Eldernet is delighted to announce the winners of its annual Christmas Competition, a nationwide celebration that showcases the creativity and community spirit of care homes and retirement villages across Aotearoa.

Each year, the competition invites care homes and retirement villages to share their festive decorations and celebrations, alongside a much-loved Resident of the Year category that honours the people who call these communities home.

This year’s entries set a new benchmark. The Eldernet team was genuinely blown away by the quality, imagination and heart shown in every submission, making it the toughest judging year yet.

Best Care Home

With just two votes separating the top contenders, Bupa Hugh Green took first place with their Eco Elf Sustainable Tree. Hand-made by staff and residents using recycled materials, the display beautifully reflected the home’s commitment to environmentally conscious living, and to creating something meaningful together.

Best Retirement Village

Taking the gold was Glenbrae Arvida, whose show-stopping Gingerbread House float wowed crowds at the Rotorua Santa Parade. This creative masterpiece was a true community effort, crafted by residents and team members in collaboration with Rotokawa School, with whom Glenbrae shares a special and longstanding connection.

Eldernet Resident of the Year 2025

Inching into the lead by one point, was Clarice from Woburn Masonic Care Waipukurau. She is legally blind, and consistently helps others in the blind community, making recordings on her iPad and sending them all the way to the UK -- extra impressive since she just turned 103! She's also a knitter, and recently went on a trip to the Hawkes Bay hospital to deliver little woollen jerseys and knitted soft toys to the children and NICU unit.

When asked the secret to her longevity she said "there is more joy in giving and living to serve others and that is what gets me out of bed every day".

A heartfelt thank you

Eldernet extends its sincere thanks to everyone who entered this year’s competition. Their creativity and festive spirit made this celebration truly unforgettable and spread joy well beyond your communities.

From all of us at Eldernet, we wish everyone across Aotearoa an incredibly joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

About Eldernet

For nearly 30 years, The Eldernet Group has been helping older Kiwis make informed choices about their lives. Every year, they publish four regional editions of Where from here, tailored to different regions of New Zealand. Their website (www.eldernet.co.nz) offers the country’s most up-to-date directory of rest homes — including real-time information on which facilities currently have spaces for new residents — and the most comprehensive list of retirement villages and home support services. For even more independent, impartial guidance, Eldernet’s Knowledge Lab provides a wealth of articles on topics ranging from financial assistance, to navigating dementia, to tackling ageism, and more.

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