Smart & sustainable!

A pilot training programme was recently launched in partnership with community engagement agency, Catalyse, to strengthen connections between village Enviro Groups. Over several months, resident representatives from West Auckland villages came together for the workshop series.

Participants reported increased confidence, greater clarity of purpose, and a stronger sense of connection between villages. As one participant shared, “It was inspiring to meet others working towards the same goals - now I don’t feel like I’m doing this alone.”

Key outtakes:

Village Connections: Hosting events, sharing newsletters, and using common spaces helps bring people together and encourage collaboration.

Shared Leadership: Inclusive and flexible leadership, where everyone’s contributions are valued, helps keep groups active and sustainable.

Working with Metlifecare: Building strong, ongoing relationships with village staff and the Support Office is key to making long-term progress.

Lifting spirits by donating bras!

Hibiscus Coast Village residents Bob and Maureen Richmond have taken on a sustainable village initiative to support Project Uplift – a small non-profit organisation that collects unwanted bras to send to women in need around New Zealand and in the Pacific Islands.

Their involvement with Project Uplift began after being inspired by a story in the local newspaper calling for used bras.

“I thought, why not? We’re a big village, so let’s get residents to donate their used bras!” said Maureen.

Bob designed promotional posters infused with humour to encourage donations. The response was immediate and generous. “We set up a collection bin in reception and it filled up quickly, so we put a second bin out and it was also full in no time,” says Bob.

To date, they estimate they’ve collected more than 100 bras, which they have delivered to their local coordinator in nearby Red Beach.

At a resident forum, Maureen spoke about the project and learned that some residents had already taken bras to the Pacific Islands themselves. “People see it’s not just a silly idea, and the support has been amazing.”

The cause resonates deeply. Donating basic items that we often take for granted, like bras, underwear, and swimwear, offer less fortunate women and girls dignity, comfort, and confidence, while also supporting a circular economy.

Maureen encourages other retirement villages to join in. “When you’re retired, you’ve got more time to do something meaningful,” she says. “We were delighted with the support of Katherine (Village Manager) and the wider village team, who really got behind the project. And with coordinators across New Zealand, it’s easy to get involved.”

Maureen and Bob’s story reminds us that even small acts of kindness, shared within a community, can ripple far and wide – right out to our neighbours in the Pacific Islands!

Award-winning care homes

Metlifecare was honoured to recently win the 2025 Retirement Village Association (RVA) Sustainability Award in the Operator-Led Category, for securing 6 Star Green Star Design certification for all six of our newest aged care homes.

This 6 Star rating, awarded by the New Zealand Green Building Council, represents the highest global standard in sustainable design and building practices.

What is a 6 Star Green Star care home?

A 6 Star Green Star care home is designed and built to the highest standards of sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, low carbon design, and the use of sustainable materials. Each building incorporates advanced features such as improved thermal performance, heat recovery ventilation, high levels of natural light, and superior acoustics.

These features not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents and staff.

Three care homes, the Weiti Care at Gulf Rise Village, Pōhutukawa Landing at Beachlands, and Oakridge Care in Kerikeri are already operational and occupied, while three more Auckland care homes are under construction or nearing completion.