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How long have you lived in Paerata Rise?
We purchased our site in July 2020, through Precision Homes, with our build commencing in February 2021. We moved in October that same year, so we’ve been living in Paerata Rise for nearly four years. Let’s not forget (although I wish we could) that from the purchase of the site through to moving in, Auckland was in several lockdowns which prevented building trades from accessing the site.
Where did you move from?
We have lived in Auckland for more than 40 years, during which time we’ve moved several times. Immediately prior to Paerata Rise we lived on Mangere Bridge waterfront for eight years.
What was it about Paerata Rise that made it the right place to move to?
Having been retired for five years, there was no need to remain living in the city but having kids and grandkids in Auckland, moving too far away was not in the plan. Paerata Rise was attractive to us as a well-planned and managed development away from the rush of the city yet close enough to the airport, entertainment venues, hospitals and amenities that cities can offer. We very much appreciated the developer’s thoughtful vision and ideals.
What do you love most about your home and surrounding neighbourhood?
Being retired for some years and home a lot of the time, a sunny aspect was a prime consideration in selecting our building site. It was also important to us that we had a real connection to the neighbourhood as well as a pleasant view. We chose a corner site and house design to take advantage of all day sun, which enables us to connect to neighbours, and it is opposite a nature belt. We love the diversity and character of our neighbourhood – young families, school kids, mid-aged peeps and oldies like us.
Do you find it peaceful and safe? How important is that to you at this stage of life?
It is a very peaceful and safe place to live; these factors are comforting and important to us. We have a network of friends and acquaintances here which makes for a very nice life in Paerata Rise.
Have you found a sense of community here?
Rise N’ Shine Café has been the local hub since the beginning of the Paerata Rise development. It is used by and for groups formed by new parents or retired peeps, business meetings, birthday parties and the like. There’s also a monthly quiz night, which is always fun for young and old. There are several great parks, including the playground next to Rise N’ Shine, Hyde Park, Liberty Park, and Central Bark off-leash dog park. Then there’s the fairy enchantment walk with fairy houses, which is greatly loved by the kiddies. In short, there’s a definite sense of community and it’s open to whoever wishes to enjoy the opportunities.
Is it easy to get to local shops, services and healthcare from here?
Pukekohe is a 10-minute drive away for retail shops, restaurants, health services, movie theatres and many other facilities. There are a couple of long-standing connections in the city we continue to use. Depending on the time of day we can usually drive to the city in 35 minutes.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
The community has many interesting people with a diverse range of interests and skills. We tend to enjoy activities such as walking, socialising, music, sewing, knitting, reading, and involvement with our kids and grandkids.
How would you describe your day-to-day life living here?
We enjoy the friendly environment and the friends and acquaintances we have made here. There’s also the walkways and the natural environment, which is continually being enhanced by plantings of native trees and shrubs as the development expands. We’ve also noticed the return of native birds as the plantings grow, and more native fish in the streams.
Are you looking forward to the train station and supermarket opening?
These will be great assets for the Paerata Rise community and will further enhance the value of living here. Also, the Drury/Franklin area is developing fast and is marked for massive development and importance to the region and the nation. We believe Paerata Rise has a great future as a premier development within easy distance from the planned wider future growth.
