Holly Lea Village News
Cultivating Excellence
General Interest
17th Mar 2025
Generus Living is committed to delivering the highest standard of care to its residents. A key aspect of this commitment is the continuous professional development of its teams,...
Wrong Tree, Wrong Place
Living Magazine
27th Feb 2025
Once they get established, wilding pines spread quickly, threatening our unique natural environments and regional economies....
History! Culture! Flamenco!
Living Magazine
27th Feb 2025
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Seville is a city that pulsates with Iberian energy, captivating visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and passionate flamenco rhythms....
The EV Explainer
Living Magazine
5th Feb 2025
The decision to ‘go electric’ can be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from environmental concerns to economic considerations and practicality....
That’s the Spirit!
Living Magazine
22nd Jan 2025
Whether savoured in a lowball glass or admired on the shelf of a collector’s cabinet, whiskey continues to embody a spirit of craftsmanship, timelessness, and exploration – a genuine liquid legacy that evolves with each passing year....
A Sense of Place
Living Magazine
8th Jan 2025
From local growers to the keepers of the land and her own childhood memories of Matakana, community remains as important as cuisine to Kate Rose of the Farmer’s Daughter Espresso Bar and Dining Room....
In a Pickle
Living Magazine
19th Dec 2024
Often described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, the unlikely named sport of Pickleball has become a genuine phenomenon in places like the United States and Europe....
A New Lease on Life
Living Magazine
26th Nov 2024
The Pearson House refurbishment project is a labour of love bound within historic parameters. What does it take to bring a category one heritage listed Neo-Georgian beauty back to life?...
The Beautiful Lie
Living Magazine
21st Nov 2024
In creating the actual out of the imagined, Sir Grahame Sydney’s singular aesthetic is astonishing in its detail. Yet such awe-inspiring power and quiet drama on the canvas is hard fought and won in the studio....
The Musical Highlights at Holly Lea Village
General Interest
20th Aug 2024
Music has a unique power to bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and community. At Holly Lea Village, this truth resonates deeply, as recent musical events have entertained as well as strengthened the bonds among residents....
Striking a chord: Pianist Lixin Zhang delights residents at fundraising concert
Holly Lea Events
1st Aug 2024
Holly Lea Village residents gathered for the third time to enjoy a performance by accomplished young pianist Lixin Zhang, while also helping to raise funds for the Neville Baird Impact Program....
The Magic Table: Enhancing quality of life
Holly Lea
6th May 2024
Combining health and wellbeing with innovative technology, the Tovertafel is a valuable tool that is enhancing the quality of life for residents at Holly Lea Village. Also known as the Magic Table, the Tovertafel provides interactive and engaging features to stimulate cognitive function, promote social interaction and boost overall wellness....
Holly Lea Village's Award-Winning Gardens
Holly Lea
26th Apr 2024
The award-winning gardens at Holly Lea Village have been recognised in the Christchurch Beautifying Association’s Summer Garden Competition, earlier this year....
How to stay active and healthy in retirement
General Interest
25th Jan 2024
Making the most out of your retirement means staying healthy, active, and happy. This article helps identify some of the key areas you may want to focus on in order to make the most out of your retirement years....
Yoga for Better Sleep: How Seniors Can Improve Sleep Quality and Quantity
General Interest
16th Nov 2023
Sleep is something that some people can struggle with their whole lives, whereas others develop sleep issues when stressed, or as they age. Sleep is one of those things we often overlook when talking about health, but it is truly one of the most marvellous parts of human evolution....
A Passion for Care
Holly Lea
14th Aug 2023
Juliane Brand never dreamed that immigrating to New Zealand would lead to a new direction in her career and a passion for Kiwi life and aged care. Despite initially being reluctant about the move from South Africa with her husband and children in 2006, it proved to be a turning point that propelled her towards new opportunities and a passion for her new country....
Dealing with Dementia
Holly Lea
18th Jul 2023
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities that is severe enough to impact a person's daily life....
