A work of art at Orion Point

For artist Louis Statham, nature has always inspired his creativity. At Orion Point, located on a peninsula between Hobsonville and Scott Points, he’s found the perfect environment with coastal views and abundant wildlife right at his doorstep.

“I’ve always been fascinated by nature,” says Louis. “Living so close to the coast and mangroves, I don’t have to wander very far to find something to inspire my next piece.”
In his three-bedroom apartment, Louis has created a dedicated studio where he spends 15-20 hours weekly. He’s working on a collection of 100 paintings featuring birds, insects, and flowers that he plans to publish as a book in about three years.

After a 55-year artistic career illustrating for The New Zealand Herald and creating public art of 1920s and ‘30s New Zealand towns, Louis has contributed to his new community too. He transformed an unsightly electrical box in the gardens into a beautiful pond scene with birds.

Louis and his wife Sharon enjoy Orion Point’s social activities—morning teas, gym sessions, happy hours, and outings. As one of the first couples to move, they’ve developed deep connections. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming.

I knew the social side would be good, but we’ve made so many new friends that it feels like one big family. “We always say that even if we won Lotto, we’d still stay right where we are. We have everything we could ever want.”

Family remains important to them. Their grandchildren love visiting, especially the swimming pool. Though they hadn’t planned on retirement village living, Louis and Sharon now couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. They discovered Orion Point when it was being built near their former home, and the stunning views immediately won Louis over.

When helping at open days, visitors often ask what they don’t like about living there. Louis’s honest answer? They can’t think of a single thing.

- Louis Statham, Orion Point resident