Work on Ryman Healthcare’s new Hobsonville retirement village is set to begin following a blessing from local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki.
Te Kawerau ā Maki kaumātua George Taua today performed a karakia to acknowledge the people who had gone before and to bless the workers who would be constructing the village, as well as those who would eventually live and work there.
Mr Taua said he was pleased to see the 4-hectare site would be used to support Waitemata’s tupuna.
The blessing was a way of ensuring the cultural safety of the people who work and reside at the village and to guarantee the mauri of the land was preserved.
The site will be developed into a retirement village which will include 250 independent homes as well as a care centre with 120 resthome, hospital and dementia care beds, and 80 serviced apartments.
The village will also include an indoor swimming pool, movie theatre, hair and beauty salons and a café.
Ryman’s villages offer residents the chance to live independently in purpose-built retirement homes, with the peace of mind of knowing there is full care available if their health needs change over time.
Hobsonville is one of Auckland’s fastest growing areas and has a strong sense of community.
“Wherever we build we find a lot of people come to us because they love the area and don’t want to leave. We think it is a great site and will be popular because it is handy to a whole lot of amenities,’’ Corporate Affairs Manager David King said.
“Our next job is to find a name for the village. Ryman villages are named after respected local people, so we’d love to hear from anyone with any suggestions.’’
The village is Ryman’s eleventh in the Auckland region. Ryman has existing villages at Remuera, St Heliers, Howick, Pukekohe, Birkenhead, Orewa and Greenlane and is building new villages at Devonport, Lynfield and Lincoln Rd in West Auckland.
As well as providing construction work the village will create long-term jobs for the area. There will be roles for registered nurses, caregivers, housekeepers, activities co-ordinators and gardeners once the village is built.