In the 70’s

In 1970 - 1971, members of a welfare committee of the Huntly Lions Club investigated the feasibility of a Resthome for the elderly people of Huntly and Districts

Other service clubs were approached to help, and in October 1972, the North Waikato Care of the Aged Trust Board, Inc. was formed comprising Guy King and Ron Collins from Lions; Father Bill Woods and Ted Priestly from Rotary; Barry Allen and Maurice Gerrand from Jaycees (the “Settlors”); as well as Rona Beadle, Mary Clarke, Venna Fry, Bert Latta, Jessie O’Sullivan and Alan Wilson

In November of 1973, a public meeting was held, and a large crowd gathered to get a progress report from the Trust—to gain the subsidy of $12,000 per bed, the Trust had to raise $50,000 which was an enormous sum of money in those days

The public gave the project its unanimous support, and so the journey began . . .

By March of 1974, the Trust handed a cheque for $58,000 (earned through incredible hard work in the community) to the Hon. Bob Tizard, Minister of Health at a special carnival closing ceremony, and by November of 1977 the 40-bed, $504,000 tender was awarded to Burdett Construction of Ngāruawāhia

3rd March 1979 saw the building officially opened by the Hon Sir Douglas Carter

Through the 80’s

By March 1986, the vacant land at the rear of the Home was purchased and the Trust filed for Cottage development

1989 saw the first double rental unit built, and then one new one every year thereafter for 5 years

Into the 90’s

During 1991/2, the need to develop a Hospital within the facility was identified, and by 7th March 1993, Dame Thea Muldoon QSO opened the 22-bed Hospital wing

And Beyond…

Since those early days, many people in the community have served faithfully on the Trust Board, and evolved to its present-day situation with the challenges of under-funding, and limited resources whilst continuing to provide excellence in care

In 2012, two new wings were opened comprising 6 standard beds & 11 Studio Apartments

Our plans for the immediate future are to develop high quality bed-spaces with ensuites for certification for dual service