village who are keen on walking and I thought would be happy to sign up. I reached out to Summerset to ask for sponsorship, which they were only too happy to do.

"Our Activities Coordinator Anne contacted the other local Summerset villages to see if anyone else was interested in joining us, and it snowballed from there. Anne got everyone organised with the T-shirts and registrations.”

No stranger to walking, 85-year-old Lloyd has been a member of a local walking club since 2008. “Before the earthquakes we had about 80 members. Post-earthquake that number dropped as the state of the roads meant it was difficult to get to places to meet up. Now there are about 30 of us, but there are usually 10 of us that make each walk. Which was the same as when we had 80 members!” he laughs.

Lloyd’s group meet up on Saturdays and Sundays and undertake a variety of walks. The group meets rain or shine, although very heavy rain sometimes stops play. And no matter where they go, a coffee shop is usually factored in. “It is very sociable. I am one of the eldest and am probably the longest-serving member,” says Lloyd. “There are lots of walking tracks around here. We have been to some stunning spots around the Port Hills, following the rivers around. We used to go to the Ryde Falls and the Washpen Falls, which were quite steep walks, a bit too tricky for me now. I’m pushing 86,” Lloyd laughs, “and my muscles have got a little bit tighter!”

Lloyd finds the gym boring and credits his walks and use of his stepper at home to keep him fit. “My attitude is ‘use it or lose it,’ and so many of us seniors are active, adventurous and up for a challenge!”

Lloyd was delighted with the turnout of his fellow Summerset residents, who came from Summerset at Wigram, Summerset at Avonhead, Summerset Prebbleton as well as Summerset on Cavendish. Outfitted in their Summerset T-shirts, the Christchurch residents gathered at the start of the 6km route and set off together.

“My attitude is ‘use it or lose it,’ and so many of us seniors are active, adventurous and up for a challenge!”

“People went according to their pace, and I was probably the slowest one!” says Lloyd. “I walked

with Anna Childs, our old AC who joined us. There were lots of families out, cheering us on. We took the Summerset bus to the start of the course and it took us back to our villages afterwards. Summerset shouted us food and drink in the café afterwards to celebrate. It was a great day!”

Above: Far left: Head Office staff member Anna Childs, Lloyd Geange from Summerset on Cavendish (second from left), and staff and residents.

Above: Lloyd in action.

JUDE ON... WINTRY THINGS

I like the change of seasons. The neighbour’s tree has turned a nice red colour at the top, and every day the green morphs further into various shades of yellow and orange. It’s quite a show. Within a couple weeks it will be bare, but when it starts to spring back into life, I’ll know daylight saving is just around the corner. I have always remembered which way the clocks go (‘Spring forward’ and ‘Fall back’) but the young ones these days just look at their automatically updated phones to see what the time is. However, I still have an analogue watch, a clock on the stove and the microwave, a large old-fashioned one in our hallway, and both cars that need to be manually changed.

Daylight saving has a few interesting facts around it.

• New Zealand first observed daylight saving in 1927. In 1941, it was extended year-round to help save energy during World War II. In 1946 it was discontinued, but was reinstated in 1975. In 2007 it was extended to its current dates – from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April.

• About two-thirds of the world's countries do not change their clocks throughout the year. The practice is most popular in Europe, where 37 out of 44 countries observe daylight saving, and it's also observed in parts of North America, Latin America and Australia. Egypt is the only African nation with daylight saving, bringing it back in 2023. Countries close to the equator do not usually change their clocks,

as the length of their days does not vary enough throughout the year to justify it.

• In ancient Rome, an hour was not a consistent unit of time. In the summer it could be as long as 75 minutes, and in the winter it sometimes lasted just 45 minutes. At the equinox – a moment that occurs twice a year, when the sun is directly above the equator, and days and nights are roughly the same length – an hour was a familiar 60 minutes. People didn't attempt to keep track of the hour in their heads –sundials were ubiquitous.

Daylight saving is a good reminder to check the batteries on your smoke alarms and give them a bit of a clean. A build-up of dust can apparently cause false alarms. Check the alarm’s expiry date too – most last a maximum of 10 years.

Mother Nature has her own clock, and it’s remarkably accurate. I can’t imagine a life that is eternally freezing or alternatively all hot and sticky. Thinking cosy thoughts, I’ve made a big pot of soup (great for lunches) and have pulled out a chicken to roast for dinner with some duck fat potatoes. I might even make an apple and berry crumble and break out the custard –there’s nothing like a bit of comfort food in the colder months. Yum!

A taste of home

Cooking with a MasterChef star and Taranaki boy Brett McGregor enjoyed a trip down memory lane on his recent visit to Summerset Pohutukawa Place.

Here, Brett talks to Summerset Scene about his prior connection with several Summerset residents who were on hand to warmly welcome him to the village.

“I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to visit so many Summerset sites for cooking demos. I have gained so much knowledge from residents, have laughed and even shed a tear over some of the stories told, but best of all I have been reconnected with family.” says Brett.

In attendance at the demo was Summerset Mountain View resident Val Webster. Val is Brett’s dad’s cousin, and an integral part of Brett’s childhood. “My memories of this amazing lady stem from childhood,” says Brett fondly. “She and her husband, Bill, were awesome to me and my brothers. To see her at Pohutukawa Place brought me to tears. I have not seen her for 23 years, yet she has not changed a bit!”

As well as his Cooking with a MasterChef work, Brett is studying full-time for a Culinary and Business Arts degree from University of Otago.

“I reckon you can never stop learning,” says Brett. He credits his former teacher, resident Colleen Hobbs, with influencing his passion for education. “Mrs Hobbs – or Colleen as I am now allowed to call her – was an inspiration not only to me but to my brother Scott.

“She taught us extremely well and is still good friends with my family. She was the reason I became an educator myself. Good people inspire.”

It was not just people from Brett’s childhood who Brett reconnected with. Summerset at Pohutukawa Place resident Colin Neighbours hired Brett to cook for his and his wife Wendy’s 40th wedding anniversary fourteen years ago. Colin and Wendy were delighted to catch up with Brett, and collected him from the airport.

Colin is a huge rhubarb fan and assisted Brett on camera with the rhubarb and apple crumble dish; both wearing matching aprons, stitched by Wendy, that said "I heart rhubarb”.

“Over the years we have caught up many times,” says Brett. “Their story is of love and inspiration. I always tell my wife, Tracey, how I can’t wait to get to their stage of marriage and still be in as much love as they are. These guys are special. I will see them for their 60th as requested!”

Above: Colleen Hobbs with Brett McGregor

Will Martin Sings Dean Martin

This special tribute concert features Summerset’s favourite, Will Martin, giving a new voice to the music and stories of iconic entertainer the late, great Dean Martin. With hits from Dean’s collection of songs from “Sway” to “Volare” to “Everybody Loves Somebody”, this is one not to be missed!

