"We’ve got countryside on one side and the village on the other. It’s the best of both worlds," Ian says. The couple was initially unsure about moving, but the beautiful location and recommendation from friends convinced them it was the right choice. Their son now manages the family farm, allowing Ian and Noeline to stay connected to their roots while adapting to their new lifestyle.

Ian enjoys a sleep in now, a welcome change from his early starts on the farm where he once managed 300 cows. "There were always ups and downs in farming," Ian reflects, acknowledging all his hard work. Despite the challenges, he fondly remembers his farming days and still visits the farm two or three times a week to maintain his bond with the land.

The community garden at Whai Mauri Ora community has become a favourite spot for Ian. "It’s something we enquired about when we first came here," he shares. "It’s a great meeting place and we're really proud of how the garden has come along." The garden has not only provided Ian with a fulfilling hobby but has also helped him form friendships within the community.

Living in a spacious three-bedroom villa, Ian and Noeline have found their new home surprisingly accommodating. "Most people who come to visit us expect a villa to be tiny and they say 'wow' when they see the space," Ian explains. “People tend to leave it too late to move into a village but the timing was absolutely right for us and provides security for the future.”

Ian now spends more time admiring the farmland views of Pirongia without the early morning starts.