Fendalton Care Centre to offer a new level of boutique residential care
Holly Lea Events
30th Mar 2023
A boutique Care Centre within Holly Lea retirement village in Fendalton is opening today, offering the latest advances and comforts in personalised residential care, including a specialised memory support unit....
A Journey of Self-Discovery: Noelene Boag's Memoir "A Pilgrim's Journey"
Holly Lea Events
22nd Mar 2023
A launch was held at Holly Lea Village at the end of last year for resident Noelene Boag’s self-published book, A Pilgrim’s Journey. Over 100 people gathered including fellow residents, staff, family, media, and the Christchurch Mayoress. Also among the attendees was award-winning television journalist and author Jehan Casinader, whose own book was Noelene’s inspiration....
The Benefits of Yoga and Meditation for All Ages
General Interest
30th Nov 2022
Many people over the age of 60 will write off yoga as something they’re unable to do because of their lack of flexibility. However, yoga is not just about physical ability and flexibility – in fact, it is a practice that aims to find holistic healing of the inner landscape by linking mind and body....
Healthy Eating After 75: Important Things to Remember
General Interest
25th Nov 2022
Healthy eating is important at any stage of life, but this is especially true as we reach retirement. When it comes to senior care and support, if you can get the balance right with your nutrition, you can keep doing all the activities you enjoy while also offsetting fatigue and aches and pains—plus you can keep a healthy natural glow....
The Future of Care: A Focus on Innovation
Holly Lea
18th Nov 2022
The number of people over the age of 75 is steadily increasing, but the number of care facilities available is not keeping up with demand. By 2050, the number of people in this age group will triple. The world is getting older, and as science advances and we all live longer – the question becomes all the more pressing: How can we do a better job of caring for the older members of our population in a way that is both state-of-the-art, and values the individual?...
A Checklist to Help You Choose a Residential Care Facility
General Interest
13th Sep 2022
Suppose you are searching for a unique residential care facility with luxury touches and a contemporary medical service that hums behind the scenes. In that case, you should read on to discover why more seniors retire in Christchurch. At the retirement village Christchurch seniors prefer, it’s all about the details, where elegance meets care in unique, personalised and thoughtful ways....
Plastic Free July: Embracing the Challenge
Corporate News
29th Jul 2022
Plastic Free July is a global initiative that encourages individuals to become more aware of just how much single-use plastic we are using in our everyday lives – and how we can reduce it....
Why Are More Seniors Choosing to Retire in Christchurch?
General Interest
16th Feb 2022
The city has seen a recent construction boom, allowing the senior population to be accommodated with many new retirement homes in Christchurch. Living in Christchurch as a senior means that you will be a part of a large community filled with like-minded people....
The Silver Linings of Lockdown
General Interest
7th Dec 2021
It’s long been said that it is only in darkness that you can see the stars. It’s a beautiful expression that hints at the power of perspective and how we can find silver linings in the darkest of situations....
What is the difference between aged care and a retirement village?
General Interest
8th Sep 2021
Considering a lifestyle change as you enter the next chapter in your life? An important part of the planning process involves deciding whether a retirement village or aged care is a better fit for your needs....
Living the life you choose
Holly Lea
28th Jun 2021
At Holly Lea, we want you to live your life the way you’d like it to be, not as you’re told it has to be. Once you have chosen your home, we will bring all the services and care you need to you....
10 questions to ask a retirement village before making it your home
General Interest
9th Apr 2021
Choosing the best retirement village for your needs isn’t always easy. To get a better understanding of what’s on offer, we strongly recommend visiting a number of different retirement homes and having a chat with staff and residents about life in the village....
Combining heart with history
Holly Lea
13th Nov 2020
Kindness and compassion have long been regarded as foundational attributes of quality retirement care and, for Fendalton retirement village Holly Lea, those qualities are ingrained in both its heart and history....
Sunny side up
General Interest
13th Nov 2020
In the wake of COVID-19, the world has a long road to recovery – socially, physically, practically and emotionally....
Kindle screen vs normal screen for reading
General Interest
13th Nov 2020
From the traditional paperback to digital devices, it seems our reading materials have undergone a technological transformation....
