A new innings for Richard Hadlee Retirement Village
With a new village centre set to open 5 October, residents at Richard Hadlee Village are delighted to have a vibrant new hub for the community’s thriving social scene. “It’s an exciting time for the whole community,” says Village Manager Maya Daniel.
The village centre offers a range of recreational spaces for social gatherings, group activities and popular music evenings. "We've got lots of readers here, so the library space will be perfect for book club,” says Maya. "The cafe's going to be in high demand, and the bar as well."
The adjacent workshop offers handy residents space to work on woodwork projects, while a dedicated craft room offers plenty of space to spread out.
Maya says the vibe at Richard Hadlee is youthful and active, thanks in part to the village’s prime location in Northwood, Christchurch, close to the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve's walking tracks and biking trails. "A lot of residents are really looking forward to the new gym, pool and spa," says Maya.
The new village centre will be the heart of the village and houses premium amenities, serviced apartments and the care centre.
A range of living options with full continuity of care
Alongside the village centre, the opening of a new care centre and serviced apartments realise a long-held vision bringing together community, care and connection, all on one site. "We wanted to build a village where couples can stay together, even if one partner's needs change down the track," says Maya.
The new serviced apartments are in high demand, with many residents attracted to the flexibility of Ryman Select. Available at selected Ryman villages, "It offers a more personalised approach to serviced apartment living, allowing residents to select and pay for additional services as their needs change."
The adjacent care centre offers rest home, hospital and specialist dementia care across a 15-bed special care unit and 45 care suites and premium rooms.
When someone moves into care, they don't have to uproot everything," Maya says. "Couples and families can continue enjoying the village amenities together, with living options to suit each partner."
While a place in care is always subject to availability, being part of the wider Ryman network means nearby villages offer additional care options close by. "We know that for some families this continuity of care was a deciding factor in choosing Richard Hadlee, so it's wonderful to see the vision coming to life."
The new village centre will be the heart of the village and houses premium amenities, serviced apartments and the care centre.
Opportunity at your door
Jennie Williams and her husband never expected to move into a retirement village, but three years on, Richard Hadlee has been a "brilliant decision." We haven't regretted it at all."
The couple arrived in 2023, leaving behind a three-bedroom house they'd thought was their forever home. "My husband got sick of the gardening so we were happy to let that go," says Jennie. Downsizing had bonuses too: "The kids won't have to sort out our stuff," while visiting family in Tauranga is now as simple as "lock up and leave."
Jennie's week includes line dancing ("great for cognitive and physical fitness, although I trip over myself more than anything else"), learning Mah Jong, a weekly happy hour and the occasional Sip and Paint session ("great fun").
While her husband led the move, Jennie hasn't looked back. "It's such a different lifestyle, but we're not constrained in any way."
Jennie says she often thinks about those who say they're not ready for village life.
If they just realised how good the lifestyle is. You can do as much or as little as you like, and there are opportunities you don't get at home. When you're in your own place it's easy to sit there and let things go on around you. Here, when things are happening just outside, you think 'I'll go and try that today'.”
The fantastic amenities that residents can enjoy (artist impressions)
Care that's "good enough for Mum and Dad"
As the project neared completion, one of Maya's most important tasks had nothing to do with construction or interior design. "We put a lot of careful thought into recruiting our team for both the village centre and the care facility."
Ryman's guiding principle is that care should be "good enough for Mum and Dad. "That means we're not just looking for skilled and experienced staff, but people we'd genuinely trust to take care of our own loved ones."
With the team now in place, Maya is looking forward to seeing the new spaces full of life. With serviced apartments, a full service care centre and a new village centre about to open, there's a lot on offer at Richard Hadlee Retirement Village. Talk to the team to find out more.
Discover life at Richard Hadlee Retirement Village
A move to a serviced apartment should be exciting, not overwhelming. That's why Ryman is offering $10,000* back when you sign up to a serviced apartment at Richard Hadlee Village by 31 December 2026. It's perfect to use towards moving and packing costs, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
*Terms and Conditions apply
Find out more:
Maya Daniel
Village Manager
