A Summerset World

Our very own show highlighting the variety and vibrancy of life at Summerset and introducing the wonderful residents who call our villages home

Produced & directed by Kiwi actor William Kircher, A Summerset World is part of the Summerset Sessions, an entertainment series featuring a variety of content, filmed specifically for our residents and friends of Summerset.

Each episode profiles a different Summerset village and showcases the talents and interests of the residents living there — giving us a glimpse into what makes each village a fun, unique and interesting place to live.

Join William as he explores different villages across NZ and keep following to see “where in the Summerset World” he is off to next!


Summerset Richmond Ranges

Our latest episode is filmed at Summerset Richmond Ranges where we meet friends Bob and Alister who show us their beautiful wood carvings. Kevin Dixon talks about his time playing rugby league for NZ, we take a line dancing class with Maureen, followed by an inside look at the printing group as Bev takes us on a tour and shows us their creations. We then sit down with mother and daughter duo Lesley and Olwyn who both live in the village and Lesley gives us a private viewing of the artist corner where she is featured that month.


Summerset on Cavendish

At our Casebrook village in Christchurch their active lifestyles shine through. We take a look at the CB Fit Exercise class, the walking group show us a local gem they hike and the bowlers show us how it’s done. We meet Jill and Lilly the dog and follow Lilly on her adventures around the village. We are treated to a viewing of what the residents have been making, Jan shows us her handmade cards, the Stitching Sistas show us their creations, Jim and Graham showcase their handmade toys and we take a look at John’s beautiful wood carvings.


Summerset at Wigram

Our visit at the Wigram village in Christchurch starts with a quick stop in Italy using a set of virtual reality headsets. Continuing our journey, we also get a resident's welcome by Julie, a guided walk around two award winning gardens, and take flight with Hans on his flight simulator. William tours the village in a vintage Model T Ford, and co-host Pinky Agnew gets a private musical performance from newlyweds Lynley and Grahame. Residents model their homemade steampunk costumes and the painting group showcases their works of art.


Summerset in the Bay

We are welcomed by Jill-Marie the Activities Coordinator before William is taken on a special drive around the village by Helen and Peter in a beautifully restored 1951 Vauxhall Velox.
We have a private viewing of some beautiful arts and crafts, including paintings by artist Yvonne, award-winning needlework pieces from Columbine and Lorraine’s hand-crafted porcelain dolls. We also get to see what’s inside not one, but two garages, and a unique collection of vintage swimwear makes the catwalk!


Summerset in the Orchard

We join Summerset in the Orchard residents as they celebrate Summerset’s 25th Birthday with cake, singing and a special happy hour to mark the occasion. We attend the village craft market brimming with amazing handcrafted pieces and collections, and meet some keen campervanners, adorable Meg the dog and some expert puzzlers. Janise from the resident wine club takes William and Bess on a tasting of local wines and join Hilda for a spin around the village on her e-scooter.


Summerset at the Course

Village Manager Craig Braun welcomes us to Summerset in Trentham, Upper Hutt. You never quite know what’s behind the garage door and Alan’s collection is no exception (spoiler, it's not a car!). We meet one of Summerset’s youngest residents, Emma who is a keen bowls enthusiast, and are put through our paces at a resident run exercise class. The episode also introduces the village choir, a soloist, the toe-tapping band and a talented group of knitters — Trentham is brimming with musical and crafty talent!


Summerset by the Ranges

Our first ever episode was filmed in our village in Levin and features a snow village (in Summer!), we get a tour of the wonderful gardens hosted by Head Gardener extraordinaire, meet some delightful residents and keen crafters and Ivan entertains us with some Irish charm and music!