What's New

SuperGold Specials

At Hearing Auckland we continue to offer SuperGold Specials for our clients. Gold Card holders are eligible for specially reduced prices for most services including ear wax removal and hearing tests. Whether you’re a new or existing client, if you’re a SuperGold card holder, you’re able to access lower cost appointments at Hearing Auckland. Read on to find out more about our SuperGold Specials to help clients aged 65+ access affordable hearing care.

Ear Wax Microsuction
Earwax is the most common cause of hearing loss- but it’s the easiest hearing problem to treat. Especially in winter, ear wax can build up and cause hearing loss, ear pain, and feelings of ear-fullness. Hearing Auckland’s trained and registered ear nurses remove ear wax using microscope assisted micro-suction. Micro-suction is the safe way to remove ear wax. You may find your ears produce more or less wax as you age, SuperGold card holders may find this especially. We’re proud to offer a $10 discount on Ear Wax Micro-suction appointments for Gold Card holders (current as of 30/6/26).
If you think your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, get your ears checked for wax before you have a hearing test. If you wear hearing aids, you’re more likely to have a build-up of ear wax. This is because the piece of the hearing aids that goes into your ear canal can push ear wax back inside- stopping it from coming out naturally. Ear wax can build up at the end of the hearing aid, causing it to block even if your ear canal isn’t blocked. With our SuperGold Specials, a full hearing test and ear wax mircro-suction appointment are just $150.00 together (current as of 30/6/26).

Hearing Tests and Hearing Reviews

Hearing Auckland’s fully qualified and registered Audiologists are available to test your hearing and your hearing aids. We offer SuperGold Specials for most audiology appointments, including:

Diagnostic Hearing Assessment – a comprehensive hearing test to fully understand the reasons for your hearing problem. Perfect for new clients who have already had a free screening test, or otherwise suspect a hearing loss.

Hearing Review – a check up appointment for existing hearing aid users. If you have hearing aids, but they don’t seem to be as good as they used to be, we can check them and make any adjustments to optimise your hearing
We offer Gold Card discounts for both of these services!


Community Services Card

Did you know that we also offer discounts for Community Services Card holders? Since early 2026 we have provided lower cost services for clients with a Community Services Card. The same SuperGold Specials are now available not only to our clients aged 65+ but also to clients of any age with a Community Services Card. Our clinic is operated by the Tamaki Makaurau Hearing Trust and our purpose is to ensure all kiwis can access good hearing. We’re proud to offer competitive standard rates for all of our appointments, as well as extra support for community members who need it most.
How to access your discount

If you are a Community Services or Gold Card holder, please let our team know when booking your appointment and we’ll ensure you only pay the discounted rate.

We know that not all of our clients are able to access these discounts, which is why you will find all of our services are competitively priced and in line with other hearing clinics around Aotearoa. Hearing Auckland is also a charity! That means when you come in for your appointment, you pay an appointment fee similar to any other clinic, and you’re also helping your local community! It’s a win-win for everybody.

To book an appointment give us a call or send an email
(09) 524 9847
info@hearingauckland.org.nz

Let us know at the time of booking to make sure you receive our SuperGold Specials

Book now!

The Hidden Signs of Hearing Loss

When people think about hearing loss, they often imagine someone struggling to hear the television or constantly asking others to repeat themselves. While these can certainly be signs, hearing loss often develops so gradually that the first changes are much less obvious.

Many people adapt without even realising it, making small adjustments to cope with everyday conversations. As a result, family members may notice the signs before the person experiencing them.

Some of the hidden signs of hearing loss include:

You can hear people talking, but struggle to understand the words.
One of the most common comments we hear is, "I can hear you – I just can't make out what you're saying." Hearing loss often affects the clarity of speech rather than simply making sounds quieter. This is especially noticeable when people speak softly, quickly, or have higher-pitched voices.

Noisy places become exhausting.
Restaurants, cafés and family gatherings can be particularly challenging. Background noise competes with conversation, making it difficult for the brain to separate speech from other sounds. Many people leave these situations feeling mentally drained.

