September 19 saw Ryman turn the clock back to 1984 to celebrate 40 fun filled years. All over New Zealand and Australia, residents and team members gathered at village Happy Hours to celebrate four groundbreaking decades.

Villages reverted to an 80s aesthetic, as they stepped back in time to honour Ryman’s ruby jubilee – celebrating 40 years of care and community. Residents and team members could be seen in bright neon colours and a variety of crazy patterns that were popular at the time, while some chose to wear something similar to what they wore in the 1980s.

Each village was decorated with our iconic orange in the form of balloon arches, banners, and beautiful bunting. Linda Jones Village in Hamilton even had a special appearance from their trailblazing village namesake, Linda Jones, a jockey who challenged the status quo in a male-dominated sport.

Ryman Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman was joined onstage by Linda and together they unveiled a new portrait that will be displayed in the village capturing Linda in action during her remarkable racing career.

Kevin Hickman and John Ryder founded Ryman 40 years ago in Christchurch, naming the company 'Ryman' from a blend of their last names, Ryder and Hickman. Four decades later, with 49 villages and over 14,000 residents, we remain committed to Kevin and John’s founding principle: ensuring everything we do is 'good enough for Mum and Dad'.

Anthony Wilding Village Manager Sharon Armstrong and Regional Operations Manager
Diana Hanafin hand out birthday cake to residents.

Dean Hamilton, Ryman Healthcare Executive Chair says, "We are deeply grateful to our residents, team members, and the wider community for their support and dedication over the years. As we celebrate 40 years of success, our focus is firmly on the future.”

At the special Happy Hour on Thursday evening, residents and team members were treated to delicious birthday cake and '80s style canapés, including asparagus rolls and vol-au-vents. Along with the village teams, staff from the Christchurch, Auckland, and Melbourne offices joined in on the fun and celebrated alongside the delighted residents.

Bob Lane, a Keith Park resident even got to share his 80th birthday, and while he can’t recall exactly what he did to celebrate his 40th birthday, Bob was thrilled that his 80th coincided with the Ryman anniversary bash.

“I loved celebrating my 80th birthday in a Ryman village. Keith Park is unique and special; the village set up, the staff, and the residents, they are a great friendly group of people, and one could not ask for anything better.”

Bob, like many residents, truly appreciates the kindness and care that is provided to him by the whole Ryman team and looks forward to seeing more people join their thriving community.

“Move into Ryman, especially Keith Park! Don’t delay - do it TODAY,” he says.

Linda Jones Village residents pose in their best 80s inspired outfits.

Many villages put their own spin on the celebrations, with the team at Essie Summers in Christchurch entertaining residents and visitors with performances of 80s classics, Thriller, Girls Just Want to Have fun, and I Want to Break Free. Diana Isaac Village residents got down on the dancefloor as they rocked out to some classic 80’s songs thanks to a dazzling DJ. 

Rita Angus Village were treated to a live performance by local cover band The Young Once, while Possum Bourne Village shined in their dazzling outfits which made for a contentious best dressed competition.

Bob Owens sung ‘Happy Birthday Ryman’ to the tune of a lovely ukelele performance, and Woodcote even had a special appearance from Footrot Flats’ Wal. Jane Mander residents put on their brightest and most colorful wigs which added a couple of laughs to the event. Ernest Rutherford Village took a step back in time as they set up a photo wall of residents and team members in the 1980s.