Pre-recorded and available from 10 June, the concert will remain on our website at www.summerset.co.nz/summerset-sings/

Residents’ Autumnal Favourites

In our most recent episode

MasterChef Brett McGregor took on the challenge of recreating residents’ favourite autumn dishes in front of an audience at Summerset at Pohutukawa Place. Four delicious recipes from residents across both the North and South Islands were chosen; rhubarb and apple crumble, spaghetti bolognaise, chicken cashew crockpot and savoury scones. A hundred residents from Summerset at Pohutukawa Place and Summerset Mountain View enjoyed the live cooking demonstration and the afternoon tea/meet and greet with Brett McGregor which followed.

To watch this or past episodes of our “Cooking with a MasterChef” series, visit our website www.summerset.co.nz/cooking-with-a-masterchef/

Wednesday, 10 July at 2:30p m

Keep the grey matter on top form and join us on Zoom every second Wednesday of the month at 2:30pm.

There are four rounds of 10 questions and two spot prize questions where you may win a bottle of wine to enjoy at the next quiz. Whether in a team or individually from the comfort of your own home, all are welcome!

Zoom code: 851 8722 4668 or visit: www.summerset.zoom.us/j/85187224668

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place

Join Kiwi actor William Kircher and co-host Pinky Agnew as they meet meet some of the talented and active residents of Summerset! This episode they head to Summerset at Pohutukawa Place in the Taranaki region. Whether you like fishing, interior design, crafts, rugby, exercise or music, this episode has a taste of it all! Live on our website from Tuesday 18 June at 2:00pm.

You can watch all of our previous Summerset World episodes on our website here: www.summerset.co.nz/a-summerset-world/

Kate Rodger – Monday, 24 June at 2:00pm

Jude Dobson sits down with Newshub’s entertainment editor and film reviewer Kate Rodger. For over 15 years her job has taken her all over the world interviewing stars including Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt. A passionate advocate of local film and filmmakers, Kate has acted as a judge, host and ambassador for several local film competitions, festivals and awards evenings. To watch this and past episodes of our An interview with… series visit our website www.summerset.co.nz/an-interview-with/

Autumn Winners

Top NZ landscape designer and well-known TV and radio host Tony Murrell judged all the entries and independently choose the four winners of each category.

Winner: Best Garden – Paddy Graham

Tony says, “Your garden holds many varieties and species, and your unique combinations shows that they are all healthy and flourishing.”

Winner: Best Evergreen Garden – Maureen Gould

Tony says, “Good to see the use of texture and form in the way you have incorporated succulents and pot specimens to add height and interest – a clever way to maximise space and add multidimensional effects.”

Winner: Eco Friendly Garden – Deb Taylor

“There is so much to see and appreciate in your garden and I bet it's abuzz with insects and bird life.”

Winner: Prized Potted Plant – Indoor or outdoor –Catherine Birch

“The history of your Maranta captivated me. Botanists world-wide work on collecting seeds and plants for future generations and the resource means that gems like your plant won’t be lost.”

The NZSO and Summerset are proud to continue a thriving partnership in 2024, which includes exclusive offers for Summerset residents.

The NZSO’s highly anticipated 2024 season, “Mātātoa Intrepid Adventures” is well underway and it “celebrates the intrinsically adventurous, open-hearted and all-embracing Kiwi spirit.” according to NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor, Gemma New.

The season features global music luminaries like violinists Maxim Vengerov, Augustin Hadelich, Christian Tetzlaff and pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk.

Summerset residents can enjoy 25% off most concerts* using the discount code SUMMERSET25. To find out more about upcoming concerts visit www.nzso.co.nz. Sign up to NZSO+ for behind-the-scenes content and concerts: www.nzso.co.nz/plus

*some exclusions apply.

Best Garden, Paddy Graham.

Best Evergreen Garden, Maureen Gould

Eco Friendly Garden, Deb Taylor

VILLAGE PEOPLE

Take a look at some of our recent village happenings.

Photo 5: Summerset in the Orchard residents enjoy a ‘Closest to the pin’ competition.

Photo 6: Summerset by the Dunes know an oldie is a goodie with their classic car day.

Photo 1: Wannabe Summerset Milldale residents sheepishly make a ewe turn.

Photo 2: Summerset on Cavendish enjoy an outdoor gathering together.

Photo 3: Summerset on Summerhill's Roczen shows crocs aren’t just a summer shoe.

Photo 4: Summerset Mountain View residents make Mother’s Day bouquets.

Photo 7: Strutting their stuff for a village fashion show at Summerset at Wigram.

Photo 8: Leiing down some moves at Summerset at Karaka.

Photo 9: Colour me happy! Summerset down the Lane care centre residents and staff celebrate Holi.

Photo 10: Keep it clean, please! Summerset in the Bay residents clean up their local beach.

Photo 11: Summerset on Cavendish residents show off their reusable cup pottery creations.

Barbara Gerneke

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

For more than half a decade, Barbara (Bobby) Gerneke has poured her heart into the role of Diversional and Recreational Therapist (DRT) at Summerset at Heritage Park in Auckland, weaving together inventive activities to nurture personal growth and foster social inclusion and well-being among residents.

“I’ve always been involved in care in one form or another,” Bobby says, reflecting on her experiences as a teacher, HR advisor and now a DRT. Working at another health care provider before moving to Summerset, Bobby views her transition to Summerset as “One of the best decisions I have ever made. It is such an innovative and dynamic organisation. There is such a diverse range of residents, spanning eight different nationalities, with a variety of backgrounds, abilities and interests,” she says. Although that can be challenging, it also brings Bobby a huge amount of pleasure, a testament to her commitment to enriching lives. “When I am able to introduce a meaningful diversional or recreational intervention with a resident which reignites their inner spark for life, there is no greater joy.”

Growing up in the picturesque small town of Wellington in South Africa, Bobby met her husband, Dane, while at university in Cape Town. “Through his passion for aviation we spent many happy hours flying in a Cessna 172, hot air ballooning and sky diving, until one day I landed on my reserve parachute,” says Bobby. “An experience not to be repeated!” After successfully establishing their careers in South Africa, the two relocated to New Zealand 22 years ago. “Dane now works at Auckland University in bioengineering and I retrained as a diversional and recreational therapist,” says Bobby. The pair still share a passion for aviation and indulge in it whenever they can, last year heading to Oshkosh in Wisconsin, USA, to attend the world’s largest airshow. “The highlight of our lives,” says Bobby. “It is the greatest airshow on earth and it was beyond all expectations!”

"SUMMERSET IS SUCH

AN INNOVATIVE AND DYNAMIC ORGANISATION. THERE IS SUCH A DIVERSE RANGE OF RESIDENTS, SPANNING EIGHT DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES, WITH A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS.”

DELICIOUS RECIPES

WINTER WARMERS

RECIPES BY JAN BILTON

WINTER – A TIME TO EAT, DRINK AND BE COSY. IT’S THE TIME WHEN MY KITCHEN SEES A LOT OF ACTION – I REVEL IN ITS WARMTH AND RELISH THE SWEET AND SAVOURY FRAGRANCES. I’M PARTICULARLY FOND OF ASIAN FLAVOURS, AND SOME OF MY FAVES FOLLOW BELOW.

