At 87, he has spent his entire life living here, watching the town evolve from a rural farming community into the thriving centre it is today.
“I can remember during the war, there were a lot of Yanks here,” Richard says. “It was a real country town in those days. There was still the odd horse being ridden into town. We’ve seen an astonishing amount of growth, particularly in the past 20 years.”
Richard’s strong connection to Pukekohe is shared by his wife, Lynn. The couple met through the local Ford dealership, where Richard managed the tractor sales division and Lynn worked as sales secretary. They have now been married for more than 45 years and have spent decades building their lives in this community.
When they first began considering retirement village living, they were drawn to Tamahere Country Club in the Waikato. The couple even signed up for a villa, but ultimately decided they didn’t want to leave the town they knew so well.
Then a neighbour delivered some welcome news. Sanderson Group was planning to build The Hill right on their doorstep. “It was literally a five minute walk down the road,” Lynn laughs.
Today, the couple are settled into a 193m² two-bedroom villa, which they customised to suit their lifestyle. “We went with the Rakino floor plan, but it didn’t have a scullery, so we cut down the size of the second bathroom and they put in a scullery for us,” Lynn says.
A keen cook, Lynn says the additional space has been invaluable. “I had a scullery previously and I love cooking. It gives me plenty of storage, which is important.”
The couple also selected their own interior colours to suit their tastes and upgraded to wool carpet. “We went with a darker kitchen because there’s so much white with the high ceilings,” Lynn explains. “We just love everything about it.”
The quality of the homes was what originally attracted them to Sanderson Group.
“The finish of them and the facilities were beautiful,” Richard explains. “And we love having a standalone villa. We visited their villages in Tamahere, Matamata and Omokoroa as well. They’ve just been great to deal with. They go out of their way to help you, whether you want alterations or anything else. They’re very obliging.”
Their elevated position within the village has also proved a bonus. “We’re looking due north towards Mount Wellington and over Pukekohe,” Lynn says. “Sitting at the dining table, we get a lovely view.”
Although The Hill is still growing, many of the residents are already familiar faces.
“One neighbour is a girl I used to work with, and the neighbour on the other side we’ve known for a long time,” Lynn says. “I go to a gym class a couple of days a week and there are three members there who are moving in over the next two stages!”
The Pulmans both volunteer at the St John shop in Pukekohe, with Lynn helping sort clothing and incoming goods while Richard checks donated electrical items. Lynn also enjoys regular walks around town, while Richard goes out fishing for snapper on the Hauraki Gulf most weeks with a friend.
After a lifetime spent in Pukekohe, neither can imagine being anywhere else. “It’s just like home,” Lynn says.
“It’s nice and quiet,” Richard adds. “There’s no traffic noise. It’s busy during the day because it’s a building site but they’re very accommodating to the residents and we know it’s not forever, it’s only temporary. And I no longer have to mow any lawns. It’s really good, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Elisha and Michelle.”
After 87 years in Pukekohe, it’s reassuring to know home is exactly where it’s always been.
