In the beginning
Young men have always seen visions and dreamed dreams, and the world is a better place because of those dreams. One such young man was Lloyd Parker (born 30 June 1914). His vision was of beautiful gardens, which led to an almost professional knowledge of horticulture.
That, together with his commitment to his career as a builder and his developing concern regarding the needs of people growing older in a sometimes uncaring society, produced the outstanding man we recall today – the man who founded Parkwood, New Zealand’s most beautiful retirement village.
Early development
As the village took shape, many trees and shrubs were given to the Parklands Trust and by the middle of 1969 it was possible to erect fences and plant shrubs and trees along the southern and eastern borders where the original homes were built.
Much of that work was carried out by board members and Rotarian friends. Services for the entire village were planned and carried out. At that time there was no sewage or stormwater reticulation in rural Waikanae. Consequently, three large septic tanks had to be built and every prospective house provided with stormwater sumps.
Woodlands
Lloyd Parker believed that a community of 450 persons was an optimum size and would require 60 acres of land. In the mid 1970s the Board purchased 41½ acres that contained a motel complex, which was managed by residents until the buildings were sold and removed some years later.
Initially the Parklands Trust accepted responsibility and legal liability in these transactions, however the Woodlands Trust was later established with a view to the two trusts eventually merging. After long and protracted legal processes, Parkwood Trust purchased the two properties on 31 October 1990 for just over $31 million.
1980s
In order to complete the original Board’s declared long term intention: “to provide lifetime care for residents”, the planning of Parkwood Lodge, as it became known, commenced in 1983.
The area reserved for the purpose was the northern end of a large sand dune, reduced in height. The facility was planned to provide partial care for residents no longer able to provide total care for themselves, with the design affording not just rooms but private apartments, each with a living room, bedroom, bathroom and tea making facilities.
Governance
In the mid 1980s the Board of Trustees met each month at Parklands Social Centre and the matron always attended. As the Trust grew, it became apparent that meetings should be more businesslike.
A subcommittee of the Board also set about examining existing management structures, including channels of communication and examining what could be done to not only maximise valuable aspects of the existing organisation, but also to look at alternatives that would benefit both residents and staff.
Into the 21st Century
Parkwood Village hostesses were part of the original village concept. Miss Mattinson was initially appointed as a part time receptionist, which evolved into receptionist/hostess.
Miss Margaret Harvey took up the first full time hostess position in January 1984, her role including assistance with physical problems, arranging for meals to be delivered to the home of convalescent residents and identifying residents who were unwell but had not sought help, as well as arranging outings and informal get togethers.