You avoid social situations.
Some people gradually stop attending gatherings or prefer smaller groups because following conversations has become too difficult or tiring. This can happen without recognising that hearing is the underlying reason.

You rely more on subtitles.
Turning on subtitles while watching television or asking others to repeat dialogue in movies may be another early sign that hearing has changed.

People seem to mumble.
It's common to think others aren't speaking clearly, when in fact the ears are no longer picking up certain speech sounds as well as they once did.

You miss everyday sounds.
Birdsong, indicators in the car, the microwave beeping, or the doorbell may become less noticeable over time because hearing loss often affects higher-pitched sounds first.

Why early action matters

Hearing loss is more than an inconvenience. It can affect communication, relationships, confidence and overall wellbeing. The sooner hearing changes are identified, the more options there are to help you stay connected with the people and activities you enjoy.

If any of these signs sound familiar—for yourself or someone you care about—it may be worth arranging a hearing assessment. Even if hearing aids aren't needed, understanding your hearing can provide reassurance and establish a useful baseline for the future.

Recognising hearing loss early isn't simply about hearing better—it's about continuing to participate confidently in everyday life.

Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram

Want a glimpse into life around our village and care home? Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to see the wonderful things happening every day. From resident activities, community events, special celebrations, and behind-the-scenes moments, our social media pages showcase the people, friendships, and experiences that make our community so special. It's a great way to stay informed, share in the fun, and see firsthand how our residents and village community are living life to the fullest. We’d love for you to join us online!

Rangiura Retirement Village and Care Home

Electric wheelchairs ON SALE....

We have 3x models for your attention. Yep all powered by electric motors. From $895 to $1250. Seriously good pricing. Please feel free to explore further...

Find out more about us

Which Antivirus Software To Use?

Choosing an antivirus product for your computer is one of those things that sounds simple until you actually start to try to do it. Then suddenly you've got a bunch of browser tabs open, you've read six "Top 10 Antivirus" blogs, and you're somehow more confused than when you started. Sound like you?

We've been fixing computers and removing viruses and malware, right here in Christchurch since 1997. So, we've seen pretty much every type of virus, their tricks and methods and how many different antivirus products have fared again them. We know what works, what doesn't, and what's just marketing noise. Here's our advice from over 100+ years of combined experience.

Read more here

Introducing our Team - Shane & Debbie Laidlaw

A dynamic husband and wife duo proudly boasting a combined total of 58 years of experience, Shane and Debbie are seasoned professionals providing a friendly, practical and professional service with a true care for their client’s needs. Team Laidlaw gets the job done!

What makes BIOPTRON light different?

A lot of people assume light therapy is just light.

But what if the real question is not how bright the light is, but how that light is structured?

One of the most fascinating parts of BIOPTRON Hyperlight is the fullerene filter, a specialised optical component used in compatible BIOPTRON systems to refine the light output into what BIOPTRON calls Hyperlight. The NZ site describes it as a more advanced optical pathway than generic red or infrared LED devices, focused on a more refined and repeatable light routine.

This is where it gets interesting.

Instead of thinking about light as just heat or brightness, this technology is about shaping and organising light in a much more deliberate way. That is one reason many people are becoming curious about how BIOPTRON may support healing, recovery and wellbeing in a gentler, more structured way.

If you’ve ever wondered why BIOPTRON is different from an ordinary light therapy device, this blog is a great place to start.

Read more here and see what makes the fullerene filter so intriguing.

Explore What Fullerene Can Do For You

Haven Care - more choices for your family

At Haven Care, we help with the everyday things that keep someone safe and comfortable at home. Personal care, meals, medication assistance, companionship, errands, dementia support, nursing - whatever makes life a bit easier.

We offer English, Mandarin, and Cantonese speaking caregivers, along with English and Chinese language brochures to help families access information in their preferred language.

If you’re unsure what kind of help is needed, we’re always happy to talk things through. We have friendly staff available to discuss your needs in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

Contact us on 09 243 7088 or care@havencare.co.nz.

Find out more about us

When a dementia care plan makes the difference

How Ambridge Rose delivers personalised care plans to meet resident needs.
Dementia care involves significant clinical routines and specialised support which can often make it seem as though a person’s individuality may be overlooked. This isn’t the case at Ambridge Rose. Our team believes personalised care planning sits at the heart of delivering quality dementia care.