Grandparents' role in society valued
General Interest
12th Nov 2020
Grandparent: family historian, nurturer, mentor, role model, playmate, wizard, and hero. There is no doubt that grandparents play a significant role in the lives of many New Zealand families, providing support across a wide range of areas....
Nurturing memory, clarity and cognition
General Interest
12th Nov 2020
Your brain isn’t ever something you were told you needed to take care of however, emerging evidence shows the importance of certain dietary patterns,...
Super powered snaps
General Interest
12th Nov 2020
It seems that since mobile phones first burst onto the technological scene in the 1980s there’s been no limits to their capabilities. Now even the cameras on our phones are capable of doing cooler things than ever before....
Finding joy at home
General Interest
6th Jul 2020
The sage advice of Japanese organising consultant Marie Kondo has resonated far and wide....
Staying connected
General Interest
6th Jul 2020
Did you know that half of older New Zealanders experience some degree of loneliness? The recent COVID-19 lockdown has created a greater awareness of social isolation and loneliness and its harmful physical and mental impacts....
On the horizon at Holly Lea
Holly Lea
6th Jul 2020
In the heart of leafy Fendalton, just a stone’s throw away from the ambient Mona Vale gardens, and walking distance from some of Christchurch’s most well-regarded shops, cafés and restaurants, is the equally esteemed, Holly Lea....
An interview with Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
General Interest
1st Mar 2020
I’m not the first woman to juggle work and being a mother – and like almost every parent, I have become very practised at multitasking!...
Holly Lea's Morven Apartments
Holly Lea
21st Nov 2019
The new highly-anticipated Morven Apartments at Holly Lea are due to make their debut in mid-2020. This architecturally designed building, made up of eight spacious two-bedroom apartments is progressing quickly....
Overcoming Loneliness
General Interest
21st Nov 2019
Loneliness is something we can all relate to. As we move into retirement, it’s a topic that often comes into sharper focus....
Preserving your Memories
General Interest
21st Nov 2019
Facing mortality can be an uncomfortable process, but in thinking about the final chapter, it offers the opportunity to reflect on an amazing past. Many choose to preserve these memories in an autobiography or memoir....
Lonely?
General Interest
7th Aug 2019
Have you ever been surrounded by lots of people, yet felt like you were entirely alone? Well, you're not the only one according to researchers at Auckland University of Technology....
For our children
Holly Lea
6th Aug 2019
We are accustomed to our children personifying vibrance; a radiant vision of endless energy. So when our children are not well, it tests everything we know to be true and rocks us to our core....
Documenting humans & history - Book Review
General Interest
27th Jun 2019
Invaluable wisdom, charismatic charm, a profound appreciation of the past and present, and a fundamental appreciation of the fact that tomorrow is never promised - it all comes with the beautiful thing we call ‘age’....
Taking care of the future - Enduring Power of Attorney
General Interest
27th Jun 2019
If you lose the ability to organise your own affairs, it’s essential to have somebody available to do it on your behalf....
An ‘app’- etite for Silver Tech
General Interest
27th Jun 2019
Who said that millennials are the only ones with their finger on the technological pulse? The app market is rich in options for everyone, regardless of age....
One on One with the Honourable Tracey Martin
General Interest
25th Jun 2019
The Honourable Tracey Martin has been the Minister of Seniors since October 2017. A great believer in giving back to the community, she talks to us about her role and her vision....
Honey for Health
General Interest
25th Jun 2019
Humans have used honey for thousands of years. Rock art dating back to 8000 BC depicts honey harvesting, and the Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans used it to heal wounds, and to treat fevers and stomach ailments....
A new look for Fendalton - The Morven Apartments in high demand
Holly Lea
25th Jun 2019
With its distinct elegance and beautifully manicured grounds, Holly Lea Village sets the scene for luxurious living....
The tradition continues at Holly Lea
Holly Lea
19th Nov 2018
Holly Lea Village has always had its own distinct elegance, exuding sophistication and warmth from the moment you step inside this beautiful retirement village, within its setting of stunning landscaped gardens....
