This August, Maygrove Village celebrates its 20th Birthday, and this week the residents, staff, friends, and family came together to celebrate with speeches, stories of the past, present and future, cumulating in a cake cutting ceremony, with all enjoying a glass of bubbles and slice of cake. This event was the start of a month-long celebration which commemorates all whom have been involved since Maygrove’s inception.
Maygrove Village holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and this was apparent while attending the ceremony, especially to witness the delightful residents who’ve embraced the Hopper lifestyle. It was obvious the residents enjoy a vibrant social culture, and love living at the Village. It was equally apparent that the village and hospital staff authentically care for, and enjoy the residents’ company. The Village has maintained a sense of team, even with the challenges and trying times that retirement villages have faced during recent Covid times. The long-standing staff members and original residents who still reside at Maygrove were honoured as an integral part of the Maygrove legacy. Speeches were given by Don Shaw (one of the first residents), who praised Maygrove for being a haven during Covid lockdowns and expressed how lucky he felt to be at Maygrove. We also heard from Village Manager Leonie Knell, Hopper Developments CEO, Tim Brooks, who has just celebrated his 40th year at Hoppers, and Shana Hopper-McCully, the Brand & Strategy Development Manager and part of the third generation of Hoppers in the family business. Shana reminisced about time spent with her brothers collecting kauri gum and swedes amongst the clay and topsoil during the development of the Maygrove site. She also recalled times, at 14 years old, of being grounded and made to vacuum the hallways after school as a punishment. Leigh Hopper was unfortunately unable to attend the celebration but sent his regards and his recognition of the milestone in the evolution of the Village.
“With a dedicated team it has developed into a well-regarded establishment. I cannot place enough praise on our wonderful staff, particularly during recent and continuing Covid challenges. It is their efforts that deliver such a fantastic culture and makes us all so proud to be associated with Maygrove. I’m sure I speak for residents in this regard also. The bricks and mortar may be up to 20 years old now but the next few years will see a major face lift contributing to the quality lifestyle enjoyed.”
Maygrove Village’s signature Art Deco building has always set them apart from the rest, but the face lift scheduled for later this year involving a major refurbishment of the common amenity areas including the café, foyer, library, pool, gym and outdoor seating areas will take the Village to a higher level again.
