Sustainability
Green inspiration
04 May 2025
There are now 29 Enviro Groups across Metlifecare’s 37 villages who, with the support of Metlifecare, are driving sustainable initiatives within their village communities.
The Heights Bargain Boutique opens its doors
On Wednesday 12 March, the residents at Hillsborough Heights Village in Auckland celebrated the grand opening of the Heights Bargain Boutique – but don’t call it an op-shop! This charming new village addition is a completely resident-driven initiative, brought to life by the dedicated members of the Heights Kaitiaki Group (HHV Enviro Group). More than just a place to find quality clothing, jewellery, and bric-a-brac, the Heights Bargain Boutique is designed to be a hub of social connection. Visitors are warmly welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee, a comfy chair and, most importantly, a friendly chat. All goods are donated, and whether you’re looking for a treasure or simply some good company, this boutique is all about bringing people together. Congratulations to the incredible team of residents behind this venture, pictured below: Trish Hillyard, Hania Riini, Cath Gunning, Sally Hancock and Noelle Henderson.
Sipping sustainably
Every year, 500 billion takeaway coffee cups are produced, with most ending up in landfills. Even compostable cups fall short – only 1 in 400 reaches a commercial composting facility. To help tackle this, Waitākere Gardens in West Auckland eliminated disposable coffee cups from its café on 31 March 2025. To encourage residents to embrace the change, in the months leading up to the date, customers who brought in their own cups received a discount on their coffees. Village Manager, Donna Wallace, said communication was key to getting residents onboard with the initiative. “We ensured a smooth transition by discussing the initiative in village meetings, featuring it in newsletters, and placing reminders throughout the café. As a result, the response from residents was fantastic, and we’re really proud.”
Celebrating art and culture at Ōtau Ridge
Metlifecare has been working with Zaelene Maxwell-Butler of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki (iwi taketake o Tāmaki Makaurau - the ‘original peoples of Auckland’) developing their cultural narratives within the Ōtau area, with their narratives helping to inform design in and around Ōtau Ridge. We are delighted to be able to showcase the wonderfully talented Tessa Harris, ringatoi (artist) also of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, through a series of stunning mahi toi (artworks) she’s created for the new care and amenity buildings at Ōtau Ridge. Tessa has overseen the design and manufacture of 32 pendant lights made from harakeke paper, sourced from flax grown locally at Umupuia Marae. The raw material was processed into paper which Calder Studios then sculpted into light shades. The entrance to the village’s amenity building will be graced by “Te Aumihi,” a paving design inspired by traditional weaving
patterns. This design extends to an external woven artwork hanging from the porte cochere, creating a culturally significant and welcoming atmosphere. Inside the lobby, residents and visitors will be greeted by a Tukutuku panel, a traditional Māori art form, and a stone carving will welcome everyone to the care home. Tessa has a series of further art works in progress, based around locally sourced kai (food), further connecting our Ōtau Ridge community to its roots.
Bruce’s recycled produce stand
A charming community produce stand has emerged at Pāpāmoa Beach Village, built entirely from reclaimed materials and serving as a hub for fresh, homegrown goodness. The man behind it? Bruce Filer, a retired builder who’s been in the village for less than a year but already made an impact. “It’s all recycled material. Apart from the nails and screws, I scrounged the whole lot,” laughs Bruce. Using old care home doors, offcut window jambs, and an unwanted mirror, Bruce constructed the stand for just $28. Now it offers residents fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the communal garden, along with homemade jams and chutneys for a small fee. More than just a builder, Bruce has become someone who’s always ready to lend a helping hand. “I love it here and feel like I’ve fitted in like you wouldn’t believe” he says. “I like helping people out. The other week I helped a resident jump-start her car as the battery had gone flat. Little things like that make a big difference for someone needing a helping hand.” With his generosity and resourcefulness, Bruce’s story is a reminder that sustainability is about more than materials – it’s about sharing, connecting, and giving back.