Bay of Plenty eco retirement village hits ground running
Corporate News
26th Jul 2018
The new eco-retirement village on Grenada Street, Papamoa, is set to inject over $250 million into the Bay of Plenty region’s booming economy and provide 350 new homes to the area...
A life less ordinary
General Interest
24th May 2018
Annabel Langbein is a beloved daughter of the nation; her locally focused, user‑friendly recipes and loyalty to the food landscape in New Zealand make it impossible not to cherish and celebrate all she offers....
Holly Lea transformation
Holly Lea
24th May 2018
Holly Lea Village is looking transformed with the community facility renovation nearly complete....
Protect yourself from scams – don’t be a victim!
General Interest
24th May 2018
The internet is a fantastic tool, but it also brings with it risks and danger. Last year, New Zealanders reported losing more than $10 million to online scams and fraud, as well as phone scams....
Relax with D.I.Y. Massage
General Interest
16th Apr 2018
Life is fast-paced and to maintain balance it is important to reduce stress by incorporating a healthy mix of leisure activities and relaxation techniques to relax and unwind....
St Patrick's Day at Holly Lea
Holly Lea
17th Mar 2018
We celebrate St Patrick’s Day each year, however how many of us actually know the history behind the day?...
Butchers are back
General Interest
30th Jan 2018
It doesn't seem like so long ago that we all supported small local businesses. Now while most of us have nothing against supermarkets, they are rather convenient after all, some of us do miss the relationships that were built up over the years,...
McLean's Mansion
General Interest
30th Jan 2018
Made of Kauri, Christchurch’s iconic McLean’s Mansion is one of the world’s largest wooden houses and was the biggest residential building of its kind in New Zealand at the time it was built between April 1899 and September 1900....
Help, I've been shot!
General Interest
24th Nov 2017
Try this scenario. You are one of fifty people standing in a bank when a gunman runs in to rob the bank. A single shot is fired and hits you in the arm....
Q+A with Waimairi Ward Councillor Raf Manji
General Interest
24th Nov 2017
Raf Manji plays an important role in the political and social leadership of the Fendalton-Waimairi area where Russley Retirement Village resides....
Health Insights
General Interest
24th Nov 2017
The change in seasons warrants a new plan of action to ensure peak mental and physical wellbeing for the months ahead as well as a consideration of how to combat seasonally related ailments....
Queenstown: eat, explore and be enlightened
General Interest
24th Nov 2017
Queenstown is the jewel in Otago’s crown. Built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on sparkling Lake Wakatipu, it boasts panoramic views of The Remarkables,...
Major Changes Afoot for both The Russley & Holly Lea Villages
Holly Lea
11th Oct 2017
Major changes are afoot for Holly Lea Village. The beginning of the community facility renovation is well underway with the opening of the fully refurbished dining room celebrated in July....
Healthy Herbal Teas
General Interest
18th Apr 2017
Teas made from herbs are not only pleasurable to drink, they can also be used to help maintain health and well-being. What's more, they're refreshing and can easily be grown and dried at home, ready for the pot....
A Luxury Local Spot
General Interest
10th Apr 2017
Just a gentle meander from Holly Lea Village and a short drive from The Russley Village is a special corner of Christchurch with a bustling social atmosphere....
We all lose muscle, but what can we do?
General Interest
6th Apr 2017
I have never liked going to the gym – bright lights, sweaty machines, loud music. I would much rather go for a surf, play golf or just play with my kids....
Winter Warmers
General Interest
6th Apr 2017
With winter on the doorstep, a revamped decor aesthetic may be on your mind....
Ousting Osteoporosis
General Interest
29th Mar 2017
Once upon a time bone density wasn’t an issue – one look at the grandchildren bouncing back up after a fall is evidence enough of this – but 60 years or so later, weakening bone density is a serious concern....
Mastering Mosaic
General Interest
27th Mar 2017
Simply put, mosaics are designs created by embedding small pieces of china, tiles, glass or even stone into a bed of cement or a similar fixative....