Not only do I enjoy the deliciousness, but many dishes in Asian cuisine are one-pot wonders. Not all are ‘chilli/root ginger hot’. And you have the option of using more or less of either ingredient.

Spice pastes are handy pantry staples. Versatile tandoori paste can be used to baste or marinate roast chicken, grills, Christmas hams, fish or potatoes. It can be combined with yoghurt, cream or coconut cream to simmer meats or vegetables.

Butter chicken is another versatile spice paste. How about vegetarian ‘butter

cauli’ or a sauce prepared from the paste and a little coconut cream drizzled over steamed greens?

Most recipes that include root ginger need just one to two tablespoons and you are left with enough of the root to flavour several more meals. I find the best way to store root ginger (for up to a month) is to place it in a plastic bag, seal it, then put it in your crisper drawer in the fridge.

Enjoy a warming winter with your Summerset friends.

AIR FRYER TANDOORI CHICKEN

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

4 medium chicken drumsticks

½ cup plain yoghurt

4 tablespoons tandoori paste

rice bran oil spray salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

It’s preferable to remove the skins (use a paper towel to help pull the skin off). Cut 2 slits in the thickest part of each drumstick.

Combine the yoghurt and tandoori paste in a bowl or plastic bag. Add the drumsticks and move them around to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Spray the shelf or basket of the air fryer with oil. Spray the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer, slit side down. Cook at 180°C for 10 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook for a further 5 minutes or until cooked in the centre. Season.

Excellent served with a red onion, cucumber and tomato salad, plus plain yoghurt flavoured with chopped mint.

TIPS

Don’t have an air fryer? Then bake these in the oven at 190°C for 35–40 minutes, turning over once.

A MOREISH TREAT SINGAPORE BEEF

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

500g sirloin, rump or other frying steak

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornflour

2 tablespoons water

1–2 tablespoons rice bran oil

SAUCE

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons mild curry powder

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cornflour

1/4 cup water

METHOD

Slice the steak into 7mm strips. Place in a bowl with the combined soy sauce, sesame oil, cornflour and water. Cover and marinate in the fridge for an hour. Drain the steak.

Heat the rice bran oil in a wok or frying pan on medium-high.

Quickly stir-fry the steak for 2–3 minutes – in batches if required –until browned. Place aside.

To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in the pan and bring to the boil. Return the meat to pan to heat through. Serve immediately with rice.

TIPS

Great garnished with chopped spring onions.

A VEGETARIAN WINNER MALAYSIAN PUMPKIN & BLACK BEANS

INGREDIENTS

650g pumpkin, deseeded, skinned, and cut into pieces

1–2 teaspoons chilli paste, e.g. sambal oeleck

4 small shallots

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1 strip lemon peel, chopped

2 tablespoons peanut oil or rice bran oil

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon paprika

400ml can light coconut milk

salt and pepper to taste

400g can black beans, drained and rinsed

METHOD

Place the chilli paste, shallots, garlic, lemon peel and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small blender. Process until smooth. Alternatively, combine the ingredients and chop finely by hand.

Heat the remaining oil in a medium-size saucepan. Add the chilli mixture and cook on low, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

Add the spices, stir for 1 minute, then add the coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pumpkin, salt and pepper. Cover loosely and simmer until the pumpkin is tender, 10–15 minutes. Add a little water if the mixture is too thick. Stir in the black beans and heat through.

TIPS

Excellent garnished with coriander or parsley. Serve with rice and lemon wedges for squeezing over. Can be reheated.

WINTER WONDERS

ARTICLE BY LYNDA HALLINAN

PHOTOS BY SALLY TAGG

Lynda Hallinan finds cold season cheer in freshly picked citrus, mugs of mulled wine and colourful winter-flowering annuals to plant in pots on the patio

Landscapers will tell you that it's easier to appreciate the bare bones of a well-designed garden in winter, when all the leaves have fallen and the floral delights of spring and summer are no longer a distraction. This may be true, but in winter I pay more attention to my own bones than that of my garden. I swear that the wrist I broke as an amateur teenaged skateboarder is a better barometer of a coming frost than any thermometer. It's why I wear fingerless merino mittens under my gardening gloves, and thermal long johns under my weatherproof waders, and why I can think of no better way to mark the end of a chilly gardening day than clutching a mug of homemade mulled wine.

Mulled wine has been a winter tradition since the ancient Romans realised they could rehabilitate their worst vintages with honey, dried herbs and heat. I take a rather more modern approach, chucking a jar of marmalade, a bottle of red wine and a sprinkle of spices into my slow-cooker to simmer on low while I'm out pruning fruit trees or raking leaves. Just before serving, I'll slice up a homegrown orange or a couple of Clementine mandarins as a garnish.

As our gardens bed down in winter, we gardeners need all the cockle-warming tricks we can find to muster up enough enthusiasm

to keep planting, weeding and digging. I focus most of my attention on the pots by my front door, splashing out on easy-care annuals from the garden centre. Cyclamen, pansies, polyanthus and calendulas all add a pop of instant colour in containers.

When planting up pots, refresh the top third of potting mix each season. In winter, watering isn't usually required, but a fornightly feed with an organic liquid fertiliser is recommended, as is the regular dead-heading of spent flowers to encourage fresh blooms. In very wet weather, you might like to tuck your pots under your house eaves or anywhere that offers a little extra shelter. Raindrops on roses might have been one of Julie Andrews' favourite things in The Sound of Music , but torrential rain reduces the lifespan of most flower petals, particularly white ones.

I plant punnets of pansies in winter as they're such great value. For a more impactful display, I tend to plant a six pack of seedlings in one spot, rather than teasing the roots apart. They seem to do best in the close company of friends. Pansies and their little siblings, heartsease and violas, can be gently tucked into pots, whereas calendulas need a little more room. Allow up to 30cm per plant. Originally available only in Fanta-orange and sunshine-yellow, these hardy winter beauties

are now sold in a range of more subtle shades, from peachy 'Bronze Beauty' (Egmont Seeds) to creamy 'Snow Princess' (Kings Seeds).

Calendulas aren't just cheery to look at, either. The shiny petals are edible, scattered over a green salad or mixed into savoury scone dough, and they can also be dried to harness their antibacterial, antifungal and antiinflammatory properties in hand creams and healing ointments.

For winter fragrance in pots, plant the early-flowering daffodil 'Erlicheer', which wallops the nostrils with its sweet scent. If you find it a tad overpowering, try a potted daphne.

The New Zealand-bred variety 'Perfume Princess' is feted internationally for its flowering performance and fragrance. I often pick a single sprig to pop in my car; it helps to keep the less-delightful winter aroma of children's muddy sports uniforms at bay!

MARMALADE MULLED WINE RECIPE

Don't waste your best plonk making mulled wine – cheap red cask wine is fine. Opt for a zero-alcohol supermarket shiraz for a teetotaller tipple, or fortify a little further with a splash of brandy or Cointreau just before serving. Add freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice for an extra dose of Vitamin C.