When a care plan makes the difference:
A well-built care plan shapes everything from daily routines, communication approaches, how staff respond during moments of distress, what food appears at mealtimes, and when a resident is given space, rather than encouraged to join in an activity.

Before any plan is put together, Ambridge Rose staff spend time gathering information about the person moving in. Clinical assessments such as cognitive status, mobility, continence, swallowing, skin integrity, and ongoing medication requirements are a key part of this stage.

Alongside this, another important element is having a life history conversation with the person’s family. These conversations cover details like what your loved one did for work, what their routines were at home, the people that matter to them, what might cause them distress, and more.

At the heart of Ambridge Rose’s dementia care is being mindful that dementia does not erase personality. If your loved one was independent, including into their later years, they may respond with some resistance to being helped. Another example may be someone who took pride in their appearance will begin to feel more settled when autonomy is respected and maintained.

How the plan is built and who contributes to it:
The way we deliver dementia care in Auckland typically draws on input from several people from the resident themselves (to whatever degree they can participate), to family members, health professionals, and other significant people in their lives.

For our dementia residents, this holistic approach matters because no single person holds the full picture.

The resulting plan comprehensively covers physical care needs alongside personal preferences, communication strategies, and behavioural guidance. For example, if a resident becomes agitated during personal care, the plan may note that playing a specific type of music beforehand tends to help relieve tension, based on what family has observed at home.

All these details make a genuine difference to care quality, and they are only possible when the planning process actively involves those who know the resident well.

Plans that change as the person changes:
One of the most important aspects of personalised planning is ensuring the plan is constantly evolving, rather than created once, and never updated. Due to the nature of Dementia as a progressive condition, a care plan written at admission may be out of date within a matter of months.

Care plans are reviewed at regular intervals as well as after any significant changes such as a fall, a period of hospitalisation, or a shift in known behaviour. A plan that reflects the person as they were a few months ago may lead to care that is no longer suitable.

The first people to recognise necessary changes to the care plan are the dedicated staff and nurses in the facility, who often recognise small shifts in behaviour before they appear in formal assessments. Care plans are updated as behaviour changes are observed, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the resident’s current needs and patterns.

What families can expect to see in practice:
A personalised care plan plays a large part in contributing to a resident’s daily life. It may include meals that consider personal preferences, activities chosen with that person’s background in mind, and staff who address residents by the name they prefer, rather than a formal version they may never have used previously.

How do I know if the care plan is suitable for my loved one?
The key to care plan suitability being achieved is ensuring an individualised approach. This is maintained by tailoring care plans to meet the needs of the resident.

For families choosing dementia care homes in Auckland, we recommend asking the question, how is a personalised care plan delivered on a day-to-day basis?

Personalised care is at the heart of everything we do at Ambridge Rose. It allows us to deliver quality healthcare and dementia support, while helping your loved one maintain their sense of identity and independence.

Access more helpful resources

Sleeping with dementia: common sleep disturbances

Disrupted sleeping regularly affects people living with dementia, impacting their restfulness, health and wellbeing, which can impact the rest and quality of life for their families and loved ones.

Understanding the challenges of sleeping with dementia means you can find practical solutions that work for your loved one and help them get a better night’s sleep.

How dementia impacts sleep

As a neurodegenerative disorder, the brain changes that occur with dementia directly affect the body’s internal clock. The disorder damages the part of the brain that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, (the suprachiasmatic nucleus), meaning people with dementia often lose their natural circadian rhythm, which impacts every aspect of the rest of your loved one’s life.

Read full blog

Our Commitment to Quality

What’s New at Cook Street
Appointment of a highly experienced Kitchen Operations Manager to lead our food services, bringing a renewed focus on nutritious, home-style meals, menu variety, and resident dining preferences.
New management committed to quality care, continuous improvement, and resident wellbeing.
Introduction of fresh initiatives focused on resident engagement, family involvement, and person-centred care.
Ongoing investment in staff development, training, and clinical excellence.
Continued improvements to activities, lifestyle programmes, and the overall resident experience.
Maintaining the high standards that have earned Cook Street consecutive four-year certifications.

