News from Wharekaka

Thelma, celebrating her recent birthday.

The AGM was held on 19 September.  Attendees heard that Wharekaka is in good heart and operating at full capacity with waiting lists for rooms, but that fees for services (set nationally) are falling further and further behind costs.   This resulted in an operating loss of $134,000 in the last financial year, with the position unlikely to improve in 2019/20. The Board is looking to manage this shortfall by:

• Building 2 new villas – one of which is still available
• Setting up an Endowment Fund to enable Wharekaka to continue in perpetuity
• Applying for funding from charitable trusts
• Developing a bequests programme

If anyone would like further information on any of the above initiatives, please contact Joy Cooper joycooper1948@gmail.com or Helen Meehan helen.meehan@xtra.co.nz.

All the staff were thanked for their love and care for residents and the many occasions on which they cheerfully ‘go the extra mile’ to ensure the residents’ well-being, including their willingness to work extra duties when full staff cover cannot be found, due to illness, accidents, or other issues. 

Long service milestones achieved by three staff were acknowledged with appreciation:

Rona Searancke, weekend cook – 10 years. Frieda Kokiri, caregiver – 5 years.

Lily Beale, caregiver – 5 years

Substantial input, of all kinds, from the wider community is greatly appreciated and ensures our residents are truly part of the community.  The Board sincerely thanks the Martinborough community for their wonderful support.

Auxiliary News

The Wharekaka Bridge and Mah Jong Day annual fundraiser, which has been running now since 2006, took place on 2 September. Hosted and organised by the Auxiliary. 92 players on 15 Mah Jong Tables and 9 Bridge tables had a great day at Brackenridge. All guests enjoyed local wines and a tasty lunch. Raffle prizes provided by local businesses and the entry fee of $40, raised a grand total of $3400. This will provide a significant contribution to purchase of new equipment, such as a mobile blood pressure monitor, and an all-terrain wheel chair. Many thanks to all our local players and supporters, as well as those who came from the Hutt Valley, Kapiti, and Wellington.

Tickets for the much anticipated Martinborough House and Garden Tour have just gone on sale. This takes place in November and thanks to all who have opened their houses and gardens for the event. Tickets can be purchased from Eventfinda on 

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/martinborough-house-garden-tour/martinborough

Residents’ News

In September, many residents celebrate their birthdays. Our cook, Don, always makes a cake for morning tea so everyone can enjoy a birthday treat. The Auxiliary brings flowers or chocolates for each resident which makes it a special day as well.