The OCE Hammers
OCE has long been a supporter of the Omokoroa Bowling Club and has sponsored the bottom green at the club since 2001. OCE staff also participate at the club, their social bowling team in its second season competing in the local twilight tournament. A name like the “OCE Hammers” suggest that while their team may […]
Son of a pioneer
David and Trish Thomas moved 500 metres when they relocated from their Omokoroa home to OCE a few months ago. Their prior moves were much larger; from a back country station to a vineyard, from Gisborne to the Bay of Plenty. David Thomas is the son of a pioneer. His father was a Gallipoli veteran […]
Volunteer of the year!
Chris Conn has lived at OCE for eight years. She’s been a volunteer at Waipuna Hospice for six. Last year she was awarded Volunteer of the Year out of over 300 people who help at the hospice. If anyone thinks retirement to a lifestyle village actually means retiring and relaxing, they have not met Chris… […]
The Glory of the Gardens
The gardens at OCE have always been a highlight of the estate, often the first feature to impress potential residents and the one they grow to love even more once they live here. Spring is the time they look their best… so in the absence of a Garden Ramble this year, we take you on […]
Creating a community
The recent publication of Creating a Community by Chris Cole, which documented the first three decades of Omokoroa Country Estate, marked a milestone in the history of the estate. If it wasn’t for Reverend Mac Olds, Omokoroa Country Estate might never have existed. So, very appropriate that we ask Rev. Olds’ son David, a current […]
Helena and Johan van der Merwe – Resident of Omokoroa Country Estate
“There are many words to describe this type of lifestyle. Independent living is kind of correct but more so is…abundance. We live a life in abundance. Friends and neighbours take the place of children in other countries and we understand one another as we share the same passion – peace, happiness, and freedom. We fondly think of everyone around us as part of our family. The OCE gardens are beautiful and, year-round, we experience the endless joy of flowers and the exceptional birdlife. Management takes care of every resident, watches over us and protects us, but more…they really care.”
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Lyrical about Life in OCE – Johan and Helena van der Merwe
If there is one thing every person dreams about, it is retirement. When you are young you want to make enough money to retire, you plan and save for retirement but, alas it is the one thing that nobody is ever prepared for. Obviously; who wants to think of old age and emptiness? Charles Aznavour […]
Ian and Shirley Morton – Long Term Resident of Omokoroa Country Estate
“One could almost say we came here by accident, but what a turn of fate it was. We had designed and built ourselves our dream retirement home in a lovely seaside settlement in Northland, when, after four years of bliss, we happened to visit friends who had left our area to live at OCE. We were overcome with everything about this village and were shown through the current show home. By the time we returned north, we had made up our minds we wanted to be here. We rang through immediately and arranged a deposit on the home, and believe it or not, that home has been ours for 26 years. We have loved living here and over the years have taken full advantage of the host of things to do. Couldn’t be happier.”
Don and Jenny McLellan – Resident of Omokoroa Country Estate
“Before moving to OCE from Tauranga’s Avenues we considered a city apartment. However, living here has delivered us all the benefits of apartment living with the added advantages of village life. It’s so peaceful here and we enjoy the connection with neighbours, the social events and the opportunities offered in the village and locally, especially the Omokoroa Golf Course and delightful coastal walks. (Important to Don who has walked the Camino in Spain three times!) Relocating to OCE was an easy transition for us and one we’ve not regretted.”
Patricia Price – Resident of Omokoroa Country Estate
“We moved from Auckland to OCE in 2003 and have appreciated the friendly residents and staff and embraced community life. I was on the Residents’ Committee for five years. Alastair and I hosted music appreciation and discussion groups and joined the weekly singalong. Line and Scottish country dancing and aquacise are among the many activities I have enjoyed at OCE. Since my husband’s death, I have felt very supported and cared for here and I am very content to stay in this lovely village with so many good friends and neighbours.”