Metlifecare annoounces Mangawhai's first retirement village

28 Feb, 2022

Mangawhai will soon have its first retirement village, following Metlifecare’s announcement that they have acquired a premium site in the popular beachside town.

Metlifecare’s CEO Earl Gasparich said the company plans to invest around $110m in the 13-hectare site at 15 Sailrock Drive.

“The village will be positioned to make the most of the expansive views overlooking Mangawhai Beach to the East, and the Brynderwyn Hills to the West, so we know it will be highly sought after by both locals and retirees from further afield,” says Mr Gasparich.

Located approximately 60km south of Whangarei on Northland’s east coast, Mangawhai is well known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, stunning surf beach and fast-growing population.

“Not only will this be the first retirement village in Mangawhai, but it will also include a residential aged care facility, and we know that having the care within the village will be a huge drawcard for many Mangawhai retirees.

“With a full continuum of care onsite, independent living residents can enjoy the freedom of an easy-living, retirement lifestyle, with the peace of mind that care is available if there is ever a time they may need it,” he says.

Metlifecare has engaged with local iwi, Te Uri o Hau, as part of the early consultation process to ensure that the new development will respect the cultural significance of the site and fit perfectly into its surrounding coastal environment and community.

“The design of the village will reflect Mangawhai’s natural landscape and character and will incorporate key amenities and features that epitomise the Mangawhai community and lifestyle,” says Metlifecare’s head of acquisitions, Dylan Pell.

“A beach oasis with a small-town community culture will be at the heart of the village’s design, which will include a cafe and bar, heated indoor swimming pool and spa, a gymnasium, communal area and beautiful landscaping.

“The native sand kanuka bush located on the site will be retained, and additional planting will be introduced to enhance the local biodiversity.

“For those who are seeking an active retirement lifestyle, walking and cycling connections will be incorporated into the village design, which will seamlessly connect residents to the surrounding community amenities, including the Wood Street shops, medical centre, cafes and a golf course.”

The village development will be designed and constructed to support Metlifecare’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint.

“Within the village, environmentally friendly features will include solar power generation, water reducing fixtures and harvesting rainwater from the building roofs to

supply the village’s water needs. Robust composting and recycling systems will be in place to help staff and residents minimise waste,” says Mr Pell.

Subject to resource consent, construction is expected to commence in 2023, and it’s anticipated the village will be open for its first residents in 2025 and fully completed by 2029.

The new village will include approximately 160 single-level independent living units with a range of villa configurations and a 50-bed premium care home.

The Sailrock Drive site will provide expansive views. Construction is expected to begin in 2023. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

“The design of the village will reflect Mangawhai’s natural landscape and character… key amenities and features that epitomise the Mangawhai community and lifestyle.”

- Dylan Pell, Metlifecare head of acquisitions