Abbeyfield Waimakariri – planned development

Artists impression of Abbeyfield Waimakariri, Rangiora

The very latest in warm, private, purpose-built rental living facilities for independent older people in North Canterbury has been revealed, and Abbeyfield Waimakariri Inc (AWI) couldn’t be happier.

And along with that was the recent signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Abbeyfield and the Waimakariri District Council (WDC) to progress the council-owned reserve site in Kingsbury Ave, Rangiora, through its legal processes.

“It’s been a huge couple of weeks for us and we are all buzzing,” says AWI chair Valda Reveley.

“The three arms of Abbeyfield – AWI, Abbeyfield NZ and Abbeyfield Properties Ltd – have collectively worked hard alongside the council to reach this step towards confirming the proposed site, and now we wait until the appropriate statutory processes are conducted.”

WDC now gives public notice of its intention to develop a Reserve Management Plan and provide a timeframe for the public to send in any initial written suggestions or ideas. Following that will be public notification that the plan is available for inspection and open to any written submissions or objections.

Valda Reveley and AWI deputy chair Richard Tolan have worked closely with Abbeyfield’s property arm over many months and are thrilled with the artist’s impressions of the elegant building designed to be home to 14 independent seniors.

A home to love

The street appeal of our proposed Abbeyfield House is obvious and it will sit well in established Kingsbury Ave, Rangiora.  The14 seniors who will rent here will love to call it ‘home’.

Look at the floorplan below, as it shows just how practical the home will be for its residents:14 ensuite studios with internal and external access, a laundry in each of the two wings, a meeting room, kitchen, large pantry, combined communal dining-living room, storage room and an office.

It provides a warm, suitable, well-maintained home, shared household costs and nutritious meals, companionship, and the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe and supportive community.

There is no capital entry charge, and when compared with the combined cost of maintaining a home independently and the challenges of living alone, Abbeyfield represents exceptional value.

Fundraising continues and event dates will be available in our September newsletter.

We are very grateful for the support our members, volunteers, supporters and the wider community have given and now ask you to spread our good news and encourage others to donate, volunteer and follow Abbeyfield Waimakariri on Facebook.

Many older people face rising rents, unsuitable housing, loneliness and the challenge of managing everyday life alone. Abbeyfield offers a positive alternative. We want to make Waimakariri the next community to provide this choice.

Our purpose-built house at Kingsbury Avenue, Rangiora will provide:

• 14 affordable private ensuite studios.
• Shared dining, lounge and outdoor spaces.
• Nutritious meals prepared by a housekeeper/cook.
• Power, food and household overheads included in the rent.
• Companionship, safety and practical support.
• A place where residents can remain independent and connected.

Shared meals. Friendship. Security.  A genuine sense of home.

Now we need our community to help build the home.

The project is expected to cost approximately $4 million, funded through grants, donations, community fundraising, volunteer support and mortgage finance.  We cannot build it alone. We need our community to build it together.

This will be more than a building. It will be 14 homes, a shared table and a stronger community.

Please help make Abbeyfield Waimakariri a reality. Help us build a home for our future. Help us raise $4,000,000

Donate today

You can help with a one off donation, become a regular monthly giver, introduce us to a business or major donor, or simply share this campaign.

Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to opening the doors.

Give what you can.  Give regularly if you are able.

Donate now via Givealittle or contact [email protected] for bank details.

You can also support us by:

• Fundraising
• Volunteering
• Donating goods or services.
• Sharing our vision with your community.  Follow Abbeyfield Waimakariri on Facebook for fundraising events and updates
• Find us at the Church Street Market in Rangiora on the first Saturday of each month, selling preserves and jams.

Together, we can build a safe, affordable and connected home for older people in Waimakariri.