INGREDIENTS

750ml bottle of red wine

2 cups orange or grapefruit juice

1 cup marmalade

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

a handful of whole cloves

1 bay leaf fresh citrus slices to garnish

Mix all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker, and bring to a very gentle simmer. Just before serving, take off the heat, strain out the whole spices and serve garnished with orange slices and fresh bay leaves (optional).

SEASONAL CHECKLIST

• Sow sweet peas now for spring blooms. Sweet peas need support so sow the seeds at the base of a climbing frame or obelisk. Protect the emerging seedlings from slugs and snails.

• Sow broad beans, climbing peas and winter lettuces. Crunchy 'cos' lettuce is hardy and easy to grow in containers.

• Plant bok choy, broccoli and silverbeet.

• Finish planting spring bulbs such as tulips.

• When harvesting citrus, always snip the fruit cleanly off with secateurs rather than pulling it, which risks damaging both fruit and stem. If your potted citrus trees look yellow, give them a boost with liquid compost, but save the main feed until the weather warms up again in spring.

Balance your spending

LIZ KOH

One of the biggest challenges for retirees is planning the use of their retirement nest egg. Accumulating savings and investments during your working life is hard work. It requires discipline and sacrifice to set aside funds for later in life, and there is a sense of immense relief in getting to retirement with a decent lump sum set aside. However, the hardest part is yet to come.

Because retirement money is so hard-won, it can be nerve-wracking deciding what to do with it. It is a delicate balance between spending money to get the most enjoyment out of retirement and making sure there is enough money on hand to last your lifetime. It would be so much more convenient if we knew how long the money needed to last!

A key issue is to decide whether to gradually run down the retirement capital over time or to just live off the income from it so the capital is still intact at the end of life. These days, most people are not concerned at all about leaving money for family over and above the value of their home. The question that needs to be asked is: who is going to spend your money – you, or your children? After all, you can’t take it with you! There is a balance to be struck between taking care of your own needs and leaving an estate for the benefit of your family. Managing money in retirement is all about planning when it is to be spent and investing it for a good return until such time as it is needed.

The uncertainties and anxieties of managing money combined with the lack of planning

mean that many retirees underspend during their retirement. That is, they die with more money invested than they intended to have at that time.

In times gone by, it was common for parents to leave houses, farms and businesses to children to preserve family wealth. These days, with people living longer and low investment returns, it is increasingly difficult to eke out a living in retirement just by using the income from investments. Retired investors often overlook the fact that investment return comprises both income and capital gain. Both can and should be used to supplement income. Investing in assets that produce income but no capital gain, such as term deposits and bonds, inevitably means lower returns and more tax. Capital gain comes from growth assets such as shares, and is accessed for income by selling part of a holding or portfolio. It is important to track the total return (income and capital gain) on an investment portfolio so you can make informed decisions about how much to take from the portfolio.

Spending your capital doesn’t mean being wasteful with what you have. There is a balance to be struck between frugality and lavishness. It’s what I call the Goldilocks factor – spending at a rate that is neither too much nor too little, but just right.

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.

COLOUR ME COSY

I was helping a friend get dressed. She has dementia, and can’t recognise once-familiar faces. But her hand unerringly went for a top in her favourite jewel colours. When I pulled out some black trousers, she shook her head and said an emphatic “No!” She pointed to a blue pair – a much better match. My friend still finds pleasure in colour, and still wants to look good. Our recognition and appreciation of colour is primal. We enjoy colour clashes in nature as fuchsias team pink and purple, and rosemary disobeys my mother’s fashion rule: “Blue and green should never be seen.” We find joy in butterflies’ and birds’ cheerful displays. Yet many of us are fearful of combining colour in our own outfits.

As we age, our skin tone can change significantly. We can wear colours which did not suit our younger skin – gorgeous shades of lavender and lilac, peach and yellow. Ironically, the colour that flatters our ageing skin and hair least of all is black. It’s a colour we often hide in! Black is elegant and sophisticated, but is best kept away from the face. Bright colours are not for everyone, but try teaming black with pale colours. White, pastel blues, yellows and pinks reflect light up into our faces, and this is very flattering. A gorgeous aqua blouse buttoned over our snuggly warm black merino brings instant radiance.

Men, you might be stuck in a rut of black, brown or navy. Try a polo shirt in light blue, a soft merino jersey in lemon, or a checked shirt in lighter colours, and wait for the compliments.

Layering for autumn brings us opportunities to play with colour. Enjoying an evening drink or barbecue with friends? You can team a basic navy trousers and top combo with a pashmina in vibrant colours, and add cute fingerless gloves and a beret to match.

I’m pleased to see so many accessories available in gorgeous colours. Shoes and boots in green or red make us feel cheerful, and are now available in orthotic-friendly styles and wide fittings.

A new staple of my senior years is a colourful crossbody bag. Big enough for my cell phone, essential cards, comb and lipstick – and hankie of course – the crossbody bag has a long adjustable strap so it sits across the body. It leaves hands free, so it’s ideal for walking-aide and wheelchair users. It adds an inexpensive pop of orange or lime to cheer up an outfit. And as our eyesight dims, it’s easy to find!

In Blatant Resistance, New Zealand poet Bub Bridger found colour an antidote for the aches and pains of ageing.

I have a new scarlet coat and I look like a fire engine

And I don’t give a damn

One should grow old gracefully

Somebody said – I don’t know who But I’ve heard it all my life and So have you but to hell with that I refuse to grow old any way

But reluctantly and bold as brass...

PINKY AGNEW

ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

CREATING AND KEEPING A DAY BOOK

A ‘day book’ in accounting is a place to record financial transactions in chronological order. But I want to suggest creating a special book of days to record small things of interest or beauty in daily life. You could call it a ‘visual journal’, but that term might come with intimidation or expectation, meaning you’re less likely to pick it up and scribble something down each day.

I find this exercise a lovely thing to do to keep track of the days over the winter months and as spring returns again. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy documenting things in this way – just go for it and have fun! Use your day book to record small drawings or paintings of the colours in the sky on a particular morning, or even a written note of something you saw on a walk or outing.

What follows are some examples from my own day book. I hope you will enjoy creating yours this winter. I would love to see what you capture.

MATERIALS

• A plain journal or diary, with optional perforated pages. If you plan to paint in yours, make sure its pages are suitably thick to hold pigment and water.

• Pencil and pen

• Watercolour or other paints and a brush

• Coloured pencils

METHOD

You’ll see here in these two images that I’ve used watercolour paints in my day book to capture some cheerful cosmos flowers in the garden. My book is made from watercolour card and the pages are perforated so they can be torn out. This is a nice idea, as you can address the back of one of your entries and send it to a friend or a grandchild along with a greeting.

In this entry I tried to capture the colours of a crimson sunrise in the autumn. It wasn’t so much about getting a realistic depiction, but more documenting those beautiful warm tones.

I love the subtle, mottled colours of hellebore flowers in the depths of winter, so I made a record of these ones last year.

In this entry I took my day book along with me on a family walk and sketched in the green landscape.

A friend gave me a sweet small orchid in a pot which I added into my book on that day.

