Construction is underway on a major retirement village overlooking Porirua Harbour in Whitby, with around 150 homes and an aged-care facility planned for the 10.7-hectare hillside site.
The Bupa Te Awarua Views development will eventually include 89 villas, 44 townhouses and 18 apartments, alongside a residential care home.
The first 18 villas are scheduled to open in August 2027, with a further 22 expected in late 2027 or early 2028. Opening dates for the remaining homes and care facility have yet to be confirmed.
Preparing the steep hillside for construction involves substantial engineering work, including a large reinforced-soil slope and the movement of an estimated 200,000 cubic metres of earth.
Around 30,000 square metres of native bush will be protected as part of the development, with landscaped gardens, walking paths and outdoor areas incorporated into the village.
Bupa New Zealand managing director Pedro Sanchez said the harbour views, native bush and proximity to local amenities made the location particularly attractive.
“It’s hard to find a site like this and a significant amount of work has gone into making it a special place to live. The amazing views, native bush and a real sense of space and privacy will be a huge drawcard for New Zealanders looking for a great place to retire and stay connected to nature and community.”
The village will offer independent living alongside residential aged care, allowing residents to access additional support as their needs change.
Planned community facilities include a swimming pool, gym, theatre, library, workshop and bowling green.
The name Te Awarua Views reflects the development’s elevated position above Te Awarua-o-Porirua and acknowledges Awarua, the taniwha of Porirua.
“We wanted the name to reflect the location, the community and its connection to Porirua,” Sanchez said.
Bupa is currently advertising two- and three-bedroom villas priced from $865,000 to $1.27 million. The homes are offered under occupation right agreements rather than conventional freehold ownership.
The development is expected to create jobs during construction and ongoing employment in aged care, hospitality, maintenance and village operations.