Latest Ryman news

Lockdown no block to new residents securing their future

Written by Maryvonne Gray
on September 21, 2021

Like everyone else in New Zealand, Sales Advisors Rosalind Hayhoe and Carolyn MacDonell were dismayed to find themselves going into Level 4 lockdown just hours after they had shifted into their new office, now located within the village entrance.

The latest apartment plans at Keith Park Retirement Village had just been released to the public a week earlier and sales were already going at an impressive pace.

“We’ve continued to assist people still looking into their retirement options,” says Carolyn.

“We did an information presentation online which was a great success.

“One person who couldn’t watch it live was pleased to receive the link which he quickly sent on to his parents to view.”

For those wanting to join the Scott Road village, which now has 38 residents living in the first two apartment blocks, you have until late 2022 to get yourselves organised before moving in.

“It just takes the pressure off. There’s a bit of panic in the broader real estate market with people wanting to sell their homes but not sure where they will go due to properties selling so fast,” says Rosalind.

“Whereas here you can buy off the plan and secure your new home at the village, and still have six months to sell your home – so you’ve got plenty of time to get organised and de-clutter!”

As a special thank you to those who had recently signed contracts but were still enduring Level 4 restrictions while the rest of the country enjoyed the delights of Level 2, Ryman sent out thoughtful gift boxes containing goodies including wine, chocolate, yummy relishes, crostini and brownie.

Says Carolyn: “People were saying things like they didn’t believe it was for them and they hadn’t even moved in yet!”

Adds Rosalind: “A lot of them were quite surprised and overwhelmed.

“One couple said it had arrived on their 60th wedding anniversary. They hadn’t been able to celebrate it with family and friends but they rang to say they would be having a celebratory drink with the wine.

“She said she knew choosing Ryman was the right way to go, and how the company was so kind and this just proved it.”

It is this factor and knowing they work for a company with such an enviable reputation that Carolyn and Rosalind say allows them to speak with total authenticity when meeting people at the start of their Ryman journey.

“We bring them along on that journey while their new home is being built, but a huge amount of credit goes to the village teams who fulfil those promises we’re talking about. It’s really down to a lot of teamwork from everybody,” Rosalind says.

Right from the start of the first residents moving in, there is a great vibe at happy hour, activities such as crafting, bridge, Mah Jong and movies have kicked off and quite a few love the flat geography which is perfect for walking or cycling, and close to supermarkets too.

“We’re selling a dream to a lot of these people,” says Carolyn. “It’s something they aspire to and being able to see it becoming a reality and loving it after just a couple of months under the care of our amazing village manager Kim is what earns that trust.

“You know that what we’re telling people is genuinely true and that is huge. Once our residents move in they really feel the love of Ryman and that’s very very special.”

And even through lockdown the benefits of village life have come to fore.

Three residents who live on their own have formed a bubble of three and have found they have so much in common.

“One lady was living in One Tree Point in Northland so she would have been on her own out in the community during lockdown so she’s just loving the fact that she’s not alone now.”

If you are interested in viewing the online information presentation on
the latest release of apartments, please contact Rosalind on 0800 512 502 or
Carolyn on
0800 512 442.

About Ryman Healthcare:

Ryman was founded in 1984 and has become one of New Zealand’s largest listed companies. The company owns and operates 45 retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia which are home to more than 13,900 residents and the company employs 6,800 team members.

Media advisory: For further information, photos, interviews or comment please contact Group Corporate Affairs Manager Silke Marsh on +64 27 294 3609 or Communications Advisor Maryvonne Gray on 027 552 0767.

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