REVIEWS

Dare to Retire Free

KRISTIN

SUTHERLAND AND DI MURPHY

There is more to retirement than just sorting the money side of things. You want to make the most of your retirement, to live a fulfilling life, full of meaning. Dare to Retire Free is an invaluable guide to make the most of this special life stage. The authors, a mother and daughter team, have written a book that is packed with tips. The wide range of topics include identifying what gives you your sense of worth and purpose, anticipating relationship changes, and planning a support network of family and friends for your retirement.

The authors look at the importance of health and exercise, planning your day to avoid feeling a loss of structure, and examining your working options, whether it is volunteering, part-time work, consulting or other opportunities. This is your chance to use your existing skills or take up new ones! This is your time to enjoy new hobbies or spend more time with people you love.

Dare to Retire Free is both inspirational and practical, and it will help you achieve happiness and fulfilment as a person well-travelled and experienced in life.

Never Succumb to Beige FRANCES MANWARING

SHREW ENTERPRISES

RRP $37.99 REVIEWS BY KAREN MCMILLAN SMART RETIREMENT PUBLISHING RRP $39.95

Part memoir, part essay, part self-help book, this book takes you through a varied landscape of opinion, advice and reflection inspired by the author’s colourful life.

Frances says that the idea of not succumbing to beige is all about being true to who you are and what you bring to the world – wearing your metaphorical hi-viz vest with flair and panache. This book explores some grounds rules and tactics to avoid the beige rabbit hole. Frances’ stories are colourful, wise and gently humorous.

The chapter headings give you a wonderful insight to the content of this book. Always Carry a Pair of Rose-Tinted Glasses. Seize Each Day Warmly by the Throat. A Laugh a Day Keeps the Darkness at Bay. Teeth Are More Valuable Than Diamonds. And my favourite? It’s Never Too Late to be What You Might Have Been.

Reading Never Succumb to Beige is like immersing yourself in a warm but invigorating bath and emerging afterwards revitalised and ready to tackle the world with a spring in your step and more colour in your outlook. It is relatable, witty and inspiring.

A Different Light: First Photographs of Aotearoa

CATHERINE HAMMOND AND SHAUN HIGGINS

You could spend hours poring over the photographs and accompanying text in A Different Light and still find new things to discover. There are wonderfully formal photos of new settlers dressed in their best clothes and gazing directly at the camera, with both professionals and amateurs experimenting with this new technology. Many of the images are posed in studios, but there are less formal photographs of people picnicking or riding bicycles. There are images of landscapes, including the famous pink terraces before they were lost to the world.

A Different Light is endlessly fascinating, with its unique imagery and text. They say a picture paints a thousand words, and this book proves this by bringing so many small details to life. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in early photography, New Zealand’s history, and also anyone interested in people’s lives from bygone eras. This is photography so different from today. "Studio portraits weren’t cheap, and people hadn’t figured out which was their good side yet. There was little remedy if you didn’t like the result."

Death on the Lusitania

A mystery perfect for lovers of Agatha Christie! New York, 1915. RMS Lusitania , one of the world’s most luxurious ocean liners, departs for war-torn Europe. On board is Patrick Gallagher, a civil servant, and he is tasked with escorting a British diplomat back to England. When a fellow passenger is found dead by gunshot, Gallagher is asked by the ship’s captain to investigate the suspected suicide. But the man’s body was discovered in a locked cabin with the key inside and no gun to be found. It looks like murder, and Gallagher believes one of the passengers onboard could kill again at any moment. All the while, the ship sails on towards Europe, where enemy submarines patrol dark waters...

Atmospheric and gripping, this page-turning mystery aboard this doomed ocean liner is well-researched and compelling. Death on the Lusitania could very well be an instant classic, and the cast of characters are richly detailed and intriguing, even if most of them are murder suspects! Immerse yourself in a bygone era and a world of intrigue and mystery in this excellent mystery novel.

Green Update

PLASTIC FREE JULY

Plastic Free July is a worldwide effort that helps millions of people fight plastic pollution.

Summerset has switched to plastic-free uniform packaging. Many of our staff wear uniforms; in 2024 we ordered over 5,200 items of clothing. If each piece is individually wrapped in plastic, that’s a lot of waste headed to landfill!

Since March, our uniforms have been delivered in compostable bags. We have also been working with our supplier to recycle our uniforms, with several hundred recycled Summerset items back in stock, ready for new staff to wear them.

Other ways Summerset is reducing our use of plastic is by using reusable bin liners in some care rooms and diverting PVC plastic at construction sites.

5 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC USE AROUND THE HOME

1. Cleaning tablets aren’t just for dentures! Toothpaste tablets are sold in a glass jar, and are chewed before you start brushing your teeth as usual. You can also replace your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

2. Go back to bar soap. Shampoos, shaving cream and conditioners are now frequently sold in solid blocks, and they last a lot longer than those sold in bottles. Just remember to put them on a drainer so they don’t dissolve!

3. Dissolvable, plant-based laundry sheets are more eco-friendly and wash your clothes just as well. Pre-loaded with the correct measurements of washing powder, these sheets

also take up less room in the cupboard. Detergent sheets for dishwashers are also available.

4. Refill stores are a great way to get dried goods without the endless packaging. Just take your own reusable containers with you and stock up.

5. Most supermarkets have collection points for soft plastic packaging. If you buy your bread, don’t forget to drop the bag back once you have finished the loaf.

PLASTIC-FREE IN OUR VILLAGES

Summerset on Cavendish residents have been learning how to make their own reusable cups! After a pottery course held during recycling week proved so popular, multiple courses were held to allow more residents to create their own sustainable reusable mugs.

Residents from Summerset in the Bay were horrified to hear about an albatross who had died on Napier beach after ingesting a plastic bottle. They went to their local beach to do a clean up. Activities

Co-ordinator Jill Marie Johnston says, “There were a lot of small bits of plastic that birds would find tempting to eat. Rubbish is not always on the beach. We found plenty caught up in the grass as well.”

Visit: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/ campaigns/small-steps-big-difference/

Deal with clutter

HOW TO MAKE HOME DEMENTIA FRIENDLY

THE AIM OF A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT IS TO MAKE EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES EASIER, ENABLING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA STAY AS INDEPENDENT AS POSSIBLE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

We are naturally either ‘pilers’ or ‘filers’. We either pile things up or we put things away so that we can find them again. It is more helpful for someone living with dementia if items are put in the same place, enabling them to be found with ease.

Use contrasting colours and minimise patterns

Colours can be extremely helpful in enabling someone with dementia to distinguish objects. Contrasting colours between plates and tableware is helpful to distinguish food on a plate while contrasting colours between walls and floors facilitates safer walking.

Highly patterned objects can create confusion, making useful objects and furniture harder to identify. When replacing patterned items of furniture or objects, consider replacing with solid-coloured items.

Leave doors open

A person living with dementia might not always remember where specific rooms in their house are. If possible, it may be helpful to leave the interior doors open. This provides better visual cues, making it easier to find their way about the house. Alternatively, a simple one word or picture sign can help to identify a certain room. Using a contrasting colour to paint the door may also be useful.

Kitchen ideas

Keep larger kitchen appliances that are used often in an easily visible and accessible place.

