When Tyler Kemp walks through the doors of Rita Angus Village each morning, no two days are ever quite the same.
There could be a work order to complete, a television to retune, a sink to unblock, or a new resident who needs help hanging pictures and setting up their apartment. Whatever the task, Tyler approaches it with the same philosophy: the residents always come first.
The 58-year-old Lead Maintenance team member was a finalist in this year's Ryman Awards for Support Team Member of the Year – Village.
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The judges described Tyler as someone who ‘combines technical expertise with a genuine care for residents, who takes the time to do the small things that brighten residents’ days while delivering high quality work that keeps the village running smoothly’.
The nomination came as a complete surprise, he says.
"I'm actually quite shy, so I was a bit uncomfortable," Tyler laughs. "But I was pretty honoured. I haven't been here that long and I didn't really know the awards were a thing. As it progressed, I realised how significant it was."
Although he's been Lead Maintenance for just over a year, Tyler was already a familiar face around the village.
A builder by trade with almost four decades of experience, he previously contracted for the company responsible for a three-year staged renovation project at the village.
When the previous Lead Maintenance team member moved on and an opportunity arose, Tyler stepped into the role. He didn’t even have to leave the building!
"Everyone sort of knew me and I'd built up a rapport with the residents already," he says. "It was pretty fortuitous."
Before joining Ryman, Tyler's career included building sets for major film productions, including Avatar and Lord of the Rings. He enjoyed the variety and kudos it brought but these days he enjoys the different pace that village life brings.
Most of all though, he enjoys the connection with residents. Looking after a village that's home to around 250 residents keeps him occupied, but it's the people who make the job rewarding.
"I've got enough to do to keep me busy and because I deal with residents as well that's really nice. It keeps me out of the office and walking around, meeting and talking to people."
He is quick to point out, however, that while he was honoured to be recognised in the awards, it is never just about one person.
"I look at it as a team. I'm not able to do what I do without other people."
Tyler completing one of his daily tasks - checking the pool chemicals are at the correct levels.
That team spirit was on full display when a burst water pipe flooded several residents' homes in the early hours of the morning a few months ago. Tyler, gardener Matiu, and Village Support team member Mark all pitched in.
"We'll help each other out if there's a need for it," Tyler says.
For Tyler, Ryman's tagline, It's all taken care of, perfectly sums up what village life is all about.
"The people that work here, they're all on the same page as to why they're here," he says. "This is our residents’ home, and for many of them it will be the last home they have.
“You need to make it not only an enjoyable place, but as comfortable as possible too and give them everything they need."
By putting this into practice every day, Tyler's doing his part to make sure that at Rita Angus Village, it's all taken care of.