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About Kowhainui Home
The atmosphere at Enliven’s Kowhainui Home is bright and easy-going; the people are caring and welcoming. Situated on lovely grounds, this modern, purpose-built facility is a well-known local icon.
Kowhainui Home offers hospital level care for older people with high clinical needs, complex medical conditions and/or those who need support to do simple daily tasks.
At Enliven, we create age-friendly communities where people are happy and thrive regardless of their age or ability. As well as providing day-to-day support and clinical care, we take into account the physical, social, emotional, and cultural needs of each person we support.
Our elder-directed philosophy means we put residents at the heart of everything we do. When you or your loved one moves into an Enliven home, you’re joining a unique and special community. This means we work to ensure the elders of Kowhainui Home have companionship, variety and spontaneity, fun, meaningful activity, and purpose in their lives. It ensures that elders are involved in decisions that relate to both their personal wellbeing and what happens at their home.
Our staff are not only highly trained, they’re also friendly, caring and embrace our elder-directed philosophy of care. Our nurses are on-duty 24-hours-a-day and the doctor also visits regularly. We are in regular contact with residents to ensure all clinical needs are met.
As an Enliven home, we’re proud to be more than just ‘family friendly’. At Kowhainui Home, your family is part of our family, which means you’ll find there are no set visiting times. After all, family, friends, and the community play a big part in life here.
Care Offering
Kowhainui Home provides a range of care offerings and services. If you are unsure which type of care is right for you or your loved one or would like to learn more about key terms and concepts, explore Eldernet's Knowledge Lab.
Rest Home
No Vacancy
Hospital
No Vacancy
Areas of Expertise
- Oxygen Management
- Wound Care
- Continence Advice
- Infection Control
- Clinical Management
Availability
We currently have no availability
Kowhainui is a very popular facility and demand for beds is very strong. We have a no-obligation waiting list and we recommend that interested parties register their details with us.
Updated:
8 Dec 2025
Short Term / Respite
Yes currently accepting short stay admissions, please contact us for specific availability
Premium Accommodation Charges
From $8 up to $25 /day
Regulatory Information
Ministry of Health Certified
Yes
Contract with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
Yes
Areas of Expertise
- Oxygen Management
- End of Life/Palliative Care
- Wound Care
- Continence Advice
- Infection Control
- Clinical Management
Availability
We currently have no availability
Updated:
8 Dec 2025
Short Term / Respite
We are currently not accepting short stay admissions
Premium Accommodation Charges
From $8 up to $25 /day
Regulatory Information
Ministry of Health Certified
Yes
Contract with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
Yes
Care Features & Services
Residents at Kowhainui Home have access to care, services, and activities that promote wellbeing, this is underpinned by our trust and reputation. Explore our offerings below, for more information on care homes and what they offer explore Eldernet's Knowledge Lab.
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Registered Nurse
Enrolled Nurse
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker (on site)
Diversional Therapist
Activities Co-ordinator
Hairdresser
Podiatrist
Dietitian
Accredited Visitors
Chaplain/Spiritual Advisor
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Languages Spoken
English
Interpreter
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Presbyterian
(Other comments)
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May Bring Own Furniture
Single Rooms
Rooms suitable for a couple
Ensuite
Pets In Residence
Negotiate To Bring Own Pet
Lounges/seating areas
Day Programme for day stay clients
Outings
Whānau Room
Newsletter
Policy for management of challenging behaviour
Rural Setting
Smokers Room
Smoking Permitted
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National Certificate in Diversional Therapy
Aged Care Association New Zealand (ACA)
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS)
Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand [Inc] (RVA)
Spark of Life
The Eden Alternative
Other details
Other Key Information
It's not unusual to want to know more about payments and meals. We also invite you to explore the special features and activities we offer. If you have any other questions, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you!
Details about meals
Each day we provide our residents their breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks. We’ll make sure you always have plenty of delicious food to enjoy. Our menus are co-designed by a dietician and chef to ensure there is plenty of diversity and that your meals are nutritious and satisfying, made right on-site. We encourage you to enjoy your meals in the dining room with your friends. Morning and afternoon tea is served around the home and snacks and fruit are always available in the dining room or kitchenettes.
Special features
Eden Alternative - a philosophy of care
We have adopted the Eden Alternative at Kowhainui Home, which means we work to create vibrant living and work environments for our residents. We encourage residents to maintain their own routines and continue with hobbies and interests. Residents' pets, the presence of children, plenty of plants and gardens and a high level of local community involvement is a part of our Homes' everyday life.
Interests & activities
A highlight for many residents is the social life and companionship at Kowhainui Home. As well as enjoying the company of others at a similar stage of life, Kowhainui Home residents get involved in organising daily happenings and special events – making the most of the varied social calendar.
We have a wide range of interest groups. Regular activities and events include sight-seeing trips, guest entertainers, craft, themed parties and gardening.
Activity and interest groups and programmes are tailored to the interests of residents. This may include: Activity programme, Age Concern, Alzheimer's Society, Aromatherapy, Art, BBQ, Big print books, Bingo, Board games, Bowls, Bridge, Canine friends, Cards, Chapel, Children, Church, Classical Music, Concerts, Cooking, Craft, Dancing, Email, Entertainers, Entertainment, Exercises, Flower arranging, Games, Garden, Gardening, Golden Oldies, Greypower, Happy Hour, Holidays, Housie, , Internet, Jigsaw, Lectures, Library, Lotto, Mah Jong, Massage, Men, Minibus, Movies, Music, Newspaper reading, Outings, Park, Parties, Petanque, Probus, Quizzes, Reading, Roses, RSA, Senior Citizens, Shopping, Sing-a-longs, Singing, Sky TV, Videos, Views
Location
88 Virginia Road, Otamatea, Wanganui 4500To find out more about Kowhainui Home or to book a viewing get in touch today.
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Eldernet Knowledge Lab
The Eldernet Group is here to support older New Zealanders and their whānau with trusted, independent information to help them make informed decisions. Visit our Knowledge Lab, to find expert insights on care, finances, support options and more.
How much does living in a residential care home cost?
Learn about fees, financial contributions and subsidies.
What is a standard rest home/care home room?
What must be provided in aged residential care.
What are levels of care in New Zealand?
What is rest home, hospital, dementia, and psychogeriatric care?
What is the asset limit for the rest home subsidy in 2025?
A guide to asset thresholds for aged care subsidies.
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