Hopper Living

08/07/2025

25/06/2025

Hoppertunity Feature: Quickfire Q&A - Toni Hatton

How long have you worked for Hoppers?
My journey began 16 years ago in the private hospital at Maygrove Village Orewa, where, for 10 years I took on multiple roles, from Cleaner and Caregiver to Household Manager, Activities Coordinator, and Administrator. Those first ten years provided invaluable experience, not only in operations, but in humanity & care—the moments of joy, the challenges, and the importance of fostering a compassionate environment for everyone.

For me, one of the defining aspects of working for Hopper Living is its deeply rooted family values. As a family-owned business, the Hoppers have maintained a strong presence across all their villages. Their hands-on approach is really refreshing. Directors and senior managers are just as likely to be found chatting with the gardeners as they are in the boardroom. Their leadership style fosters a workplace culture of genuine inclusion, support, and professional growth.

It was during one of these senior team visits 13 years ago that I first heard about plans for a fabulous new waterway village in Whitianga. The idea immediately resonated with me, though I never imagined it would one day become my reality. Yet, true to their ethos of internal development, Hopper Living recognised my aspirations and provided me with the opportunities to grow.

The following five years saw me transition into the village itself, moving from a part-time Receptionist to Sales Manager and, eventually, Assistant Village Manager. Throughout these years, no two days were ever the same. Aged care and retirement living are demanding industries, but in my opinion, one of the most rewarding...

Read the full story on the Hoppers website 👇
https://www.hoppers.co.nz/news/hoppertunity-autumn-winter-2025/

15/06/2025

Hoppertunity Feature: Raising the bar at 89

At little over four feet ten, Avila Allsop might not strike you as a powerhouse – but underestimate her at your peril. The 89-year-old Country Club Huapai resident is a gold-medal-winning powerlifter, record-holding indoor rower, and enthusiastic quiz night competitor with a calendar so full even her diary needs a lie-down.

Born in Gisborne, with Spanish ties, and raised between Te Kuiti and Hawke’s Bay, Avila is a woman shaped by movement, purpose, and a mindset as resolute as the 70 kilograms she recently lifted to claim gold at the Downer New Zealand Masters Games.

“I just thought, why not?” she says of trying powerlifting at 86. “You’ve got to give things a go. My mother always said: ‘Try everything once, unless it’s illegal or immoral.’ I still live by that.”

That ethos has defined her golden years, guiding her through new sporting pursuits and life’s transitions.

Avila and her husband Bill raised their daughters, Fiona and Ingrid, in Remuera before relocating to a lifestyle block in Muriwai, fulfilling Bill’s dream of country living. She fondly recalls days spent gardening and enjoying the land. But when Bill passed away just three years later, Avila carried on alone...

Read the full story on the Hoppers website 👇
https://www.hoppers.co.nz/news/hoppertunity-autumn-winter-2025/

05/06/2025

The latest Hoppertunity magazine is out now!

This edition marks our third year of publication, and it’s full of fresh stories - from inspiring residents to exciting new waterfront projects, this issue celebrates the people, places and progress shaping our coastal communities.

✨ Dive into a brand-new era of marine living
💪 Meet an 89-year-old powerlifter who's still raising the bar
🏡 Explore life at The Moorings, our fastest-growing village yet
🍽 Try the ultimate Yorkshire pudding recipe from Whitianga’s waterfront

Click to read the full issue 👉 https://www.hoppers.co.nz/news/hoppertunity-autumn-winter-2025/

05/06/2025

Business View Magazine meets with Hopper Developments, a multi-generational New Zealand developer shaping lifestyle destinations through innovation, sustainability, and community-driven residential and retirement projects.

10/04/2025

20/03/2025

🌊 A Wonderful Day at The Moorings Village Whitianga! 🌊

Last Saturday, we hosted an exclusive Open Day at The Moorings Retirement Village, where special guests had the first look at our latest development progress. The event was a fantastic success, with 7 contracts signed on the day! 🎉

It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves — from exploring our beautiful villas to connecting over good conversation and laughter. The excitement was contagious, and we’re thrilled to welcome more wonderful residents to our growing coastal community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so memorable. If you’d like to learn more about life at The Moorings, get in touch with Toni today — we’d love to show you around! 😊

Toni Hatton
Village Manager
021 349 101
mooringsvillage.co.nz

23/02/2025

Join us in celebrating Toni Hatton’s incredible 16-year journey with Hopper Living! 🎉 From her early days at Maygrove Village to now leading The Moorings in Whitianga as Village Manager, Toni’s dedication and passion for retirement living shines through. 💙

Read about her inspiring journey and what makes The Moorings a truly special place! 👇

At Hopper Living, we take great pride in our people, and Toni Hatton is a shining example of our values in action. This year marks Toni’s 16th anniversary with us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled...

23/12/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Hopper family! 🎄✨

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re filled with gratitude for another year of milestones, connections, and shared successes.

We wish you and your families a safe and joyous holiday season. Here’s to an amazing 2025! 🌟

14/12/2024

Hoppertunity Feature: Retiring Waterfront

Discover the ultimate coastal retirement.
Hopper Developments offers an unparalleled retirement lifestyle with two exclusive waterfront options that seamlessly blend comfort, style, and the timeless allure of coastal living. These homes provide the perfect backdrop for retirees eager to embrace a relaxed, nature-inspired lifestyle by the water.

Read the full article on the Hoppers website:
https://www.hoppers.co.nz/news/hoppertunity-spring-summer-2024/

06/12/2024

Hoppertunity Feature: Three Greens Bloom at Maygrove Village

As children from the tiny Channel Island of Guernsey, Wilson, Clifford and Leslie Green were forced to evacuate their homes during World War II amid the German occupation. The separation would last more than five years but forged an irreplicable bond that extended to their family lives in New Zealand.

In 1955, Wilson and Clifford traded one island for another, leaving Guernsey, no larger than Lake Rotorua, for New Zealand’s North Island. Before his departure, Clifford had met Marlene – a local Guernsey girl – who joined him abroad. This was followed by the third Green brother – Leslie.

Read the full story on the Hoppers website:
https://www.hoppers.co.nz/news/hoppertunity-spring-summer-2024/