Penny Forrester (Ngāti Porou), Village Manager, and Jane Smith, Sales Advisor, have both been in their roles at Kiri Te Kanawa Village for six months and enjoy the diversity of village life. “From the care centre through to independent living, it has been amazing meeting the fascinating people who come here to live and enjoy their lives,” says Penny.
Penny brings with her a wealth of experience in management and in healthcare, firstly as a Registered Nurse and more recently as the Manager of the DHB Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service. Jane has worn many hats in her working life, most recently as Advertising Manager at The Gisborne Herald, but in taking on her new role she is in her element. “I absolutely love it!” she says.
Penny recognises good care when she sees it. When a family member urgently needed hospital care and was admitted to the village she witnessed first-hand the Ryman ethos of kindness.
“I knew the village delivered good care, but I hadn’t experienced it personally. I was blown away by the superior level of nursing care the village provided.
“People were kind and that was important to me.
“I have continued to be impressed with both the care and the communication.”
Penny believes it’s important to value the residents’ pasts, listen to their stories and remember the interesting lives they led and are still leading.
Relationship building is important to both Penny and Jane. They recognise that the village is the residents’ home and consider themselves guests.
Jane says, “It’s important to remember that. I’m a very social person so I love to go and chat with the residents at happy hour and have a laugh with them.
“They’re still here doing activities when I go home in the evening - playing board games and cards or just enjoying the company of others.”
Jane was amazed at the wide selection of activities and outings that are available for residents in the village which has been a safe haven for residents during the pandemic.
Both have busy roles but are always ready to listen and do their best to help.
“I have excellent support,” says Penny, “Especially the strong clinical support from Ryman.
“Their systems are very robust, and their technology is streamlined with excellent communications to residents and their families. At a time when we are experiencing a lot of changes in our lives, Ryman are always ready and prepared for the next step.
“We offer all different levels of independence to match our residents’ needs and we ensure our residents have priority if they require a move to further care in our spacious care centre.
“My goal is to continue to develop relationships with the residents”
Jane’s bubbly personality and a delightful sense of humour is balanced with the care, compassion and understanding she has for people about to make the move to the village.
She enjoys seeing residents living their best lives and knowing she has played a part in making that happen. She says the best time to move to the village is when you can make that decision yourself and take advantage of everything it offers.
Whether it’s a townhouse, independent apartment or a serviced apartment, Jane will spend the time finding out what you’re looking for and do her very best to find your new home.
To find out more about our Kiri Te Kanawa village in Lytton West, or to arrange an appointment and tour of our village, contact Penny or Jane.
