The "originals" were stage 1 residents pre 1995 coming into the Estate. Trevor and Warren, the Kitchenmaker were included in the party having been workers for Fraser and Keryn for 21 years as well.

Funny stories and reminiscences over old times were shared during lunch and Keryn had put together a photo slide show and video that ran for about ½ hour as well.

It was great to see scenes from the early days of an original homestead on a farm block transform into the first homes and Community Centre under construction. Certainly, the way things got done all those years ago is quite different compared to today in regard to Health & Safety, and compliance with Councils etc.

At 3.00pm it opened up to all residents to view the same video and photos with talks from both Fraser and Keryn. We had around 100 residents attend and everyone enjoyed the afternoon complete with scones again baked by Patrice (Keryn’s sister and Patrice's daughter Natalia).

All in all, a fantastic time was had by all. Well done to Fraser, Keryn and all those residents who have contributed towards making the Estate what it is today.

Let’s look forward to celebrating our 25th Anniversary.

Simon Duncan
Manager

Mac and Edith resided in the township of Omokoroa. Mac realized the need for a retirement village in the area due to the ageing population and people no longer being able to care for their own garden etc (due to the typical Omokoroa section being on sloping land).

Other retired residents of Omokoroa shared his view and as a group they went on a search for some suitable land for a village. They decided our present site was very suitable and Mac negotiated a fair price with the owners. As this group of retired Omokoroa residents had limited finances they were unable to build the retirement village without a developer. Mac heard about us, as we were about to move back to Tauranga from Australia to build another village in Tauranga. He approached us and convinced us to put our other village on hold in the meantime and build a village at Omokoroa instead.

We agreed and purchased the property that Mac had found, then set about obtaining planning consent to build the village.

We all owe the wonderful lifestyle you enjoy here at Omokoroa Country Estate to Mac, a man of great foresight. Thanks Mac for your major contribution to us all.

Keryn and Fraser