After losing her husband, Don, in 2024, Jenny faced a decision that many retirees eventually encounter: stay where you are comfortable and familiar, or move closer to family. For Jenny, whose daughter Andrea lives in Pukekohe and son Blair is based in Auckland, the answer was clear.
“It seemed to be the obvious move to make, and to do it while I was still able,” Jenny explains. “I’m 76 now and could have left it for another five years but then I might not have felt quite so physically or mentally able.”
The move also means something else – the chance to spend more time with her children and grandchildren after decades of living miles apart.
“It is lovely to be able to ring my daughter to catch up for a coffee. It’s 30 years since we’ve been able to pop around and see each other. So it’s wonderful,” Jenny says.
For Andrea, having her mum nearby has been equally rewarding. “Mum and I get along great, so it’s like having a best buddy up here to hang out with,” she laughs.
When a sign advertising The Hill Pukekohe appeared, Andrea was quick to investigate. “I went up and had a look and decided that if Mum didn’t want to move in, I would! So I rang Mum and said, ‘I think this is where you want to move to.’”
One of Jenny’s priorities was ensuring she could continue enjoying the activities and hobbies that have always been important to her.
“I love playing bridge, I love quilting, I’ve done line dancing. I’ve always been involved in a lot of things and I wanted to still be able to get involved in those things when I got here,” she says. “Because I was coming to a brand new area, it was important that I could get out and meet people. I didn’t want to be solely reliant on family.”
She has already joined the local bridge club and is looking forward to becoming involved in more community groups around Pukekohe. “The people here are wonderful,” she says. “I went into a quilting shop and this lady was telling me all the clubs I could join. They’ve been ever so helpful.”
Jenny chose the spacious 238m² Waiheke floor plan at The Hill. “It meant moving to only a slightly smaller house, which meant I could keep all my furniture, some of which belonged to my parents,” she says. “It made the house feel like home immediately.”
She was also able to customise her villa’s design to suit her passions. By reducing the size of her guest bathroom, she created a generous walk-in storage cupboard in the media room for her quilting supplies.“It’s stacked floor to ceiling with fabric and wool. I’m in my element!”
A cherished roll-top desk that belonged to Don’s parents has also found a place in the new home, alongside her sewing machine and other family treasures.
Outside, Jenny enjoys elevated views across Pukekohe and the convenience of lock-and-leave living. “It’s just beautiful with all the twinkly lights at night. I’ve been back down to Rangiora and I didn’t have to worry about getting anyone to mow my lawns or look after the garden or security while I was away, so that was great too.”
For Andrea, the benefits extend well beyond convenience.
“The proximity is brilliant because if she needs anything, I can be there. It’s peace of mind for us, having her close by and knowing she’s got lots of good neighbours and is in a safe environment.”
Perhaps the greatest reward, however, is time with family.
“Every weekend now I can watch my grand children play sport, which I haven’t been able to do before,” Jenny says. “I love that. I walked from The Hill down to the netball courts last Saturday. It’s marvellous.”
Looking back, Jenny has simple advice for others considering a similar move.
“The sooner the better,” she says. “You can make the choice of what stays, what goes and what gets thrown out. If you leave it too long and the children have to make those decisions on your behalf, you’ve lost quite a bit of control. Do it while you’re still active and able.”
