Substantial investment is continuing at two luxury retirement villages in the Bay of Plenty with a new residential aged care centre being opened today at Pacific Coast Village.

Pacific Coast is known for upscale design and resort-style facilities rarely seen in New Zealand.

The Care Centre - Te Manaaki, is a continuation of this considered design, crafted to provide residents with luxury living as well as elevated care and with it an added sense of security in their later years.

Te Manaaki offers rest home and hospital level care, including palliative and end of life care.

'The completion of Te Manaaki allows Pacific Coast and its sister village Pacific Lakes, to offer a full continuum of care - from independent living, serviced apartments to residential aged care - with the highest level of quality and consistency throughout,” explains Generus Living Group Director Graham Wilkinson.

Te Manaaki will place a significant emphasis on a personalised approach, where residents will take the lead in their own lifestyle and be supported by a collaborative approach between our multidisciplinary clinical staff and family.

'It is recognised that this extra time, effort, and energy to adopt and engage in this model of care delivers significant outcomes, enhancing the daily life of both our residents and team.” says Graham.

The new building is 3000 square metres and seamlessly integrates with Pacific Coast's architecturally designed Beach House, also by Sumich Chaplin.

Te Manaaki presents a modern facility with 58 highly appointed care suites over two levels, offering a range of spacious residences. Premier Suites are up to 56 square metres and include a small kitchenette, dedicated dining lounge area, walk through wardrobe, and private ensuite.

The extended living spaces and amenity are substantial and have been carefully curated to present as highly residential, providing residents with choice of environment and a sense of home.

The name Te Manaaki, loosely translates to mean care and support. It also acknowledges the Generus Living Group's partnership with Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Incorporation (MPBI) in the development of both villages - Pacific Coast & Pacific Lakes and whose taonga tuku iho (ancestral land) the villages are built on.

'Manaaki is a concept we value deeply. Manaakitanga is about reciprocity of care and support” says CEO of MPBI Scott Wikohika. 'We are proud to have partnered in an investment that celebrates and recognises the value and contribution people continue to make to communities throughout their lives, regardless of their age.”

'Te Manaaki will also be available for local residents requiring superior care and amenity, which given the Bay's demographics is sorely needed,” notes Graham. 'We are holding some public open days this weekend to showcase the facilities.”

Staff will join the celebrations today, which will see guests gather at the admired Beach House, to be led through to Te Manaaki, followed by a blessing, waiata, and ribbon cutting.

About Pacific Lakes Village

At the adjacent property, Pacific Lakes Village, the partnership is underway with development of the community centre The Pavilion, as a larger amenity to the highly acclaimed Lake House. Pacific Lakes already has 170 completed villas and is expected to reach 250 by the time The Pavilion completes in two years.

There are currently over 600 residents residing in the two villages. Once the care centre is fully occupied and the remaining Pacific Lakes villas are completed, the two villages will be home to over 800 people.

The villages currently employ approximately 60 full time employees, with the new care centre adding an additional 60 jobs, some of whom have already started as part of pre-opening. Employees will eventually exceed 140 over both villages.