Where everybody knows your name

Whether you’re after an active retirement in the Garden City or if you prefer peace and quiet, you’ll find your perfect fit at Merivale Retirement Village.

When new Village Manager, Anne Hall, arrived at Metlifecare’s Merivale Village nine months ago, one thing stood out immediately: everyone knew each other.

“From the moment I arrived, that really struck me,” she says. “Staff know the residents, residents know the team, and that creates a real sense of belonging. You simply don’t get that in some villages.”

Located in one of Christchurch’s most sought-after suburbs, Merivale Retirement Village is home to 61 independent units and 47 care suites – a boutique-sized community where residents are neighbours and friends.

According to Anne, that scale is what makes the village special. “At Merivale, many of our team members have worked together for years. There’s continuity, trust and warmth – and our residents feel that from day one.”

New resident, Fern Anderson, agrees. “From the moment I arrived, nothing was too much trouble for the team. I was welcomed with a beautiful gift, and a handyman assisted me with everything – from connecting my appliances to hanging pictures.”

While Merivale Village has long been part of the local community, it has recently been enhanced with a new amenity building, featuring a welcoming communal area and a beautiful swimming pool – perfect for relaxation and social connection.

The village also offers premium care suites. With care designed and delivered with the same warmth the village is known for, these suites give residents more choice to remain within the community they love should their care needs change.

Fern moved into one of the village’s brand-new villas six months ago, after a long search for a modern, single-level home in a peaceful setting and close to shops and cafés.

“When I moved in, I was still grieving the loss of my husband. What surprised me the most was how easily I settled in and how relieved I was with the village surroundings – nothing felt too big or overwhelming,” she says.

That sense of comfort and belonging extends outside her front door. Fern has become particularly friendly with her close neighbours. “There’s seven of us in a row and we all look out for each other. What is wonderful is how socially impromptu we are. Recently, during one of the hottest days of summer, I was standing at my letterbox after a swim and a neighbour said, ‘Come on in for a drink!’”

Yet independence and privacy remain important to Fern. “I feel secure and content here. I come and go and entertain friends and family whenever I like. Of course, there are times when I like to retreat away into
my own villa to relax and enjoy some quiet time.” she says.

Location is one of Merivale’s greatest luxuries. Residents are just a short stroll from the suburb’s boutique shops, cafés and essential services. “It’s important for me to keep fit. While I don’t intend on losing my driver’s licence any time soon, I enjoy walking to the Merivale shops which are only half a kilometre up the road,” Fern says.

For her family, the move has brought reassurance too. “My children think I’ve done exactly the right thing. They’re relieved I’m in great hands, with a supportive community around “And my grandchildren regularly pop in to see granny too!”

Anne believes that security and peace of mind for families is just as important as a village lifestyle. “It’s exactly what I would want for my own parents – independence, beautiful facilities, a caring team and a real community.”