Oceania

30/07/2025

Kath Des Forges QSM is no stranger to colour or creativity.

A lifelong textile artist and former president of New Zealand’s Embroidery Association, Kath once sewed curtains for London’s iconic Globe Theatre. Now at Awatere Retirement Village, she’s brought that same flair to her flexi apartment – complete with William Morris wallpaper and a patio full of roses.

“I thought, ‘Why not?’ I love colour, I love fabric. Why shouldn’t I have the things I love just because I’m in a village? The staff have gone out of their way. Anything will be considered – it may not always be possible, but they’ll listen. The results are just what I wanted.”

Twelve months in, Kath is still living boldly – hosting Devonshire teas, playing mahjong, and proving that village life is anything but dull.

Read her story on the inside cover of the Autumn 2025 issue of Nourish Magazine (Waikato).

Issue here: https://nourishmagazine.co.nz/autumn-2025-waikato/

09/07/2025

Oceania’s Resident Services Manager, Zeenat Farzana, was recently featured in AgedPlus Magazine reflecting on her journey from nursing in Fiji to enriching resident experiences at our Elmwood Care Suites in South Auckland.

With over nine years in aged care, Zeenat brings compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to quality care. For her, this work is more than a job - it’s a calling.

To read more about how Zeenat unites clinical, kitchen, and front-of-house teams to create a seamless, supportive environment for residents, check out the issue below. We’re lucky to have you on the team Zeenat - thank you for everything you do

Issue here: https://agedplus.co.nz/2025/05/28/may-2025/

24/06/2025

Earlier this month, in celebration of World Environment Day, residents across five Oceania villages in Auckland took a virtual dive beneath the surface, exploring the wonders of our marine environment thanks to a special partnership with environmental charity BLAKE.

The BLAKE VR experience brought Aotearoa’s underwater ecosystems to life in a fully immersive format, rekindling memories of time spent by the sea and sparking meaningful conversations about the importance of protecting our marine life.

One resident summed it up beautifully:
"I'm 99 years old and I'm surprised I can still learn things! I can't wait to tell my great, great grandchildren about it! It was marvellous!"

19/06/2025

Last week, we were proud to be recognised at the Property Council New Zealand Awards for our Awatere Village redevelopment which won an Excellence Award for Retirement Living and Aged Care.

This multi-year project transformed the original site into a modern, connected community for older New Zealanders.

We couldn't have achieved this without our exceptional partners: Chow:Hill Architects, Watts & Hughes Construction, and the many consultants and contractors who contributed their expertise throughout every stage.

We would also like to acknowledge the dedication of our project team and Awatere staff that makes this village truly special.

We're honoured to be recognised among such strong finalists and grateful to the Property Council and judges for this acknowledgement.

10/06/2025

To mark World Environment Day, Oceania residents picked up their paintbrushes for The Art of Conservation - a special charity auction supporting the New Zealand Nature Fund and its work to protect Aotearoa’s precious biodiversity.

Together, they raised over $1,000, with every dollar going directly to conservation efforts.

One of the highlights was at Lady Allum Care Centre, where residents embraced the occasion with all-day art sessions and an on-site exhibition for families, staff and fellow residents.

The most popular piece? Coromandel Hills by a Meadowbank Village resident - drawing 11 bids and won by one of our Hawke’s Bay village managers.

05/06/2025

Yesterday marked a proud milestone for Oceania with the official opening of the Ōrākei Dementia Care Centre at Meadowbank Village.

This purpose-built centre completes the full continuum of care at Meadowbank, encompassing everything from independent living to rest home, hospital, and now specialist dementia care, all within one connected and supportive community.

Thoughtfully designed around a person-centred model, the new Ōrākei Building offers a safe, homelike environment that promotes dignity, independence, and holistic wellbeing for residents living with dementia.

A heartfelt thank you to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson for joining us to cut the ribbon, and to our residents, families, and team members who made the day so special.

03/06/2025

In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, Oceania is proud to present The Art of Conservation - a special online art auction featuring works by some of our talented residents.

Over the past few months, we have challenged residents to create original artwork which reflects the theme of environmental conservation. We have been overwhelmed by the thought, care, and beauty of the pieces submitted, showing the creativity of our people across Aotearoa.

Now we are auctioning a select few pieces of original art with all proceeds going to NZ Nature Fund, which works to protect New Zealand’s natural environment and wildlife.

To explore the artworks and place your bids for a great cause - visit https://www.32auctions.com/theartofconservation

29/05/2025

We’re so excited to share that we’re finalists in two categories at the Retirement Villages Association Sustainability Awards!

Our team has been working hard to make our villages more eco-friendly – things like switching to LED lights, adding solar panels, using water-saving tapware, phasing out diesel, and designing new villages without gas. Every little change adds up, and we’re proud to be recognised for it in the Operator-Led Sustainability category!

Even more special is the recognition of our wonderful residents at Eversley Care Centre, who are finalists in the Resident-Led Sustainability category. Their project, ‘Waste Not, Want Not’, is all about sharing clever ideas from their own experiences to reduce waste and live more sustainably, together.

The winners will be announced at the RVA Conference Gala on 17 June. Wish us luck – we’ll have our fingers crossed! 🤞

12/05/2025

Today, we honour the incredible nurses who go above and beyond every single day.

Your compassion, resilience, and dedication make a lasting difference to residents, families, and your teams.

To celebrate International Nurses Day, we’re proud to share the stories of some of our exceptional nurses and clinical team members at Oceania — from what inspired them to join the profession, to the moments that have made them proud to be a nurse.

Thank you for the care, heart, and dedication you bring to your work each and every day.

09/05/2025

Meet Ross Purves — Eldernet’s very first Resident of the Year and a much-loved member of The Oaks community!

Since moving in with his late wife Mary seven years ago, Ross has become a true cornerstone of village life. Whether he's organising bowls, lending a hand to fellow residents, or volunteering at the local hospice, Ross brings warmth and generosity wherever he goes.

The Press recently sat down with Ross for Our Kiwi Home, a series celebrating inspiring Cantabrians and their stories.

Read more about why Ross is lovingly known as "Mr. Sunshine" and what makes life at The Oaks so special.

Eldernet’s Resident of the Year Ross Pruves shares how life at a Christchurch retirement village has helped him turn personal loss into community purpose and connection.

01/05/2025

From supporting young musicians to supporting older New Zealanders, Debbie Little's journey is one of purpose, connection, and family.

After over two decades in the music industry, Debbie stepped in to help her parents explore retirement options. That decision led not only to a new home for her family — but also a new career for Debbie.

Today, she’s Sales Manager at The Helier, the very community her parents now call home.

Debbie brings empathy, energy, and a deep understanding of what matters most when making life’s big transitions. Her story is a beautiful example of how personal experience can lead to professional passion — and we’re proud to have her as part of the Oceania family.

Read more in the Eastern Bays Courier: https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/eastern-bays-courier/20250430/page/13

27/04/2025

We’re thrilled to share that our Awatere Village in Hamilton is a finalist in the Property Council New Zealand Property Awards! 🏆

This is a proud moment for all of us, and it’s thanks to the incredible community we’ve built together. Awatere isn’t just a place to live - it’s a place to thrive. From the beautiful edible gardens and riverside walking tracks to the cozy resident bar, cinema, and shared library spaces - everything here has been designed with wellbeing and connection in mind.

A huge thank you to our amazing residents, team, and partners who help make Awatere such a special place.