Napier is set to be the home of Metlifecare's next property, bringing the age care provider's pipeline to 21 projects in the future.
Metlifecare has announced its first land acquisition for the new financial year, a premium six-hectare site in the Napier suburb of Greenmeadows (Te Roropipi precinct), purchased from Mana Ahuriri Hāpai Limited Partnership (Mana Ahuriri Hāpai), a collaboration between Mana Ahuriri Trust and the iwi-owned national property fund Hāpai.
Metlifecare will invest approximately NZD 140 million to transform the multi hectare site at 42 Wharerangi Road into a vibrant new retirement village.
Once complete, the village will offer around 150 single-level two and three-bedroom villas, a premium care home, and resident amenities including a pool, gym, café/bar, library, and landscaped outdoor spaces.
Metlifecare Chief Executive Officer Earl Gasparich said the partnership marks an important step in the company’s disciplined, data-led land acquisition strategy.
“This acquisition reflects our ongoing focus on securing high-quality, well-located sites that will deliver the best outcomes for future residents and shareholders. Our approach combines detailed demographic analysis, housing market insights, and comprehensive customer research, ensuring every site we add to our landbank has strong long-term potential,” said Gasparich.
“Te Roropipi is an exceptional location for a retirement village, it’s minutes from Anderson Park, Park Island, Greenmeadows New World and just a short drive into Napier city. We’re honoured to be working alongside Mana Ahuriri to create a village that respects the cultural heritage of the area and offers a connected, enriching lifestyle for our future residents.”
The partnership will see both parties work together during the design process, guided by shared values of manaakitanga (care and respect), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and a commitment to sustainability, including the extensive use of native plantings.
Earthworks are expected to commence later this year, with the first residents anticipated in 2027. Once operational, the village will create significant employment opportunities, both during construction and in its ongoing operation.
“This development represents another exciting opportunity as part of our wider property strategy to deliver positive economic, social, and cultural benefits for our hapū and the wider Hawke’s Bay community,” said Mana Ahuriri Trust Chair Te Kaha Hawaikirangi.
“The sale of just over 30 percent of the site to Metlifecare, is a cornerstone for our wider development plans for Te Roropipi, which will include the development of a commercial retail precinct, and high-quality housing and sections, all being available to our Mana Ahuriri whānau. We look forward to seeing a village that honours our whenua while providing a place of belonging for older New Zealanders.”
The acquisition brings Metlifecare’s future development pipeline to 21 sites across New Zealand, capable of delivering more than 1,700 independent living units and care suites.
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