Village News
Lilies, light & new life
15 April 2026
Whangārei Park has become Metlifecare's 31st village to establish a resident-led Enviro Group – and has recently completed the restoration of the community's pond.
At Whangārei Park Village, a much-loved pond sits at the heart of the community, complete with a charming bridge and a sense of calm. Residents Don and Pene Ashby, alongside the village Enviro Group, are the proud guardians of this special space. Under their care, water lilies of many different varieties thrive. “Don and Pene originally started the pond project and have recently taught residents Gary and Helen Fraser how to look after the fish and the lilies,” says Rachel Berg, the village’s Support Services Coordinator.
“It’s been wonderful to see that knowledge shared, and the care of the pond become something the group does together.” The resident group has recently welcomed beautiful goldfish, bringing colour and movement to the water.
With guidance from a local pond expert, they introduced a solar-powered pump to help filter the water, supporting a healthy ecosystem while staying true to sustainability values.
A pond with fish offers many benefits, encouraging birdlife, dragonflies and other insects, supporting biodiversity, and helping to keep algae and mosquito larvae in check.
“Paea, our gardener, feeds the fish every morning,” Rachel says. “The residents in the care home love to come and watch her do this. It’s become a special daily ritual that brings a lot of joy.”
For residents, the pond is a place of quiet pleasure, with many visiting daily to watch their golden residents glide beneath the lilies or enjoy the gentle movement of water.