Maureen became a resident of Arvida Te Puna Waiora in December 2021, and in that time the community purchased the iconic Alma G boat. The boat is not only famous in the Bay of Islands but also worldwide thanks to books written by well-known American author, Zane Grey.

Maureen says she loves the opportunity to venture out on the water once again in the restored boat, along with her neighbouring residents.

“The boat takes me back to my early marriage days of having a boat of our own where I learnt to sail, we were in Bucklands Beach at the time. My mother also took us to the local wharf where I caught my first yellow tailed fish which thinking back was probably undersized. The last time I was on Alma G, everyone was hauling in fish after fish, and when it was my turn I caught the biggest fish of the day and also of my life - so it was a big thrill! I am also looking forward to going around the islands and exploring why it’s called the Bay of Islands,” Hawkins explains.

The vessel is a shared asset of the 65+ retirement community and regularly runs trips for residents (weather permitting), skippered by an Arvida team member, for sightseeing, excursions and fishing in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Presented in better than new condition, the boat now has a 270hp Hyundai engine that sees the 36’ hull topping out at 20 knots.

Arvida Chief Executive, Jeremy Nicoll, says the welcome addition of the legendary Alma G fishing boat doesn’t just support Arvida's wellness approach, The Attitude of Living Well^TM, it’s also an opportunity to own a piece of marine history.

“Just like all of Arvida’s unique Living Well Communities, Arvida Te Puna Waiora has embraced the local residents’ interests with boating being a favourite pastime in the Bay of Islands. We’re proud to be the owners of the Alma G and be part of its legacy, where residents can live life their way and continue their passion for life on the water,” Nicoll says.

The Alma G was built in 1922 by Collins Bros. in Auckland, for the Arlidge family and named after a cousin, Alma Green. She is the oldest surveyed game fishing vessel in New Zealand and possibly the world. The legendary fishing launch holds many world records for game fishing in the Bay of Islands, including Striped Marlin, Broadbill, Yellowtail, and Black Marlin.

During World War 2, the New Zealand Royal Navy even commandeered the Alma G as a patrol boat for monitoring enemy submarines.

Arvida Te Puna Waiora Village Manager, Monique Hawker, says the residents love the regular fishing charters, visits to Urapukapuka Island and lunches in Russell. She adds there’s been a real connection and interest from her residents in the boat and its history.

“The residents hold a great deal of history over their accumulated lives, much of which has been lived in Northland. So does the Alma G with her 100 years of touring and game fishing the seas off the Bay of Islands,” Hawker explains.

With the success and popularity of the Alma G as a feature in the Living Well Community, the Arvida Te Puna Waiora Boat Club has been formed for residents. There’s opportunities to join in on the Alma G marine adventures or the resident-led activities in Te Ripo Wai Clubhouse with the next stage of villas available soon in the Kerikeri community. Once fully completed, Arvida Te Puna Waiora will feature almost 200 villas and a care centre… as well as the Alma G that sets sail regularly.