James Wattie Village officially opened by grandson Bruce

Almost 200 village residents joined Wattie family members, representatives of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ryman Healthcare team members and special guests at a celebration to officially open James Wattie Retirement Village in Havelock North today.

Kaumatua Jerry Hapuku led a karakia and karanga to welcome the Wattie family, which included three of James Wattie’s grandchildren and one of his great grandsons.

Grandson Bruce Wattie said he was thankful that his grandfather, who was so universally loved and respected in Hawke’s Bay, and a household name in New Zealand and beyond, was being honoured in this way.

“All too often the memory of those who shaped the world we live in fades, and it can fade quite quickly, but as time goes by it is important that we do recognise the contributions that people made, so thank you to Ryman Healthcare for recognising the importance of Sir James’s legacy by naming the village after him,” he said.

Bruce highlighted four admirable traits of his grandfather’s that could inspire future generations – his self-motivation and drive; the way he put people first and foremost; his hard work, and his assessment of risk and use of innovation.

“I might be a bit biased but the rise of the factory and the business, turning fruit into jam to become a major industrial company is very inspirational.”

Members of the Wattie family gather with MP for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd, Ryman Healthcare CEO Naomi James and James Wattie Village Manager Sally Garvan.

Top pic: Bruce Wattie, grandson of Sir James Wattie, helps Ryman Healthcare CEO Naomi James to unveil the plaque celebrating the official opening of James Wattie Village in Havelock North.

It was a particularly special occasion for a few of the village residents who had carved out careers at Wattie’s, including one of the first residents to move in, Barry Jones.

Barry worked for Wattie’s for over 30 years, starting as an office junior at 20 and working up to Group Product Manager. He was one of dozens of people who suggested James Wattie as a name for the village when Ryman first announced it was building.

“My wife Mary and I were tickled pink when we found out James Wattie was going to be the name of the village,” Barry said.

“I was hoping they would pick him. He was a hell of a nice guy, he really went out of his way to make sure you felt part of the team.

“Now, living here at the James Wattie Village means life really has turned full circle for me.”

Village Manager Sally Garvan said getting to know residents like Barry at the weekly Happy Hours since she joined the team last year had been one of the most enriching parts of the job.

She told the audience that the village’s journey since construction began in 2019 had been a rollercoaster with COVID-19 lockdowns and cyclones posing particular challenges.

However, that had resulted in the residents forming tight bonds and the many fun times and good memories created during the five years since the first residents moved in had far outweighed the tough times: “Good times and great laughs have become embedded into the fabric of village life.

“All of us who live and work here have become like a big family and I feel very proud to be part of that family,” she said.

James Wattie Village Manager Sally Garvan gives a heartfelt speech.

Ryman Healthcare CEO Naomi James said the village, which includes a 90-bed care centre on site offering rest home, hospital and specialist dementia care, was already living up to the benchmark set by co-founder Kevin Hickman, that ‘everything we do must be ‘good enough for Mum – and Dad’.

“Caring for people is at the heart of everything we do, and the genuine pride and passion for delivering this care to the highest standard has really impressed me.”

Naomi said it was wonderful to see the incredible community that the residents and team members had created at James Wattie Village, which will provide jobs for up to 150 employees in the area. She said it was understandable why they should feel so proud of their remarkable namesake.

“Not only does it give the village a real personality, it gives our residents a true sense of pride, and it allows an opportunity for our namesake’s incredible legacy to be shared with future generations.”

Ryman Healthcare CEO Naomi James thanks the incredible team who worked together to build the village and create the amazing community.

A $15,000 annual scholarship awarded to outstanding students of the Business School at the Eastern Institute of Technology was another way Ryman honoured James Wattie’s name, following the philanthropic example Sir James had set. The 2025 recipient is set to be announced later this year.

Naomi also acknowledged the team who had put in almost one million hours of work to build the village, with its many amenities including a swimming pool, gym, movie theatre, bowling green and café, plus the operations, clinical and sales teams who ensure the village continues to thrive.

“It is truly humbling for me to represent so many people at this event, who have put their hearts and souls into this place. It is a tribute to them.”

Soon-to-be resident Sandie Chambers joins James Wattie residents Elizabeth Holder and Robin Parker to enjoy a delicious high tea after the formalities are complete.