Label drawers and cupboards that house smaller kitchen items. Or, you could take the cupboard doors off and have open shelves or replace the doors for glass ones.

Conversely, there may be things in the kitchen that you don’t want your person with dementia to find. A good example of this would be if your person with dementia is continually wanting to feed the pet. It may be wise to remove pet food out of sight. Use adapted utensils, dishware or drinkware to help a person remain independent. At mealtimes it is helpful to sit at the table without the distraction of TV or radio.

Bathroom ideas

Consider adding a toilet seat in a contrasting colour, as white toilet seats tend to blend in with the toilet and its surroundings. A raised toilet seat can help people to sit and stand independently.

Labelled hot and cold taps help to minimise confusion.

Keep floors safe

If possible, avoid mats on the floors. Some people with dementia can become confused and think they need to step over mats, increasing the risk of trips or falls.

Shiny or reflective flooring may be perceived as wet. A person with dementia may struggle to walk over it.

Dark colours on patterned floors may be perceived as holes, so it is best to avoid floor coverings with large dark patterns.

HOME COUTURE: Bold and beautiful

BY ELLIE CLIFFORD

For some retirees, downsizing their house can mean muting their preferred design aesthetic. Not so for Judy Martin. The Summerset at Pohutukawa Place resident’s villa remains a testament to her bold and glamorous style, one that has seen her previous bedroom grace the pages of a style magazine, and her old garden feature in the Taranaki Garden Festival.

“It was a huge garden,” says Judy. “My husband passed away 22 years ago, so I mowed the lawns myself for years, but as I’ve got older it was less appealing to do!”

Judy may not have the large garden anymore, but she still has plenty of plants. Approaching Judy’s front door means passing a riot of greenery and giant stone buddha heads, which lends it a jungle vibe. The decor changes again across the threshold, as in the hallway you are greeted by a huge black and white photograph of an Indian yogi’s face on one wall, while on the other is a giant tapestry of an African tribal woman. “I knew they would fit,” she says. “I fell in love with the wall hanging when I saw it in a shop. I loved it because it was so different –and it was also half price.”

Whether it’s wall art or furniture, Judy doesn’t shy away from oversized pieces, but her home feels light and airy. Although she has plenty of ornaments too, the space is ordered. “I wouldn’t say my style is minimalist, but I dislike clutter. I like clear surfaces and I can’t bear anything on the fridge.”

Judy has used some clever design tricks. Her sofa, although large, is raised off the floor so light can pass underneath it. A vast mirror on the wall reflects the natural light from her sunny west-facing windows and gives the illusion of more space. Judy also uses a variety of different shapes. A round low pile rug underneath her round coffee table softens the sharp rectangular lines of her TV cabinet and sofa. Judy also plays around with textures and fabrics; rattan chairs can be scratchy, but Judy has used longhaired sheepskins in a rich umber to create comfort, whereas her sofa is a luxe velvet. While her bedroom has jewel tones, the predominant shades in the lounge are gold, cream and a deep ochre. “I just love those shades,” says Judy. “I always have. They are warm and inviting.”

Judy’s cat, Ginger, with his orange, black and white coat, looks to have been chosen to complement the decor too. “He scratched the rattan chairs once, but I sprayed it with cat repellent and he’s not tried since!”

“I have always been interested in design and decor,” says Judy. “I was forever moving my bedroom furniture around as a child.” Judy became a farmer’s wife and milked cows, but she still brought her style into the farmhouse. “I probably prefer style over function, although its great if it can do both. I’ve had furniture that looks wonderful but is uncomfortable. I would put the more comfortable pieces in the dining room as that’s where we would spend the most time, and the uncomfortable ones would be in the lounge.”

Judy’s late husband, Brian, didn’t mind the

furniture changing and rearranging. “He only asked that I didn’t touch his armchair, and I never did. I didn’t need to – I chose it for him!”

Several of Judy’s ornaments are from a trip she took with her family to Vietnam, a country with a rich variety of handicrafts. “We explored all over, and I brought a lot of ceramics and figurines back.” Although the decor in her home is exotic, aside from Vietnam and Australia (where her eldest daughter lives), Judy doesn’t like to travel abroad. “The airports get me down,” she says. “They seem to get worse and worse.” Instead, she buys most of her pieces locally in New Plymouth. “I lived next door to a lady who had a studio and she imported a lot of things. It was dangerous for my bank balance being her neighbour!”

Judy gravitates towards the unusual. A pair of lamps standing sentry on her entertainment unit resemble the headlights of a 1950s American muscle car, although they are not nearly so bright. A mirror repurposed from a door lives on the wall, she uses a drum as a side table, and three gigantic

“I have always been interested in design and decor”... “I was forever moving my bedroom furniture around as a child.”

fir cones sit on her dining table. “I only had two to start with,” she says, “but a gentleman who lives in the village said he had one that was just sitting in a cupboard and he gave it to me. Things always look better grouped in threes, so I was delighted.”

Judy has lived in the village for three years. “I had built a house next door to my daughter in Waiwhakaiho, but I got ill so I started thinking about retirement villages. When this was being built I met a lady who lives here. She was so enthusiastic. It wasn’t a hard decision at all, and it’s been great. I have met so many wonderful people.”

Above:

Judy and her stylish home.

THE COROMANDEL

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

Known for its exceptional coastline, lush green landscapes and fascinating history, the Coromandel region is on many New Zealanders’ must-do travel list. While notoriously busy throughout summer, The Coromandel and its attractions are equally enjoyable in the cooler months, with the added bonus of fewer people and traffic. Take a weekend or a week and enjoy a road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula.

ACCOMMODATION

If you’re looking for stunning views, you can’t get much better than a stay at Atea Lodge. Located just outside Coromandel township, this luxury option offers private and relaxing suites, ample gardens and outdoor spaces to enjoy as well as delicious breakfasts and quality amenities. Enjoy a soak in the outdoor bath or just soak in those panoramic views from the Queenslander-style deck.

Fancy a night on a private island? Head on over to Slipper Island, just off the coast from Pauanui! This 224-hectare getaway includes self-contained chalet and glamping (glamourous camping) accommodation, and oodles of space to relax and

explore. Borrow the resort kayaks for a paddle around Home Bay, swim off the white sand beaches, walk, fish or just enjoy the isolation, peace and quiet. There are no shops or restaurants on Slipper Island so be sure to bring everything you need for your stay, including your fishing gear.

If you’d prefer to stay somewhere central, give Pacific Harbour Villas in Tairua a go. Right on the waterfront and surrounded by lush greenery, these Pacific-inspired villas are well-appointed, clean, spacious and centrally located to all of the top attractions in the Coromandel.

EATING

Each Coromandel town is home to at least one bustling café offering quality coffee and delicious, freshly made breakfast. For lunch and dinner, however, there are some unexpected options worth a try.

