Switzer Kaitaia

16/04/2026

Over the past few weeks, residents, staff and visitors have been intently watching and talking about the progress of our Independent Living project. A real highlight has been seeing the crane in action, lifting and placing the upper levels — an exciting sight for everyone! 🏗️

14/04/2026

🍁 Our Autumn Newsletter from Switzer is here! Inside, you’ll find highlights and updates on all that has been happening in our community over recent months.

Find out what the residents and staff at 71 South Road have been doing!

13/04/2026

So much going on in our home happenings this week – there’s something for everyone! 😊🎨🎶

11/04/2026

Kia ora whānau and dear Switzer community,
Just a gentle heads-up from us here at Switzer, there’s currently a civil defence watch in place for the Far North as we keep an eye on the weather.
Please know that we’re fully prepared and ready. Our team has a robust sheltering-in-place plan that follows the Kaitaia community evacuation plan, and for our residents this is by far the safest and most appropriate approach. Moving everyone during uncertain conditions can be really challenging, so staying safely together right here is our priority.
To support this, we’re well set up with:
• A substantial generator that keeps all essential services running smoothly
• Our large commercial kitchen ready for sustained meal service
• Strong clinical, staffing, and emergency protocols in place
• Plenty of supplies and reliable infrastructure to keep things operating comfortably

Our wonderful staff are calm, experienced, and focused on keeping every resident safe, warm, and well cared for, just as we always do.
We’re thinking of everyone across Te Hiku and the wider Far North. Stay safe, look out for one another, and follow the latest Civil Defence updates.

Ngā mihi mahana, and much aroha to you all 🫶�Tina Mills and the Switzer team�

09/04/2026

What a wonderful day we had at Switzer! 🌿✨ We enjoyed a special session of flax weaving 🧶 with local school students who generously gave their time during the holidays to share their skills. Their presence brought such a warm and vibrant atmosphere to the Eden Room, filled with conversation, laughter, storytelling, and creativity 😊🪢
It was truly heartwarming to see residents so engaged—many were already asking, “When are you coming back?” 💛 This experience was especially meaningful as the interest in flax weaving first began with one of our residents, who gathered books and collected flax, eager to learn. It was so special to see that passion come to life and be shared with others 🌱

06/04/2026

🌟 This Week’s Home Happenings 🌟
🎨 Lots to do • 🎲 Plenty of choice • Come along and join in

05/04/2026

🐇🐰🐣🐤🪺Some pictures from our Switzer Easter egg hunt, with hidden eggs bringing smiles all around!

01/04/2026

Betty from Switzer proudly gave, on behalf of Switzer, a LEGO donation to the Te Ahu Library after-school programme! 🧱

Te Ahu Manager Ange warmly accepted the donation and invited residents to visit soon to see what the children create over the holidays.

Earlier this year, Switzer staff and residents made a LEGO display for International LEGO Day that created much delight and interest. This gesture of a donation to Te Ahu after school programme was an initiative that stemmed from this event.

31/03/2026

On a recent van outing, residents witnessed the aftermath of last week’s devastating torrential rain and flooding in Kaitaia. The extent of the damage was especially clear at the northern end of town, where the Bell Road bridge had overflowed its banks, across Lake Tangonge, and at the wooden bridge on the Te Ahu Loop, where water levels had risen dramatically.
Residents were deeply moved by what they saw — a sobering reminder of the force of nature and the impact it has had on the community. 💛

30/03/2026

Home Happenings at Switzer This Week 🌼🐣 including some Easter Celebrations and services ⛪🐰

26/03/2026

With the weather conditions today 🌧️, we kept the mood up with spontaneous creative fun indoors! Beading was a big hit organised by our Wellbeing Coordinator Lisa 🎨✨, and residents also enjoyed some impromptu sing‑alongs 🎶😄.

25/03/2026

A big thank you to the Girl Guides organised by Dawn Pierce, who visited Switzer on Tuesday to entertain and spend time with our residents. Your time and kindness brought so much joy — ka pai! 😊