Bev Barnes didn’t set out to be a pioneer, but when she became one of the first residents at Fairview Lifestyle Village, she helped shape the spirit of a community that now celebrates 25 years.
After 44 years in the home her father and husband built, it was no small thing to leave. But the time had come. The upkeep had become too much. Her husband had passed away. And the draw of a safer, easier lifestyle had its pull.
“It was a hard wrench, but I remember driving out and thinking, right, this is the next phase of my life.”
She and a friend toured every retirement village from the Shore to Whangaparāoa. But when they drove into Fairview, she felt it: this was the place. “As soon as we drove in, I thought, this is right for me.”
She chose a villa with the help of her son-in-law, a builder, and the next morning woke up with complete certainty: “I’ve done the right thing.”
Creating a culture
Bev quickly became one of the village’s key contributors. She joined the first residents’ committee, launched the bingo club, volunteered behind the bar, and was always the first to welcome newcomers with a warm smile and a glass of wine.
“Everyone really had something they did,” she says. “That meant you had an interest, a role, and a place.”
Bev’s background as a principal, JP, lecturer, global advocate for New Zealand’s children’s literature and school inspector meant she was never shy about getting involved. “My job was to welcome new residents. I’d go in, usually with a glass of wine in hand, and help them settle.
She speaks proudly of her time on the committee and the joy of being a village barmaid for 12 years.
Since becoming a Fairview resident, Bev has played international hockey, taken up painting, and continues to visit the gym and pool most mornings. “I go at 6.30am,” she laughs. “It sets me up for the day.”
“The interesting thing is that other things opened up because my hockey team wanted me back again - at that age - and I went overseas for ten years playing hockey. Every two years we went to a different country. We had absolutely the most amazing trips.”
Resilience and community
After a serious fall and surgery, Bev was told she might never walk again. But she defied expectations, walking unaided at home. Her village friends rallied around her – doing her shopping, helping with the garden, offering companionship.
“This is a people place. It’s a place where people care. “
She still wakes early to use the gym and pool, attends book club, plays piano, and treasures the gardens outside her villa.
A sense of belonging
Fairview is no longer the small village it once was, and Bev has seen changes over time. But her pride in its culture remains strong.
"It’s not clinical, it’s a home. It’s got that extra dimension—not rows of high-rise apartments. The garden is beautiful. It’s still a special village."
When asked what makes Fairview so unique, she doesn’t hesitate: the people, the support, the shared pride in making life vibrant at every stage.
Words to the wise
Her advice to those considering the move?
"If you want company, it’s there. You can seek it for yourself. And if you want to contribute, there are so many ways. I haven’t looked back. It’s been good for me and for my family - they don’t need to worry."
At 96, Bev is still helping others feel at home. Still welcoming, still participating, still leading. A true founding spirit of Fairview.