Under our new management, we remain dedicated to enhancing every aspect of resident life while building on the strong reputation and quality care that Cook Street Nursing Care Centre is known for.

Needing something built / put together?

Our awesome team of NATIONWIDE professional Assembly Technicians, ready to help you with any flatpack or kitset assemblies... with no parts left behind!

Call our freephone number 0508 454 873 to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Experience Crew or head to our website for an instant ONLINE estimate on thousands of different products that require assembly.

You can book your assembly service there, too If it's KITSET... you name it, we assemble it! TeamKitset are out there, saving marriages ... one ASSEMBLY at a time

Find out more

Tovertafel - Interactive Therapy Projector

Tovertafel Interactive System
Transform engagement through movement, connection, and play.

The Tovertafel is an award-winning interactive system designed for aged care, dementia support, special education, therapy, and disability environments. Using touch and motion, it transforms ordinary tables into immersive experiences that encourage participation, movement, and social connection.

Used worldwide by care professionals and educators, Tovertafel helps create meaningful moments through inclusive, easy-to-use interactive games designed for a wide range of abilities.

Ideal For
Aged care & memory care
Schools & special education
Therapy & rehabilitation clinics
Disability support environments
Proven Benefits
Encourages gentle physical movement
Supports focus, cognition & sensory engagement
Reduces apathy & restlessness
Strengthens social interaction & emotional wellbeing
Creates engaging, inclusive experiences for all abilities

Whether used one-on-one or in group settings, Tovertafel brings joy, connection, and purpose into everyday routines.

Trusted. Research-backed. Globally proven.
Discover how Tovertafel can transform your environment.

Find out more about Tovertafel

Choosing a Retirement Village - What Matters Most?

Many retirement villages can appear quite similar at first glance.
However, once people begin exploring their options more closely, they often discover important differences in lifestyle, location, community, and long-term affordability.
For many people, the decision is not simply about choosing a village, it is about choosing the environment and lifestyle that feels right for their future.

I recently supported a woman through this process who later shared:
“I chose to do my village research solely with Carmel to reach an unbiased decision, and it led to the perfect outcome.”

Taking the time to understand and compare options carefully can make all the difference to feeling confident in the final decision.

Every person’s situation is different, which is why an informed and considered approach is so important.

Talk to Carmel today.
Mobile: 0272276356
Email carmel@nextstepinfo.co.nz

Start with a conversation and take the Next Step with confidence.

Pureed meals now available for home delivery!

JUNE IS Dysphagia awareness month

Dysphagia is something commonly experienced by people living with traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer' disease and other neurological conditions. It is also an area of focus with people who have complex health needs making swallowing difficulties increasingly common.

We work in partnership with The Pure Food Co to create delicious, visually appealing puree meals that are fortified with protein to ensure clients receive the nutrition they need, while meeting the standard for the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Level 4 Puree to support safe swallowing.

We are excited to deliver a menu of 14 pureed meals nationwide. These meals have been crafted by a skilled team of Chefs, Food Technologists and Dietitians who work together to ensure you get the essential nutrients you need without altering the familiar flavours you know and love.

Find out more about our puree range of meals.

New Client Discount

New clients now receive $20 off their first session, making it easier for families to experience the comfort and support my services provide. This introductory offer is designed to help older adults feel at ease while trying bedside, in‑home, hospital‑level, respite, or palliative massage, reflexology, or lymphatic drainage for the first time.

Find out More

We are Canterbury Trusted!

Something we haven’t really talked about much — but probably should — is that we, as World Travellers / Travel the World, are now officially recognised as a Canterbury Trusted business through Business Canterbury..

Now before anyone points out the obvious - yes, we know Blenheim is not actually in Canterbury! But as part of the wider Travel the World family, our Blenheim team is proudly included in this recognition too.

