St Andrew’s Village is a single-site, award-winning retirement community that has been in its current location in the Glendowie suburb of Auckland since 1962. The village – which is a charitable trust – is focused solely on trying to create a fulfilling and respectful community rather than what level of return it can provide for its shareholders. It’s a focus of which CEO Andrew Joyce and his team are justifiably proud and allows the team to provide the best possible level of care for its residents.

There are a number of things that set St Andrew’s Village apart, not least of which is its footprint, a spacious 35 acres with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. When it comes to St Andrew’s, however, it’s not the size or unique facilities, it’s the fact that this space doesn’t close residents away from the community. Quite the opposite, they actively invite the public in.

Much like the kitchen is the heart of the home, St Andrew’s restaurant, The Terraces, is the heart of the community. The licensed à la carte restaurant has something very special that sets it apart from other retirement village restaurants: it is open to the public. This is part of St Andrew’s philosophy that their village and its residents are a vibrant and vital part of the community in which they live, just as they have always been. In fact sixty percent of The Terraces clientele is external. From the teachers in the local school coming for Friday afternoon drinks and nibbles to relax after the school week, to weekend cyclists dropping in for a post-cycle coffee, everyone is welcome at The Terraces. This place is so much more than a café and restaurant – it is a community hub, beloved by all.

Quality is key at the Terraces and the head chef has complete culinary creative control. The menus – a combination of café, casual and fine dining – are rotated regularly as are the specials. This is in no way your ‘typical’ retirement village cuisine. Recently a caviar special was extremely popular amongst residents and visitors alike, proving that culinary indulgences and experiences are valued and appreciated, no matter what your stage of life.

As there is no dinner service on Monday and Tuesday evenings, The Terraces is available for events, of which there have been many over the years, including weddings. How better to realise the dream of making The Terraces and St Andrew’s Village a place of togetherness and community than to bring residents and the public together in a celebration of love. Truly a dream come true.