About Us

There are currently 15 Abbeyfield houses in New Zealand providing a home to 173 residents. They are in Whangārei, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Masterton, Palmerston North, Takaka, Motueka, Nelson (Stoke and Tāhunanui), Christchurch (Hornby and Wigram), Leeston, Queenstown and Dunedin. A new house is currently being built in Katikati and local groups are actively working to establish houses in Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth, Greymouth, Kaikōura, Waimakariri, Alexandra and Wānaka. Find out more about our houses.

Abbeyfield New Zealand is a registered charity (CC23346) and a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP) with the Community Housing Regulatory Authority. We are a member of Community Housing Aotearoa.

Abbeyfield houses were originally set up in the UK in the 1950s to address the issues of isolation and loneliness among older people. The aim was to provide a comfortable home where people could enjoy the companionship of others.

Today, isolation and loneliness are still key issues for many older people and the need for Abbeyfield houses is as great as ever. Research shows that about 10% of New Zealanders aged 65-74, and 13% of those aged over 75 feel lonely all, most, or some of the time. Abbeyfield houses allow residents to build social connections, engage with their community and live fulfilling lives.

Abbeyfield houses are also an affordable option for people with limited assets and income. There is no licence to occupy or capital entry charge and the rent is designed to be affordable for those relying on  superannuation for their main income.

In Aotearoa, 40% of older people rely on superannuation for their sole income and another 20% have only a little extra income. So there are many people whose housing options in retirement are limited.

Click on the image above to watch a video by the Abbeyfield Society in the UK on Abbeyfield’s roots.