The Lodge at Franklin village. 44 McNally Road, Pukekohe, Auckland
A brand-new retirement village is underway in Pukekohe — and it’s set to raise the bar for what retirement living can be. Designed and built with exceptional attention to detail, including a Homestar 7 rating, it ticks all the right boxes: modern, elegant, and environmentally friendly.
Best of all, The Lodge – its vibrant community centre – will be open from day one to welcome residents, and villas are already open for viewing now.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this village special and why there’s already so much excitement ahead of its opening in early 2026.
A deeply thoughtful design
Right from the start, the focus has been on designing a village that fosters a strong sense of community and connection. This commitment shows in every sunlit space, tree-lined walkway, and carefully considered detail.
“Our goal was to design a village where connection comes naturally,” says Gareth Wright, Oceania’s Head of Design.
It’s important to us that the village feels open and welcoming. We’re not trying to create a gated community — we want residents to feel connected to the wider neighbourhood, and to each other.”
This philosophy of openness and connection flows through the entire site. Instead of boundary fences and dead-end streets, residents will find wide, walkable boulevards, shared green spaces, and shaded pathways that lead to The Lodge, the village’s community centre.
The Lodge will be open on day one – a welcome difference from many other new villages, where residents often wait months or years for construction to be complete.
“The Lodge is placed right at the centre of the village, so it can act as the social heart of the community,” explains Gareth.
“We’ve also designed smaller neighbourhoods, so each group of villas has its own gathering spot — whether that’s a shared garden, a BBQ area, or a small orchard — perfect for residents to enjoy each other’s company close to home.”
Comfortable, climate-conscious living
Underpinning Franklin Retirement Village’s thoughtful design is a deep commitment to quality. Each villa has achieved a Homestar 7 rating — an impressive standard that means better insulation, healthier air, and potentially lower power bills.
“If you’re moving out of an older family home with poor insulation or no LED lighting, you’ll really notice the comfort — and hopefully the savings,” says Gareth.
So, what does that look like in practice? High levels of insulation in the ceilings, walls, and under the floor slabs, resulting in airtight homes that are easier to heat and cool. There’s also mechanical ventilation for better air quality, plus LED lighting, a heat pump, and even a rainwater system.
The Lodge — the village’s central community space — is also targeting a Greenstar 5 rating. And beyond the buildings themselves, the village is working toward Greenstar Communities certification: a leading sustainability standard that evaluates everything from community connection to energy use, transport, and long-term environmental impact.
The framework is designed to foster meaningful engagement and drive impactful results. It’s a holistic framework that keeps us accountable — not just to the environment, but to our residents’ wellbeing,” says Janette Watkin, Executive Operations Manager at Oceania.
For residents, it all adds up to healthier homes, lower bills, and a more connected way of living.
Smart design meets stunning style
The villas at Franklin Village are more than just practical, high-performing homes — they are stylish, beautiful spaces designed around real feedback from future residents.
“We’ve listened closely to what people want,” explains Cameron Dorward, Oceania’s Head of Development and Delivery.
“People told us what matters: details like thoughtful landscaping, extra storage, and space for a double-door fridge were top of mind. We’ve made sure these features are part of the design.”
Each villa features soaring ceilings — up to five metres at the apex — and open-plan living areas that flow to private patios through wide ranch sliders. Every home is positioned to face northeast or northwest, making the most of the sun throughout the day.
Accessibility and everyday ease have also been carefully considered. All villas offer level entry from the front door through to the patio and into the shower — there are no small steps to navigate. There’s ample built-in storage, plus a practical laundry in the garage.
Residents can choose from a range of layouts, from two-bedroom, one-bathroom villas to spacious three-bedroom options with two bathrooms and a study. Every villa includes an internal access garage — either single or double.
Importantly, the village’s masterplan is flexible. If there’s a strong demand for particular villa types, Oceania has the ability to adapt the next phase of development to deliver more of what people want.
“We’re not locked into one version of what the village has to be,” says Cameron. “It will grow and evolve alongside the residents.”
A lifestyle designed around you
Life at Franklin Retirement Village will be shaped by those who call it home. This resident-led approach is part of what sets the village apart, and it aligns with the principles behind becoming a certified Greenstar Community.
Greenstar Communities are measured against the internationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give. These principles provide a framework for supporting residents’ wellbeing in a holistic way — not through top-down programming, but by creating opportunities for people to shape their own community experience.
Once people move in, we’ll shape the lifestyle offering together,” says Sales Manager Megan Wallace.
“It’s not up to me to decide the best time for happy hour or the best group activities — we want to hear from residents and what they want.”
Central to this vision is The Lodge, which will be ready from day one. Designed to support wellbeing and connection, The Lodge will include a café, pool, spa, gym, cinema, and bowling green. Nearby, there will also be The Workshop, a multipurpose space equipped with sinks for hands-on activities such pottery, gardening, and DIY.
Together, these spaces reflect the village’s commitment to creating a connected and vibrant community. Every detail matters — from the architectural design to the social activities on the calendar
Be part of something new — ready Jan 2026
Franklin Retirement Village will soon be humming with activity, a moment Megan eagerly anticipates. When asked what she’s most looking forward to, she smiles: “Just seeing people living here, enjoying their lives, participating in events they’ve helped shape. I picture the café full, laughter in the air, families visiting — that’s what I can’t wait for.”
While construction continues, villas are already open for walk-throughs, and The Lodge will be fully operational as soon as the first residents arrive.
Call Megan now on 09 269 0790 to book a tour and see what sets Franklin Village apart.
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