Media Release
23 November 2020
For immediate release
Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village appeals
Interest in the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village in Kawerau continues.
The village is a development by Kawerau District Council to provide high-quality affordable housing for people aged 60-plus.
The Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village is a partnership between the Council and Generation Homes Taupō and when finished will comprise 29 units.
To date there have been six units built and sold under Occupation Right Agreements to residents who are now living at Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village.
Recently the Council resolved to build another six units at the village that are due to be completed by May 2021. Even prior to the second round of building starting, three of these units have sold.
Communications Manager Tania Humberstone said the units were perfect for people looking to downsize and continue to live independently.
“Council continues to get regular interest in the lifestyle village due to its picturesque location beside Firmin Reserve and close proximity to the township for services and amenities.
“In addition, these 109m2 brick-clad units are modern and warm featuring two bedrooms, an internal garage, spacious bathroom, wide internal doorways, an outdoor deck area, heat pump and double-glazing.”
The village is on reserve land, which cannot be sold. Therefore, residents purchase an Occupation Right Agreement or ORA. The cost for an ORA currently remains at $310,000* for the second build and this includes appliances and amenities like fibre, power and telephone installed and ready to connect.
The concept of an Occupation Right Agreement is not the perfect fit for everyone and potential buyers should seek legal advice from a solicitor, which is part of the application process.
“However, feedback from residents already living at the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village is that the ‘peace of mind’ is a major drawcard. Residents know they can enjoy their golden years as property maintenance; lawn mowing and gardening is taken care of.”
In addition, residents pay an annual fee that covers rates, exterior building maintenance, building insurance, gardening and mowing, statutory supervision and administration and that the complex is gated for security.
Currently $6,400, this fee is likely to be adjusted each year to align with rates and insurance increases.
An official function to blessing the lifestyle village was held in late July 2020 whereby Tūwharetoa Kaumatua Te Haukakawa (Boycie) Te Rire and Tūwharetoa Kaumatua and Reverend Tumuhitai (George) Raerino carried out the karakia and blessing of the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village in conjunction with Mayor Malcolm Campbell and special guests prior to the first resident moving in.
Situated off Porritt Drive in the newly created Piripiri Crescent, the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village has the added benefit of freeing up homes for families or those moving back to back to employment opportunities.
The recent population increases in the district show that Kawerau is a popular destination for people of all ages.
People interested in hearing more about the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village can arrange to talk with Kawerau District Council Communications Manager Tania Humberstone or visit the Council website www.kaweraudc.govt.nz
*The price of $310,000 was still valid at the time this media release was published. However, in 2021, the price is now $315,000 and will be adjusted again to reflect an increase in building materials for the third build scheduled to start in June 2021.
The naming of Piripiri Crescent –
Historically, the Kawerau area experienced a large landslide that forced rocks and boulders to come loose and flow together, down towards the site of the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village.
Tangata Whenua named the area Piripiri, the place where boulders come (piri) together.
The historical name ‘Piripiri’ was shared to Council by ngā tūpuna o Tūwharetoa (Hingaia) and has been used to name the new road through the Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village subdivision.
Piripiri means to keep close, close together, stick, cling, adhere.
Piripiri in this context, is the gathering of rocks but more importantly the gathering of people.
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For more information, please contact, Communications Manager Tania Humberstone on 027 464 3785.
