Pakuranga Park Village Celebrates 40 Years of Community Living

Pakuranga Park Village celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 24 with a vibrant themed event called ‘Bubbles and Pearls.’ The gathering drew over 300 residents, who dressed in their finest attire to enjoy a delightful ‘fork and walk’ dining experience, sampling various culinary offerings while mingling with fellow community members.

The Lodge was transformed into a festive venue, bringing the bubbles and pearls theme to life in every corner. Musicians played a lively mix of musical styles, filling the space with energy and prompting many residents to dance the night away, creating a memorable atmosphere rich with laughter and celebration.

A Vision for Community Living

Four decades ago, the land that now houses Pakuranga Park Village was owned by the Catholic Church and used for grazing horses. In 1984, Graeme Collins purchased the approximately 30-acre site with the vision of creating a retirement community for those aged over 55. This concept was relatively new at the time, and Pakuranga Park Village became one of the first to operate under an Occupation Licence, which later served as a model for the Occupation Right Agreement established under the Retirement Villages Act.

Architect Erin Murphy joined the project in 1984, bringing the necessary expertise to design and oversee the village’s development. Construction began in 1985, with stages comprising around nine house lots developed at a time. By the late 1980s, Erin and his wife, Lynnette, acquired the property, marking the beginning of a rich history.

Sharing Cherished Memories

During the anniversary celebration, many residents reflected on their experiences at Pakuranga Park Village. Daphne Ellwood, the village’s longest-standing resident at 100 years old, has lived there since 1999. She fondly remembered reuniting with a childhood friend after decades apart, both finding themselves performing together in the community during their later years.

“We had not seen each other since 1947, and coincidentally, the distance between our homes in Christchurch as teenagers matched the distance we now lived apart within the village,” said Ellwood.

To continue the celebration, the village will host a photography exhibition on the weekend of November 15-16, 2024. Residents and their families are invited to witness the unveiling of photographs taken during the anniversary event, along with a collection of cherished memories captured over the decades.

This exhibition promises to be a special moment for the community, showcasing not only recent images but also treasured photographs shared by residents, highlighting the rich history and community spirit of Pakuranga Park Village.