The father of five has made twelve planter boxes so far for other residents, measuring 1200 by 1200 and 600mm high. Using tongue and groove boards and lined with plastic, each planter box holds a cubic meter of soil mix and the residents have already started to use them for herbs, lettuce, broccoli and flowers.

Doug’s a handyman who doesn’t like to sit still for too long - always been good at fixing things, building things, and making things work. After moving into the Kerikeri retirement community two and a half years ago, he was relieved to learn he didn’t have to give up doing what he loves to do.

“It was important because I like to keep busy and I’m glad to still do my own thing,” Doug says.

Doug traces his handyman skills way back to woodwork class at school, but says lengthy navy, firefighter careers would’ve helped.

“Yeah I was a builder for a while, but I was also a truck driver too in America. In-between driving trucks I was in charge of upkeeping the campervans for the truckies. There was a lot of maintenance involved,” Doug explains.

Now that he’s brightened up the backyards of his neighbours with planter boxes and recently finished building a screen for a spa pool and a chicken coop, Doug’s after new jobs to fill his days.

“I’m handy with a hammer and it’s just something I do. I like to make or fix stuff.”