What ever retirement means to you we are committed to Rawhiti being a home like
no other.
Rawhiti Estate has been developed by BeGroup, a leading independent retirement village developer and operator with villages in Whangarei and Auckland.
BeGroup’s philosophy is to create environments where people can be happy, be themselves and be part of the community.
BeGroup believes in equal and meaningful relationships where residents have the opportunity to decide what living in retirement means for them.
The BeGroup management team has more than 60 years of combined experience in the aged care and the retirement village sector.
Before your loved one moves in, we work with residents and their loved ones to understand their needs, preferences and goals before they move in so we can make sure your loved one is as relaxed as possible when they join us.
Our doors are always open, so residents and their families can see the facilities and care available, meet our staff and get to know the people supporting your loved ones.
Once your loved one has moved in, we are firm believers in spending quality time with our residents to gain greater insights to their personality and understand what makes them happy. We conduct extensive one-on-one sessions with our residents to create a detailed individual care plan that ensures we can then deliver the highest level of care to your loved one.
We treasure our highly skilled staff and provide an environment where our people are inspired and their input and professional development is stimulated, encouraged and promoted.
We are adopting innovative technology, high-end design features and best-practice systems and processes to ensure our people can focus on what matters most — our residents.
Wherever possible, Rawhiti residents will be encouraged to maintain control and choice in the decisions that affect and impact on their wellbeing, and to live lives that are fulfilling and rewarding, and connected to the local community. Our people need to support and foster this approach in all they do.
We are always interested to hear from people who want to make a real difference in their work and who support our vision and philosophy of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
ILU - Independent Living Units
Can I redecorate or alter my home?
Generally permitted with management approval. You must cover costs and may need to restore it when you leave. Any trades that are required must either be arranged by, or approved by Rawhiti Estate.
Can my family or friends stay with me?
Yes – they’re welcome for visits and can stay for up to 90 days per year.
Can I bring my pet?
In most cases for independent living yes, although, given that our accommodation is apartments, there may be some restrictions and requirements. Care residents are not able to bring pets to their Assisted Living Suite.
What happens when I go on holiday?
You can lock up and leave, with peace of mind that your home is secure.
Can I have a BBQ?
Yes, you can fit a BBQ on your balcony.
Who pays to maintain the village?
Rawhiti Estate covers the costs for maintaining communal facilities.
What happens when I leave?
Weekly fees stop immediately upon permanently vacating. Rawhiti Estate handles the marketing and resale of your home. Please see our Disclosure Statement for details.
What facilities and activities are offered?
Pool, gym, 7 day per week restaurant for residents and guests only, multi-purpose activities area, BBQ and outdoor seating area, regular games afternoons, book club, movies, yoga, luncheon outings, theatre excursions, themed dinners monthly, Chefs Buffet Special weekly.
Is there care available if needs change?
Yes – Rawhiti Estate offers a continuum of care: independent living, rest home, hospital care, and secure dementia care. Some independent apartments also are licensed to deliver Rest Home Level of care, without the need to move across to an Assisted Living Suite.
What is an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) or Licence to Occupy?
A legally binding contract granting the right to live in the village – rather than owning the property.
What is a Deferred Management Fee (DMF)?
A fee deducted upon exit to cover long-term costs and refurbishment.
What fees are involved and can they change?
Weekly fees cover amenities, maintenance, insurance, some food and beverages, housekeeping, linen changing — but may increase over time, we give you notice of increases.
What protections are in place?
The Retirement Villages Act 2003, Code of Practice, and Code of Residents’ Rights provide consumer protection—villages must have disclosure statements, statutory supervisors, and independent legal advice before signing contracts.
How do I choose a village? What questions to ask?
Consider age eligibility, village registration, accreditation, ownership, management, facilities, accessibility, fees, care options, reputation, and contract terms. Talk to residents and visit the village.
What types of accommodation are available?
Offers independent living apartments (2- and 3-bedroom) and care suites (rest home, hospital-level, dementia/memory-loss) under an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).
Is transport and security available?
Yes – there’s a village van for outings and events, plus 24-hour security monitoring, and an emergency call system that our care staff respond to straight away.
Are meals included?
The weekly care services fee includes a Chefs Special Buffet Meal per week.
What services are included in the weekly village fee?
This covers rates, building insurance, exterior maintenance, gardening, use of communal facilities, the internet, electricity and village management.
Are utilities included?
Phone is arranged by the resident, while water, internet, electricity is included in the weekly fee at Rawhiti.
Is parking available?
Yes—secure resident parking is available. There is also plenty of parking on the surrounding streets.
What happens if I need help with daily tasks but don’t need full-time care?
We can arrange additional home support services such as cleaning, laundry, or meal delivery for an additional cost.
Are there social and wellness programmes?
Yes—residents enjoy regular activities, fitness classes, interest groups, and special events organised by our activities team.
Can I garden myself?
