Hawthorndale Care Village has paid tribute to four long-serving trustees who helped transform a pioneering dementia care vision into a thriving reality.
At the Trust’s Annual General Meeting on Monday 8 December, trustees Sarah Hannan, Paul Harrington, Paddy O’Brien and Fergus More were formally recognised as they concluded their service on the Board. The Trust also announced a new phase in its governance journey, with trustee Mike Wyeth appointed as the incoming Chair.
The departure of these four founding trustees marks the end of a chapter that began with big ideas and strong community backing. During the planning and construction phases, the governance group was deliberately large to meet the scale and complexity of the project. Now that Hawthorndale Care Village is fully built and operational, a smaller board has been established to support the needs of a working care community.
The trustees leave behind a lasting legacy, having played pivotal roles in shaping both the vision and the facility itself. Hannan, O’Brien and More also served for a combined 27 years on the board of Calvary Hospital, the original aged care facility on the site. Harrington joined the Hawthorndale Board at a critical time, helping guide it through complex decisions.
Outgoing Chair Frank O’Boyle said their contributions were vital.
“Sarah, Paul, Paddy and Fergus were the heartbeat of this vision. Paddy and Sarah, as members of the project working group, helped drive the vision from concept through to reality. They fundraised, knocked on doors, rallied support, and kept going even when people said it would be too hard. Together, they changed minds and brought Southland with them. Hawthorndale would not exist without their courage and their belief in what was possible. They have created a legacy for families who will rely on the Hawthorndale Care Village for generations.”
Hawthorndale Care Village was inspired by the internationally recognised De Hogeweyk dementia village in the Netherlands. Its model supports aged care residents in small households, with consistent staffing, meaningful routines, and a focus on overall wellbeing.
With the Village now operating successfully, the Trust confirmed the new board will be led by Chair Mike Wyeth, with trustees Helen Young, Scott O’Donnell, Frank O’Boyle, and Carla Forbes.
Frank O’Boyle expressed confidence in the board’s future direction.
“Mike has a clear understanding of the responsibility we have to steward Hawthorndale for future generations. The Village is now operational and entering a period of strengthening and growth. Mike’s steady leadership will guide that work. The Trust is in excellent hands.”
The Trust acknowledged the extraordinary dedication of its outgoing trustees and invited the Southland community to continue supporting the Village as it grows and evolves.
For more information about Hawthorndale Care Village, visit thehawthorndale.co.nz