Book a visit to Mercury Bay Estate – a boutique winery located at Cooks Beach – to enjoy some wine tasting alongside a gourmet platter or woodfired pizza, served with incredible views. Or, how about some fresh seafood right on the water’s edge? Coromandel Oyster Company farm, process and distribute oysters nationwide. They also do delicious seafood takeaways that

you can buy and eat at their rustic setup overlooking the water. Try mussels, oysters and fish in a fritter, chowder or burger.

Or just catch your own meal! On the Cook Your Catch Experience you’ll spend a morning aboard a fishing vessel among the beautiful Mercury Islands. Host Debbie Buddle will prepare your catch on board to your liking, and you can either eat it there and then or take it back to your accommodation to enjoy. Yum!

ACTIVITIES

One of the Coromandel’s many claims to fame is its geothermal waters. If visiting in winter a decadent dip at The Lost Spring in Whitianga might be just what’s in order. Here, ancient mineral waters emerge from deep below ground into pools where you can spend a luxurious few hours soaking and relaxing. Make a day of it with a visit to the on-site day spa and restaurant. If you’d prefer the DIY option, head to Hot Water Beach and partake in the classic Coromandel holiday activity of digging your own hot pool in the sand!

For something unique and memorable, jump on board the Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel township. New Zealand’s only mountain railway is a fun and informative 75-minute journey over bridges, through tunnels and amongst abundant native vegetation. If you’re feeling adventurous

you can add on a zipline tour through the forest canopy, or book in for a pottery class led by a professional potter.

We’ve all seen the iconic images of the beautiful Cathedral Cove near Hahei. While the walk through this stunning cave is now sadly closed, you can get up nice and close on a kayak! Cathedral Cove Kayaks offers daily tours for kayakers of all abilities. You’ll be safely teamed up with your partner or a guide in a tandem kayak before you paddle your way through the crystal waters of Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

So, take your time and soak up the coastlines, views, delicious seafood and one-of-a-kind activities in the beautiful Coromandel.

STATS

Region: ThamesCoromandel District / Waikato Region Airport: Auckland Airport

Main road: SH25

Population: 33,700 (whole peninsula)

Top left: Josh Neilson Photography. Bottom middle: Coromandel Oyster Company. Right: The Lost Spring.

POET’S CORNER

Moving On...

The time has come, a wise man said, to make another move.

To somewhere new where folks like you are getting in the groove!

Summerset Village is its name and it’s starting to take shape,

So we examined the plan and chose our spot on this large and unknown space.

Decluttering proved to be quite an art. The problem was – just where to start?

It took a while, but now we’re here, meeting new people and with family near.

Some may call it a rest home, but there’s no time to rest –

When every day there’s something new to put us to the test.

There’s swimming, bowls and fitness too. Petanque, pool, cards and choir.

Most of these I give a miss, but then… God loves a trier!

We don’t have to weed gardens or mow the lawns, no windows to wash and dry.

We can put up our feet at the end of the day and don’t need to wonder why!?

Edith Rose

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place, New Plymouth

WORKOUT FOR WINTER

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

As the colder months approach, it's crucial to take proactive steps to maintain your health and well-being during winter. Exercise plays a pivotal role in this preparation, helping to boost immunity, improve mood and enhance overall physical health.

With the right approach, you can stay active and resilient throughout the winter season. Here are some essential steps and exercise tips to help seniors get ready for winter:

1. Just start : getting your shoes on, turning up to an exercise class or convincing a friend you’ll take a walk with them during the week are all small steps towards exercise.

2. Create a winter exercise plan: with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, you may need to start adjusting your exercise routines to accommodate winter weather conditions. Consider indoor exercise options such as walking at the mall, going to a Summerset gym or following along with exercise videos at home. Having a structured plan in place can help you stay consistent with your workouts.

3. Prioritise safety and warmth: when exercising outdoors during winter, dress appropriately for the weather to stay warm and dry. Wear layers, a hat, gloves and non-slip footwear to prevent slips and falls. If walking outside, choose well-lit paths and be mindful of icy or slippery surfaces.

4. Focus on balance and stability: winter weather increases the risk of slips and falls, making balance and stability exercises particularly important for seniors. Incorporate exercises like standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walks and leg lifts to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

5. Stay hydrated: despite cooler temperatures, staying hydrated is still crucial during winter exercise. Dehydration can occur just as easily in cold weather, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to maintain optimal hydration levels.

6. Include strength training: strength training is essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, which naturally decline with age. Incorporate exercises using resistance bands, light weights or bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges and push-ups to build strength and prevent age-related muscle loss .

7. Embrace indoor activities: when outdoor conditions are less than ideal, don't let it be an excuse to skip exercise altogether. Embrace indoor activities such as yoga, tai chi or dance classes that offer the added benefits of improving flexibility, balance and mental well-being.

BRAIN TEASE PUZZLES

DOUBLECROSS

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

SUDOKU

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

71. Direct, 72. Amble, 74. Cards, 76. Larva, 78. Adze, 79. Grin.

57. Shiner, 64. Leisurely, 65. Hearsay, 66. Biggest, 68. Clothes, 70. Tuneful,

49. Outward, 50. Sin, 51. Deviate, 52. Timely, 53. Stratosphere, 54. Silo,

42. Awash, 43. Expense, 44. Heir, 45. Sandal, 46. Auger, 48. Archipelago,

27. Corsair, 28. Little, 30. None, 32. Slime, 34. Siege, 36. Rich, 38. Dam,

16. Pie in the sky, 22. Eraser, 23. Focused, 24. Collect, 25. Pippin,

Down: 2. Penthouse, 3. Crown, 5. Obey, 6. Eternal, 7. Disappointed, 8. Ember, 9. Pfennig, 10. Luck, 11. Curved, 12. False, 13. Respire, 14. Decibel,

81. Horses for courses, 82. Salty, 83. Stress, 84. Swelling, 85. Satyr.

47. Sea horse, 51. Doubt, 55. Appliance, 56. Intrinsic, 58. Tine, 59. Elm, 60. Hone, 61. Rapier, 62. Era, 63. Originally, 66. Brewer, 67. Stocky, 69. On the mend, 72. Afraid, 73. Porcupine, 75. Callous, 77. Gem, 80. Ahead,

35. Pal, 37. Edge, 39. Serengeti, 40. Extricate, 41. Nomad, 42. Amethyst,

25. Pigeon, 26. Rescue, 29. Well-chosen, 31. Nap, 32. Stupid, 33. Arms,

17. Carve, 18. Sap, 19. Channel, 20. Unsparing, 21. Decide, 24. Contralto,

Across: 1. Spicy, 4. Bone-idle, 9. Palace, 14. Drake, 15. Incomprehensible,

Across

1. Hot (food) (5)

4. Extremely lazy (4-4)

9. Royal dwelling (6)

14. Male duck (5)

15. Unable to be understood (16)

17. Sculpt (5)

18. Weaken (3)

19. Narrow waterway for shipping (7)

20. Generous (9)

21. Come to a conclusion (6)

24. Lowest female singing voice (9)

25. Winged messenger (6)

26. Save from danger (6)

29. Wisely selected (4-6)

31. Short sleep (3)

32. Foolish (6)

33. Weapons (4)

35. Friend (3)

37. Border (4)

39. Tanzanian national park (9)

40. Disentangle, get free (9)

41. Person who leads a roaming or wandering life (5)

42. Semi-precious birthstone for

February (8)

