Summerset Scene

In the winter issue, a Summerset resident shares her incredible story of living in East Timor during a time of political upheaval.

Closer to home, a kind-hearted knitter tells us how she turned a hobby into a special project for children in need, and a boating fanatic shows off the intricate maritime models he carefully crafts from the spare room of his Auckland villa.

For our green issue, we chat with some inspirational environmentalists, and learn easy tips for living greener.

Our cover star is Sir Alan Mark from Summerset at Bishopscourt in Dunedin, a top scientist who was knighted for his incredible career in conservation. We also catch up with some recycling experts who are making meaningful changes in their local neighbourhoods, and take a peek inside a keen antique collector’s arty abode.

In this summer issue, a professional croquet coach shares her love for the game, and how she inspired a large group of fellow residents to become masters of the mallet.

We travel to Nelson to see the wacky and wonderful designs at Summerset in the Sun’s annual Waste to Waist wearable art show, and we catch up with a Paraparaumu couple who have just celebrated a major milestone – their 75th wedding anniversary.

Spring weather is here, and so is the latest edition of Summerset Scene!

In this issue, we meet a humble Hamilton couple who have been recognised for their wonderful work with a local charity, as well as a group of Auckland residents who uncovered stories from the past for an impressive new book.

Pour yourself a hot cuppa and get comfy with the winter issue of Summerset Scene!

It’s packed with pics galore, including the results of the popular resident’s photography competition, a sneak peek at a stunning photographic exhibition featuring Summerset in the Sun residents and their favourite hobbies, and scenes of village life during level four lockdown.

Our cover star this issue is Denise Lenihan, who takes us backstage at her local theatre. Denise is always busy painting sets, crafting unusual props and keeping the entertainers happy.

We also chat with scientist turned author, Don Webster, about his adventures in the South Pole, and former driving instructor Don Welsh tells us about his nerves of steel behind the wheel.

We’re talking with Geoff Clarke and his wife Shirley this edition. Golf fans will recognise the name – Geoff was a leading professional golfer in the 1970s and now lives in our Wigram retirement village. We also find out about Dunedin resident, Michael Stedman, who previously ran the National History New Zealand film unit, and learn how Palmerston North resident Esmee Rowden has changed the lives of refugee families through donated sewing machines.

This issue features a wonderfully eclectic showcase of talent, from fashion designer Bill Miller to marathon man Peter Hanson who has over 100 medals – and is set to add even more to his collection.

We meet with ‘doctor of hedgehogs’ Pat Campbell, as well as Mina Thomas and Marie Trethowen, two fantastic embroiderers from Aotea who recently showed off their handiwork at a village exhibition.

This edition’s cover star is Hobsonville resident Rex Davy, who was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to sport and to the community.

You can also read about Vera Mummery, the Taupo resident who worked for MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, without even knowing it, and love is in the air in New Plymouth as we chat with David and Phyl Higham who didn’t expect to fall in love – let alone get married - after meeting at Summerset.

Our Autumn edition features Hobsonville resident Rona Weston who travelled internationally with famous elderly Hip-Hop dance crew, Hip Op-eration, and Nelson’s Charlie Stanton who built New Zealand’s fastest car out of an old aircraft engine.

Marlene Gillingham’s story of leaving Wellington city life to grow avocados and kiwifruit on a rural farm in the Bay of Plenty is fascinating, and Hawke’s Bay man David Daunton talks about wool classing – a job he still does today!

Our Summer Issue marks one year of publication and is filled with stories of residents and celebrates life at Summerset. On the cover is Wigram resident Ron, who has restored the eight classic cars he still owns.

We also chat to Katikati artist Val, who painted one of the town's main murals, and Hamilton woodcarver Megan, who has set up a workshop in her serviced apartment.

Our Spring Issue is jam packed with interesting features and stories, including a profile on Napier resident Jeanette Barker, who represented New Zealand in diving in her younger years and then later on in life at masters level. 

We get a sneak peek at the new Summerset uniforms, as well as meeting some of Rototuna's newest residents, and as with every Summerset Scene issue, much, much more!

Our Winter Issue is full of fantastic resident stories and activities from around our amazing villages, including Justine Whitaker, our Wigram resident who's off to compete in the upcoming World Masters Athletics Champions in Spain.

Napier resident Primrose Turnbull, who was one of the region's first female pilot also features alongside Tretham's Lloyd Homer, who has taken some remarkable photography of New Zealand's landscape.

Our Autumn Issue is packed with stories about our residents and activities from around our villages. Meet cover-couple Jan and Nora Was who have made an impression on Summerset’s Hobsonville village with their love for the sea.

Read about Ellerslie resident, Margaret Dunkley, who was named as a semi-finalist for Senior New Zealander of the Year thanks to her 40 years of service to GirlGuiding; and enjoy Sidney’s story about being one of the country’s longest serving hairdressers.

Our Summer edition is full of exciting stories about our residents and activities at our villages, including the love story of Herman and Helen Koot at Aotea village, and a great read on bone carver and Summerset Dunedin resident Eric Dyer.

You’ll also find a range of columns, including those by gardening guru Lynda Hallinan and home cook Jan Bilton, book reviews, a travel article about Twizel and brain teasers to keep you very busy!