Tracking down treasure
General Interest
22nd Mar 2017
If you're anything like me you've always wanted to discover buried treasure. Now here’s your chance. All around the globe, in locations ranging from historical landmarks to city parks,...
Health Advice for Winter
General Interest
20th Mar 2017
As the days become shorter and the weather becomes increasingly chillier, it’s clear that winter is right on our doorstep....
Mona Vale Reopens
General Interest
20th Mar 2017
Within walking distance of Holly Lea Village is the historic Mona Vale homestead. The homestead is set to dazzle visitors again as it reopens following a challenging $2.8 million restoration project...
Hanmer - An Inspiring Destination
General Interest
13th Mar 2017
Just 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch, the quaint township of Hanmer Springs is a veritable treasure trove of recreational and entertainment assets....
Exciting Times at Ranfurly Village
Corporate News
1st Mar 2017
Ranfurly Village is entering an exciting time in its development. “Our first three stages are all sold, with stage one and two completed....
Reduce Your Energy Costs
General Interest
20th Dec 2016
If your electricity bills have been high of late, the problem may be phantom loads, or in other words the power electrical devices draw, even when they’re switched off....
Holly Lea Founder Lunch 2016
Holly Lea
2nd Dec 2016
The Founder Lunch is a tradition with its origin lost in time. It is held annually to celebrate and to thank the founder of Holly Lea, Allan McLean,...
Put your health first this summer
Holly Lea
1st Dec 2016
It is difficult to overstate how imperative good health is at any age. As we move through life, regular check-ups are essential to ensure that we can be the best versions of ourselves and live our lives to the full without limitation....
Great Southern Golf
General Interest
30th Nov 2016
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to play golf in the shadow of snow capped mountains, surrounded by lush rolling countryside...
Fit for a Giant
General Interest
16th Nov 2016
The garden at the Giant's House in Akaroa is a sight to behold. When owner/artist Josie Martin first turned the soil at The Giant's House about 16 years ago, her initial digs produced shards of broken crockery...
Competition with Character
Holly Lea Events
22nd Aug 2016
On Saturday 20th August, the beautiful Holly Lea Village recently played generous host to The Russley Village/Holly Lea and House of Cards Merivale bridge tournament....
New show apartments at Holly Lea open for inspection
Holly Lea
23rd Jun 2016
Representing a level of comfort and style not seen in many retirement villages, the new show apartments at Holly Lea are open for viewing....
NZ Retirement Village Stands Out in International Awards
Corporate News
21st Mar 2016
Ranfurly Village, one of New Zealand’s most progressive retirement villages, has been chosen as a finalist in ‘the Oscars’ of the Age Care Industry, the Asia-Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards....
Retirement Village Vision Realised
Corporate News
5th Feb 2016
Generus Living Group is a 50-50 joint venture partner with Mangatawa in developing 40 acres (16.2 ha) of the iwi's Papamoa beachfront land into the upscale Pacific Coast Village retirement village....
Retirement village repays debt and is now set for grand expansion
Holly Lea
23rd Nov 2015
Holly Lea, the Fendalton retirement village which attracted publicity earlier this year around its financial difficulties, has fully re-paid its debt to the bank....
Positive Ageing Expo 2015
Holly Lea
29th Sep 2015
Holly Lea Village and The Russley Village joined together to create a very visual display at the 2015 Age Concern “Positive Ageing Expo” held for the 9th year at Papanui High School on 28th September....
An afternoon of music and canapes at Holly Lea Village
Holly Lea Events
20th Aug 2015
Residents and guests of Holly Lea Village and The Russley Village recently enjoyed an afternoon of music and canapés as the University of Canterbury School of Music Voice...
Partnership deal secures future for Christchurch retirement village
Holly Lea
18th Aug 2015
Christchurch-based retirement village developer, Retirement Assets Limited, has brokered a partnership deal with The McLean Institute...
Ranfurly wins Top NZ award
Corporate News
15th Oct 2014
Ranfurly’s exceptional efforts were officially recognised earlier this month, when the Village Hospital were not only announced as the winner...
