New Zealand beginnings................

 

The concept of Abbeyfield was introduced to New Zealand in 1991 by a local Wakefield GP who had traveled to the United Kingdom to look at older peoples’ housing options. The goal of this trip was to look for housing solutions to the increasing ageing population in Nelson. Ted Bassett traveled to the United Kingdom where he was introduced to Abbeyfield. Captured by the Abbeyfield concept, Dr Bassett returned to Nelson where he served on the Nelson Regional Coordinating Committee for accommodation of the Aged. His enthusiastic promotion recruited a small and energetic group of supporters and Abbeyfield in Nelson was born.

At the same time a group in Auckland was exploring the Abbeyfield concept as it had developed in Australia. From these early beginnings a national organisation was proposed to recruit, guide and support regional groups who would develop Abbeyfield houses throughout the country.

We now have sixteen Abbeyfield Societies affiliated to the national body, operating twelve Abbeyfield houses supporting 118 residents. In addition a further house is under construction and seven more projects are in the planning stages. Abbeyfield supporters in two additional areas are exploring the possibilities through preliminary steering committees.

 

Abbeyfield New Zealand

Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc was registered as a not for profit charitable Society in 1991. New Zealand joined Abbeyfield International in 1992 and remains committed to the Abbeyfield ideals first articulated by Richard Carr-Gomm. Houses have been established in Nelson (1994), Masterton (1996), Whangarei (2001) and Motueka (2002) and Hamilton (2005), Auckland and Golden Bay (2006), Dunedin and Wakatipu (2007) Palmerston North and Kaeo (2008) and a second house in Nelson (2010). Further projects are in development in Christchurch, Ellesmere, Wanganui, Westport, Greymouth, Kapiti, Porirua and a second house in Wakatipu.
 

The first Abbeyfield house to open in New Zealand - St Francis Way, Nelson -1994. It was a model for Abbeyfield's early development. Cooperation between the community (Abbeyfield), local government (Nelson City Council) and funding agencies (Lottery Grants Board) delivered a model outcome.

The national Society establishes policies and guidelines for the development of Abbeyfield Societies and the management of Abbeyfield Houses, monitors building design specifications, and is responsible for fund raising , publicity, promotion, research and advocacy. The national Society is located in office premises in central Nelson and is staffed by a General Secretary, and part-time staff for administrative and typing support, and financial control.

Construction of an Abbeyfield house in Auckland was completed in September 2006.  This project has been a template for accelerated development of “Abbeyfield style” Houses, partnering with local and/or central Government, financial organisations and local Trusts to provide capital for construction of additional Abbeyfield homes.

The scrolling picture show below displays successive images of  the twelve existing Abbeyfield houses in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Masterton, Nelson, Motueka Golden Bay, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Kaeo, Tahunanui and Frankton.