The stone, provided from Te Awa O Ngā Rangatira, was laid at the entrance of the building in a burial ceremony this week with the Deputy Mayor, Arvida’s CEO Jeremy Nicoll, community team and residents in attendance.

The Clubhouse will now be called Te Ripo Wai which means gentle swirling waters and bringing lifeforce and calm from the river.

Ngāti Rēhia have been working with the Arvida retirement community since its inception when they gifted the name – Te Puna Waiora – The Source of Wellbeing.

The partnership has also included a successful community landscaping plan of native plants and trees.

The Mauri stone is often laid at the foundation of a new building to respect, protect, support, and connect the land and its people.

Deputy Mayor, Kelly Stratford says what makes a community are the people, and both locals and those from afar are coming here.

“The placing of the Mauri solidifies Ngāti Rēhia here and the economic benefit from this build is not only for Kerikeri but also the wider neighbouring communities.”

Once completed, the Clubhouse will offer a variety of activities and social gatherings for residents.

The Arvida retirement community is still growing, with brand-new two and three-bedroom villas now available.

Arvida Te Puna Waiora Village Manager, Monique Hawker, says the connection is vital and the cultural importance of the stone is very significant.

“Our residents can’t wait to have a Clubhouse that will truly become the heart of our community. Our resident-led lifestyle will continue to drive our wellness approach called the Attitude of Living Well^TM”.