47. Aquatic equine? (3,5)

51. Uncertainty (5)

55. Item also known as whitewear (9)

56. Essential (9)

58. Prong of a fork (4)

59. Tree of the genus ulmus (3)

60. Sharpen (4)

61. Duelling sword (6)

62. Geological age (3)

63. To begin with (10)

66. Beer maker (6)

67. Short, square build (6)

69. Healing (2,3,4)

72. Scared (6)

73. Prickly creature (9)

75. Heartless (7)

77. Jewel (3)

80. Forward (5)

81. Matching people’s skills to suitable tasks (6,3,7)

82. Briny (5)

83. Pressure (6)

84. Lump or bruise (8)

85. Woodland god or faun (5)

Down

2. Top-floor apartment (9)

3. Coronet (5)

5. Comply (4)

6. Immortal (7)

7. Let down (12)

8. Hot fragment of fire (5)

9. Former German coin (7)

10. Fortune (4)

11. Arched (6)

12. Untrue (5)

13. Breathe (7)

14. Unit of sound intensity (7)

16. Something desirable but unlikely to happen (3,2,3,3)

22. Rubber (6)

23. Concentrated (7)

24. Gather (7)

25. Girl Guide aged 5-6 (6)

27. Pirate (7)

28. Small (6)

30. Zero (4)

32. Mud, ooze (5)

34. Military blockade (5)

36. Wealthy (4)

38. A horse’s mother (3)

42. Inundated (5)

43. Cost (7)

44. Successor (4)

45. Item of footwear (6)

46. Boring tool (5)

48. Large group of islands (11)

49. Exterior (7)

50. Wickedness (3)

51. Go off course (7)

52. Punctual (6)

53. Layer around Earth (12)

54. Grain store (4)

57. Black eye (colloq) (6)

64. Unhurried (9)

65. Rumour (7)

66. Largest (7)

68. Garments (7)

70. Melodious (7)

71. Straight, honest (6)

72. Stroll (5)

74. Aces and kings (5)

76. Young insect (5)

78. Tool similar to an axe (4)

79. Smile (4)

PETS OF SUMMERSET

At Summerset we welcome your furry friends! In this issue we meet Jack.

Summerset on Summerhill’s office manager Lisa Bowers starts every day off in a good mood – thanks to her pup, Jack. “He puts a smile on my face every morning, even though he has taken to sneaking up onto our bed now that the weather is turning colder,” Lisa says. “He is just so happy to see us every morning.” Jack is a miniature schnauzer. “Although, he’s not that mini,” she laughs. “He is a lot bigger than we expected him to be and he is still growing!”

Schnauzers are also known as Velcro dogs due to their attachment to their owners. “He spends all day with his dad, as he works from home. Jack is extremely close to my husband as they spend all their time together. He likes going in the car and will go everywhere with us,” says Lisa.

Lisa and her husband, Clint, brought their two dogs over when they moved to Palmerston North from South Africa. When they passed on last year, Jack joined the family, aged 13 weeks. “Jack has this cute way of ‘talking’ when he is begging. He lifts his head back in a howling position and makes the cutest ‘woo woo’ sound,” says Lisa.

Recently turned one, Jack still has puppy energy and he likes to expend it winding up his feline housemates. “We have three cats and he loves chasing them. The angrier they get with

him, the more excited he gets!” says Lisa. But, like most dogs he prefers balls. “His favourite game is playing fetch.”

Jack also spends time at the Summerset on Summerhill village, where he joins fellow schnauzer and informal Summerset mascot Roczen on his rounds visiting the residents. “He will start shaking with excitement from the time we arrive. He goes crazy when he sees Roczen,” says Lisa. “When they do pet therapy together he watches Roczen, and I am amazed at how good he is. If Roczen sits, he sits.”

The pet therapy programme is for Summerset on Summerhill care centre residents who may miss their own pets, or who benefit from the calming effect an animal has. Roczen, who belongs to Village Manager Tarsh McConchie, has been providing pet therapy since he was eight weeks old. “Roczen is amazing with the residents. He knows when someone is stressed and unwell and will just sit with them and let them pat him,” says Lisa. “Jack is still young and has a long way to go.”

Lively though he is, puppies need rest, and young Jack likes to unwind, like most humans do, in front of the TV, watching his fellow species on Barkley Manor and Animal Dynasties .

DIRECTORY

AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

Summerset Mount Denby

7 Par Lane, Tikipunga, Whangārei 0112

Phone (09) 470 0282

Summerset Falls

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910

Phone (09) 425 1200

Summerset at Monterey Park

1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616

Phone (09) 951 8920

Summerset at Heritage Park

8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060

Phone (09) 950 7960

Summerset by the Park

7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019

Phone (09) 272 3950

Summerset at Karaka

49 Pararekau Road, Karaka 2580

Phone (09) 951 8900

Summerset St Johns

180 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072

Phone (09) 950 7980

Summerset Half Moon Bay*

25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012

Phone (09) 306 1422

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 9482

BAY OF PLENTY

Summerset Rotorua* 171–193 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3010

Phone (07) 343 5132

Summerset by the Sea

181 Park Road, Katikati 3129

Phone (07) 985 6890

Summerset by the Dunes

35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118

Phone (07) 542 9082

HAWKE’S BAY

Summerset in the Bay

79 Merlot Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112

Phone (06) 845 2840

Summerset in the Orchard

1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122

Phone (06) 974 1310

Summerset Palms

136 Eriksen Road, Te Awa, Napier 4110

Phone (06) 833 5850

Summerset in the Vines

249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130

Phone (06) 877 1185

TARANAKI

Summerset Mountain View

35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310

Phone (06) 824 8900

Summerset at Pohutukawa Place

70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4371

Phone (06) 824 8530

MANAWATU–WHANGANUI

Summerset in the River City

40 Burton Avenue, Whanganui 4500

Phone (06) 343 3133

Summerset on Summerhill

180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410

Phone (06) 354 4964

Summerset Kelvin Grove*

Stoney Creek Road, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4470

Phone (06) 825 6530

Summerset by the Ranges

104 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510

Phone (06) 367 0337

WELLINGTON

Summerset on the Coast

104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032

Phone (04) 298 3540

Summerset on the Landing

1–3 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022

Phone (04) 230 6722

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 0002

Summerset Boulcott 1A Boulcott Street, Lower Hutt 5010

Phone (04) 568 1442

Summerset Masterton*

Cashmere Oaks Drive, Lansdowne, Masterton 5871

Phone (06) 370 1792

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 3432

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7272

Phone (03) 520 6042

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 3202

Summerset on Cavendish

147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051

Phone (03) 741 3340

Summerset Rangiora*

141 South Belt, Waimakariri, Rangiora 7400

Phone (03) 364 1312

Summerset Prebbleton

578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604

Phone (03) 353 6312

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 3102

Summerset Mosgiel*

51 Wingatui Road, Mosgiel 9024

Phone (03) 474 3930