The gifting of a sacred Mauri stone to Arvida Te Puna Waiora from Ngāti Rēhia has cemented the name of the new Resident Clubhouse currently under construction.
The stone, provided by 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, the 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 has been working with the Arvida retirement community since its inception when they gifted the name – Te Puna Waiora – The Source of Wellbeing.
The partnership also includes 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 said the people make a community, 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, said 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”.
