Lois’ story: A “lovely, ready-made community”
Lois and her husband of 32 years had been renting an apartment on Picton Street in Howick when, five years ago, her husband passed away. “It was such a loss when my husband died. I knew I needed to make a change as the rent was getting very expensive”, she says.
Lois was raised in Christchurch and had lived there during her adult life so she considered moving back as she didn’t know that many people in Howick. “I went back a few times to see if I should move back down, but in the end I decided to stay in Auckland.”
Fortunately, Lois found Stevenson Village, which offered everything she was looking for in new home. “I have a lovely outdoor space for my roses and the unit is neat and tidy and has been well cared for,” she enthuses. For Lois, the most important part of living at Stevenson Village was the rental cost – “I could afford it which gave me a great deal of peace of mind.”
“I’m nearly 89 years old and peace of mind becomes one of the most important things,” she says. “I feel safe and secure and surrounded by support and lovely neighbours. It’s also lovely not having to worry about maintenance.”
Lois said the move into the Village went smoothly. “Kylie from HBH was wonderful, Matt’s been so helpful and my son was also a great support. It’s also great having HBH Howick Views just around the corner – if I need anything the staff can be here in a jiffy.”
Lois is making her mark on the Village and has organised movie afternoons in the community centre. “I feel so lucky to have found this lovely ‘ready-made community’,” she says. “I have great neighbours and I’ve made new friends. I definitely made the right move coming here.”
