NEW ZEALAND | A new centrepiece for Greytown Orchards has officially opened, marking a major milestone in the growth of the South Wairarapa lifestyle village.
More than 100 guests, community representatives, local businesses and residents gathered last week to celebrate the opening of The Lodge – a purpose-built community hub designed to bring people together and become the social heart of the village.
South Wairarapa Mayor Dame Fran Wilde officially opened The Lodge, cutting the ribbon on a facility that brings together spaces to socialise, relax, keep active and enjoy time with friends and family.
Speaking at the opening, Dame Fran said The Lodge, alongside the planned care facility, would be an important addition to the community.
“The Lodge and the planned hospital care facility is going to make this a really prized place to be. I think everybody is very proud of having this facility in the midst of our community.”
For Greytown Orchards, the opening represents more than the completion of a new building. It is a significant milestone in the village’s growth since opening in 2022, and another step in creating a vibrant, connected community for residents.
The Lodge features a café, library, gym, heated indoor pool, games and activities rooms, as well as outdoor spaces including pétanque courts and a terrace with views towards the Tararua Ranges.
Greytown’s popular Main Street Deli operates the on-site café, Murphy’s Kitchen, which catered the opening celebration.
And the celebrations didn’t stop with the official opening. More than 100 Greytown Orchards residents gathered in the afternoon for a BBQ, games of pétanque and live music, providing a fitting first taste of the community moments The Lodge was designed to create.
Greytown Orchards resident Pauline Donaldson, who has lived at the village for four years, says The Lodge fills an important gap in village life.
“It’s created that huge gathering space that we need for people to relax – it’s a very calming environment. I’ve also got a responsibility for the library, so having such a lovely, dedicated space for it is really special. There are so many books and it looks amazing.”
Greytown Orchards is part of the Tumu family of businesses, a multigenerational family organisation based in Hawke’s Bay.
Tumu director Barry O’Sullivan says The Lodge will become an important part of village life.
“We believe this Lodge will become a real centrepiece for Greytown Orchards and an important gathering place for residents, families and friends.”
Barry says the people who use The Lodge will ultimately shape what it becomes.
“It’s the conversations, the moments shared with friends and family, along with the care and support. Everyone has a part to play in shaping this and building it into a strong, caring community.”
Construction of The Lodge began in 2025 following the continued growth of Greytown Orchards, which opened in 2022.
Purposefully positioned at the heart of the village, the facility complements the established gardens, outdoor spaces and community atmosphere that have become part of life at Greytown Orchards.
The opening also signals the next stage of Greytown Orchards’ development, with a planned care facility forming part of the village’s future expansion.
All 85 villas built to date are now occupied or sold, with reservations being taken for the next stage of the village, where construction is due to commence in 2027.
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