Yes—light personal gardening around your home or on your balcony is welcomed, and we have a dedicated team to maintain communal gardens.
Is storage available?
Apartments include a storage locker.
What security measures are in place?
We have security company monitoring, and emergency call systems in each apartment.
What is the minimum age to live in an ILU?
Generally 70+, although exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
What is the resale process if I choose to leave?
We manage the marketing, open days, and sale process on your behalf in accordance with the Occupation Right Agreement. Please see our Disclosure Statement for details.
FAQs
Care & Memory Loss
What levels of care do you provide?
We offer the full continuum of care—independent living, rest home care, hospital-level care, and specialised secure dementia/memory-loss care—so you can remain in the same community as your needs change.
Can I move from independent living into higher care if my needs change?
Yes. If your health or care requirements change, we’ll work with you and your family to arrange a seamless transition into the care level that best supports you.
Do you offer short-term respite care or trial stays?
Generally not, but this may be able to be arranged as a special situation, especially if you are an independent resident at Rawhiti needing post operative or short term care.
Is hospital-level care available on site?
Yes. We have registered nurses and trained caregivers providing hospital-level care 24/7, with access to visiting specialists and allied health professionals.
Do you provide palliative/end-of-life care?
Yes, to our existing residents. We do not, as a rule, admit palliative care residents at the end of life stage.
Do you have a dedicated dementia or memory-loss unit?
Yes. Our secure dementia care suites are designed to feel safe, calm, and homely, with easy-to-navigate layouts and engaging spaces.
What type of specialised training do your dementia care staff have?
All team members working in dementia care receive ongoing specialist training in understanding memory loss, communication techniques, and person-centred support.
How do you ensure residents with dementia remain safe and secure?
Our dementia care areas are secure but welcoming, with controlled entry points, enclosed gardens, and a high staff-to-resident ratio for attentive care.
What therapeutic activities or programmes are available for people living with dementia?
We offer tailored activities such as music therapy, gentle exercise, sensory stimulation, art sessions, cognitive stimulation therapy and reminiscence activities, designed to support cognitive function and wellbeing.
How do you support families of residents with dementia?
We provide regular updates, invite families to care planning meetings, and offer emotional support, education, and opportunities to stay connected through visits and shared activities.
Are registered nurses available 24/7?
Yes. Our registered nurses are on-site around the clock to provide medical oversight, respond to emergencies, and coordinate care.
How often will a GP or nurse practitioner visit?
We have regular scheduled visits from nurse practitioners, usually three times per week, and urgent visits can be arranged when needed.
Do you have visiting specialists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, or dietitians?
Yes. We have a range of visiting allied health professionals to support rehabilitation, mobility, nutrition, and overall health.
How are medications managed and administered?
All medications are stored securely and administered by trained staff according to each resident’s personalised care plan.
How is personal care tailored to each resident?
We work closely with residents and families to develop an individualised care plan that reflects personal routines, preferences, and needs.
Are care and dementia areas secure but still homely?
Yes. We design our care environments to be both safe and comfortable, blending security features with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Are there private rooms or shared rooms in the care facility?
All of our care suites are private with ensuite bathrooms.
Can residents personalise their room with their own furniture or belongings?
Absolutely. We encourage residents to bring familiar items, photos, and keepsakes to make their space truly feel like home.
Are there quiet areas and sensory spaces for residents with dementia?
Yes. We have dedicated quiet rooms, sensory gardens, and lounges designed to provide calm and comfort.
What are visiting hours for care and dementia units?
We encourage visits from friends and family. Visiting hours are flexible, with consideration for residents’ routines and care needs.
Can family and friends join residents for meals or activities?
Yes. Guests are welcome to join meals by prior arrangement and to take part in social events and activities. Friends and family can use the village amenities such as the pool and the gym provided the resident is with them at all times.
Is there a process for families to be involved in care planning?
Families are always invited to participate in care plan reviews and decision-making to ensure care remains aligned with the resident’s needs.
How do you communicate with families about changes in health or wellbeing?
We maintain open communication, providing timely updates and arranging meetings if there are significant changes in a resident’s condition.
How is care charged - weekly fee, daily rate, or included in the Occupation Right Agreement?
Care is generally charged as a daily fee in addition to the Occupation Right Agreement. This covers staff support, meals, activities, and facilities.
Are there different costs for dementia care compared to other care levels?
Care is generally charged as a daily fee in addition to the Occupation Right Agreement. This covers staff support, meals, activities, and facilities.
Are government subsidies accepted for rest home or dementia care?
Yes. We accept government-funded subsidies for eligible residents, however, these subsidies are mostly asset-tested, and the value of a Rawhiti Occupation License will normally exceed the asset threshold.
What is included in the care fee, and what services cost extra?
The care fee includes accommodation, meals, cleaning, laundry, personal care, nursing and Nurse Practitioner services and access to activities. Extras may include hairdressing, personal phone lines, and some specialised therapies not referred by the Nurse Practitioner.