Years of legal wrangling will end for a new retirement village in Kerikeri.

On July 10. when the first villas will finally be put up for sale.
The Vision Bay of Islands development will cost around $50 million and is expected to be completed over the next four or five years in several stages. The current plan on the 4.7ha site will have 150 units and an estimated population of 250-300.

Eight villas have been completed and will be followed by a further six, probably later this year.
A central community zone will be built next year and will include social areas, café. gym, pool, library and consulting rooms.
Peter Bourke, managing director of Vision Senior Living, said July 10 would be “a really great party, marking the end of seemingly endless legal obstacles”.

He paid tribute to Dorothy Corkill, the village’s first and so far only resident.
“Dorothy has patiently waited for neighbours to arrive and we will all be so pleased for her,” said Mr Bourke.
“She has been serene and accommodating throughout the past three years.”
The company has been working on the Kenkeri site since 2004 but problems with a joint venture partner stalled the development. Court proceedings have resulted in Vision becoming the single owner.
Vision Senior Living has two villages in Auckland, one in Hamilton and Papamoa.

Units are sold as occupational rights under the Retirement Villages Act, with Vision serving as the manager.
Last year, Vision confirmed a contract with David Reid Homes (Northland) to build the villas.

Thanks to the Northland Age for this article.