Manawatu

Why choose a retirement village in Manawatū?

Known to its residents as “the mighty Manawatū”, this region is perhaps best known as the home of Massey University in Palmerston North. Farming was traditionally its backbone, along with the historic flax trade centred on Foxton and the Manawatu Plains, but now Palmy is as well known for its knowledge economy and more varied academic options as for agriculture. As well as the university with its tree-lined grounds, Palmerston North is home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum, where the grandchildren (and you) can try out your tackling skills and learn more about the history of our national game.

The wider region is a great jumping-off spot for most of the north island. In two or three hours you can be in Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth, or Wellington – or even skiing on Mt Ruapehu or fishing on Lake Taupo. So it’s no wonder that this area has lots of retirement villages.

There are plenty of options to explore, and not just in Palmerston North - the provincial towns of Levin, Feilding and Foxton, and Dannevirke with its rich Scandinavian heritage, all have retirement living options – long-established or new built, there’s something for everyone.

A retirement village is a community specially built to cater for the needs and lifestyle of older people. Choosing to live in a retirement village can be a great option for those wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community of people.

Research shows most people enjoy a high level of satisfaction when living in a lifestyle or retirement village. For residents, the benefits can be numerous; these may include giving you peace of mind, new and varied activities and interests, new friendships, and time to be able to spend on the things you most enjoy.

Villages vary greatly – you’ll notice different-sized villages, from very few units to some with hundreds; different types of units within the same complex; newer villages and older villages. You will discover the community offering a wide range such as swimming pool, bowling green and café. Eligibility age differs across villages too – some villages may allow residents to enter at 55 while others commonly have an entry age between 65 and 75.

As well as providing a range of different accommodation options, many villages now offer alternatives, such as care suites, which combine village offerings and residential care components. Make sure you visit a village more than once before you make a decision, and if possible visit more than one village to get a feel for how each has its own culture.

When you are ready to visit some retirement villages, our checklist may help you with your assessment.