The ARC: Retirement living for women 

For women over 50 exploring retirement living options, The ARC in Rangiora offers something a little different.

It’s a modern shared living space, where each woman has her own spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom and shares fully-furnished communal areas with a handful of like-minded residents.

Rent at The ARC is affordable and all-inclusive, at just $390 per week — and there are rooms available now. Read on to learn more about this unique retirement community in North Canterbury.

What is The ARC?

The main large house at the ARC is a newly-renovated, purpose-designed retirement community located in the heart of Rangiora, just a short walk from supermarkets, cafés, pharmacies, and the town centre.

Here, women can enjoy both companionship and privacy in a home-like environment. The sunny, north-facing house includes a shared kitchen, shared dining and living areas, and a communal courtyard. All shared areas are fully furnished — residents just need to bring their own bedroom furniture.

All-inclusive rent with no buy-in fees

Founder Cara Gullick created The ARC to provide another housing option for independent women in the North Canterbury region.

Rent is $390 per week and includes:

• Power
• Hot water through out, including to all private ensuites
• Internet throughout, including in private rooms
• Grounds and garden maintenance
• Fully furnished communal areas
• Healthy Homes certification

The only additional electricity that tenants are responsible for is the usage via the power points in their private bedrooms. There are no buy-in fees and residents sign a standard tenancy agreement.

A place to call home

Inspired by the idea of a ‘safe haven’, The ARC is designed for long-term living, not short stays. Women usually begin with a 6 or 12-month tenancy, which allows time to settle in and get to know the community. After this time, longer-term tenancies are offered, giving women the chance to put down roots.

The ARC welcomes women who share these core principles:

1. Caring: We live with compassion and kindness.
2. Stability: We create a warm, secure environment where women can live their lives with dignity and long-term housing stability.
3. Community: We foster meaningful relationships based on respect, trust, and connection.

Women must also be independent (no room sharing with a partner or children) and over the age of 50.

Next Steps

All applicants go through a careful and supportive process, starting with a conversation, followed by a tour, a short application and reference checks, and a face-to-face interview.

Women from across New Zealand are welcome to enquire or join the waitlist by contacting Cara directly.