Resident Stories
Hear it from the people who live here.
Real stories from real residents
Choosing where to live in retirement is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. We understand that. And while we can tell you all about The Grove, sometimes the best insights come from the people who already call it home.
These are genuine residents sharing their experiences - the good days, the surprises, and what life here is really like. No scripts, no spin. Just honest reflections from people who made the same decision you're considering.
Jane and Richard
For Jane and Richard, life at The Grove is about simplicity, security, sunshine and staying connected. After more than five decades of marriage and years spent living around the world, the couple value a lifestyle that feels easy and familiar. They’ve now called Ōrewa home for three years, moving north from the Kāpiti Coast to be closer to family. What sealed it was the location. Their light, ground-floor corner apartment opens onto a courtyard, and the beach is just a short walk away – as are shops, cafés and medical services.
The lock-and-leave apartment and fixed weekly fees provide peace of mind, while village dinners and Jill’s exercise classes offer plenty of chances to socialise. “It’s an independent lifestyle here… and everybody’s vibrant, alert and involved in things in the village, but also out in the community,” Jane says. “We’re not enclosed here.” Grandparents to seven, Jane and Richard still travel south to tend their Waikanae garden, but each time they return, they’re reminded why they chose The Grove. “We just love living here,” Richard says.
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Sharon and Gary
Five years on, Sharon and Gary say choosing The Grove in Ōrewa was one of the best decisions they’ve made. After 25 years in Papatoetoe, maintaining a two-storey home with large gardens became harder to manage, and the couple began looking for somewhere easier to live –without giving up their independence.
The moment they saw their large light-filled apartment overlooking the village gardens, they fell in love. “It just felt like home,” Gary says. It gives them room to work, relax and have their grandchildren to stay, while the lock-and-leave lifestyle offers peace of mind. Walking Ōrewa’s iconic beach and estuary most days is a highlight, reconnecting Sharon with a place she loved as a child.
They’re also able to continue their sporting passions – Gary, a former FIFA referee, still referees his grandsons’ football teams, and the couple have taken up croquet.
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Dave
It’s hard to know who’s more well-known at The Grove – resident Dave, or his 11-year-old black spoodle, Jack.
Dave and his wife, Chrissy, moved into the village in 2020, and Jack quickly won hearts with his wagging tail and easy charm.
Dave’s energy and warmth shine through in village life. He drives the van for outings, hosts the quiz night every few months, and knows almost every resident by name.
The trio love how handy The Grove is to Ōrewa’s golden sand beach and the local cafés – a daily walking ritual – and just across the road from the thriving bowls club, where Chrissy is one of the top bowlers. “It’s such a handy position,” Dave says.
Connection with community, security and convenience were key to Dave and Chrissy choosing The Grove. “I’ve always liked Ōrewa so it was an easy decision for me,” says Dave. “I’ve never looked back.”
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Lana
Lana didn’t have to move far when she came to The Grove. She’d lived just down the road in Orewa for many years – spending countless hours walking her Maltese terrier, Jack, on the beach. When the upkeep of the family home became too much, Lana and Jack moved into her ground floor apartment. When Jack passed, she decided to dogsit for others in the village – a great way to meet both people and their pets. Hence the sign proudly displayed on her front door: “Lana’s Doggy Daycare.”
She’s always loved how flat Orewa is and how everything is close by. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
A keen gardener, Lana makes the most of the raised garden beds, although she admits she doesn’t cook as much these days – thanks to the terrific café on site. She loves the sense of security at the village, and joining in social events with neighbours. “I have many friends here. We have each other’s backs.”
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