A Gisborne District Councillor for nine years, Deputy Mayor for six and with an Order of New Zealand Merit for services to the Community, Nona has been living at Heritage for six years now.

Nona says that as soon as her and late husband Bill saw the unit, they loved it straight away. “We knew if we lived somewhere like this, the family would know we were well looked after. It’s independent living but if we needed the staff, they’d be here in no time.”

In fact, the staff have been amazing from the outset. “They built a fence and put a dog door in so we could bring our spoodle, Koha with us. Then when Bill was in the hospital wing before he died, they put him in a big room with the whole whanau and the respect and

kindness was wonderful.”

Because Nona still volunteers for a number of community groups, she appreciates living here all the more. “I love the gardens, they’ve very peaceful. Ricky and Wendy, the gardeners are great as well and so are the neighbours, we all help each other out.”