What does Canterbury Trusted actually mean? It’s really about trust, professionalism, reputation and doing business the right way. And whilst the recognition comes through Canterbury, the values behind it are reflected right across our entire team - including here in Blenheim.
Travel is personal. People trust us with their holidays, celebrations, family adventures and sometimes years of saving and planning. That’s not something we ever take lightly.

We know there are plenty of ways to book travel these days. AI, booking websites and online deals all have their place. But there’s still something incredibly valuable about having real people in your corner - people who understand travel, know what works and genuinely care about your experience from start to finish. That’s what we pride ourselves on.

Whether you book with our Blenheim team, Rolleston, Merivale or Travel the World Groups, you are backed by the same values, the same support and the same commitment to exceptional service. And whilst we don’t often stop to celebrate recognition like this, we are incredibly proud that the way we do business - personally, honestly and with genuine care - has been acknowledged.

Most importantly, thank you to our wonderful clients. Your loyalty, support and trust means everything to us and we genuinely love being part of your travel stories.

Volunteer for Daffodil Day

New Zealanders are joining the fight against cancer.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, but they are all committed to reducing the impact and incidence of cancer. Daffodil Day is Friday 28th of August this year, but you can volunteer on Saturday 29th in some centres too!

Keen to sign up - Nationwide locations will be open soon so you can register to volunteer and collect or contact your local area today.

https://www.daffodilday.org.nz/volunteer

Sunshine, Smiles & Wheelchair Races

Residents and staff recently enjoyed a vibrant outdoor activity day filled with colour, creativity, and friendly competition. Decorated walkers were proudly displayed, complete with flowers, ribbons, and personal touches, bringing a festive atmosphere to the event. Participants took part in a light-hearted “walker parade,” celebrating mobility, individuality, and community spirit. Wheelchair races added to the excitement, with residents taking the win after a week of enthusiastic practice!

With balloons, laughter, and well-earned treats, the day was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, share in the fun, and create lasting memories in the sunshine.

You too can be part of this fun and welcoming community. Please come along and visit us.

Live confidently again with an Acorn stairlift

At Acorn Stairlifts, our mission is to be the world’s best stairlift provider. Our stairlifts fit to the stairs, not the wall, so there is no messy and disruptive structural work, or drilling into masonry and plaster.

All of Acorn's stairlifts have been independently tested and certified to comply with the newest European safety standard for stairlifts. Our industry-leading innovations have helped win a string of awards, including the prestigious Ease-of-Use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.

Aftercare is a top priority for us here at Acorn. We want to make sure that all our stairlift users are 100% happy with our stairlifts. If, in the unlikely event there is a problem with your lift, our dedicated help desk is just a phone call away, all year round.

Regular stairlift maintenance
Acorn Stairlifts have a well-earned reputation for reliability, but like any machine with moving parts they will benefit from regular routine maintenance. That's why we recommend that your stairlift is serviced every 12 months by one of our skilled stairlift servicing technicians, to ensure its optimum trouble-free performance for many years to come.

Trustworthy stairlift service
We employ highly-trained service technicians based all over New Zealand who are dedicated to servicing and maintaining our customers' stairlifts. To ensure that every Acorn employee who comes to your home is someone you and your family can trust, all our technicians are routinely checked and all carry identity cards.

Find out More

Free Gift from Livewell. No Purchase Needed.

First 30 people to pop into our Livewell Albany store and mention Eldernet will receive a free ShoeStik Shoehorn. No purchase needed.

Livewell

Dovida brings premium home care to Northland

Northland, meet Jill Stratford

Jill is Dovida's first Aged Care Specialist outside of Auckland, bringing compassionate, person-centred home care to Northland. A proud Northlander herself, Jill knows this community deeply and is passionate about helping older people remain at home, on their own terms.

Read Jill's full story and find out what Dovida can offer families across Northland

OPEN DAY - Wednesday 10 June 11:00am - 2:00pm

Thinking about retirement living but not sure where to start? Join us at one of our Open Days at Remuera Gardens and discover a retirement village that feels warm, welcoming and full of life. Explore our beautiful gardens and brand-new apartments, meet our friendly team and residents, and enjoy a relaxed tour with no pressure and plenty of time for questions. Because the best way to understand retirement living… is to experience it for yourself.