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By Kiki Peterken On Wednesday, September 24, Pakuranga Park Village marked its 40th anniversary with a vibrant celebration themed ‘Bubbles and Pearls’. The Lodge was transformed, with a bubbles and pearls theme spilling out from every corner, creating a festive and elegant atmosphere. Over 300 residents, dressed in their finest, enjoyed a lively ‘fork and walk’ dining experience, sampling a variety of delicious food and drinks as they mingled. Musicians filled the Lodge with upbeat energy, delivering a lively mix of musical styles, from timeless classics to toe-tapping favourites. It was a memorable occasion, filled with laughter, music, dance and celebration. 40 years ago … The village land was originally owned by the Catholic Church and was used to graze horses when it was purchased by Graeme Collins in 1984 through then real estate agent Dave Studman, now a village resident. Graeme purchased the land with the intent the site, approximately 30 acres in size, be developed as a village for the over 55-year-olds who were wanting a no-exterior or -grounds maintenance, lock-up and leave lifestyle. The notion of a lifestyle or retirement village was at this time novel, with Pakuranga Park Village being one of the very first to offer occupancy under an Occupation Licence. The Occupation Licence as offered at PPV became the blueprint for what we now know as the Occupation Right Agreement under the Retirement Villages Act. Erin Murphy came onto the scene in 1984. He had the skillset Graeme needed, so Graeme engaged Erin to design, lay out and oversee the build of the Village. Work physically started during 1985, with stages comprising house lots of nine or so being developed at one time. Erin and his wife Lynnette purchased the property in the latest 1980s and from there, the rest is (a long) history! Lynnette, along with three of her seven children, attended the 40th anniversary function. Fond memories Daphne Ellwood, the village’s longest-standing resident at 100 years old, has lived here since 1999. She recalls an event from the 2000s. “I remember receiving a phone call that led to a meeting with another former mainlander. “We had not seen each other since 1947, and coincidentally, the distance between our homes in Christchurch as teenagers matched the distance we now lived apart within the village. “Now, both residing in the same retirement community during our senior years, Mary Phipps (née Dobb) and I were able to perform together on several occasions, continuing until my last public performance at the age of 89.” Frame by Frame: Photography Exhibition celebrating the last 40 years On the weekend of November 15-16 residents and their families are invited to witness a truly special moment – the unveiling of photographs captured during our 40th anniversary celebration. This stunning exhibition will showcase memories through the decades, featuring not only these recent images but also a collection of cherished treasures and photographs from years gone by – lovingly shared by our residents.
