A new year of friendship
The Kaitaia Friendship Club began 2019 with a barbecue and get-together at the Church Road Bowling Club in January, followed by the first meeting proper in February, with three speakers.
First up was Wendy Crombie, from Ray White, on the subject of real estate for older people, covering a range of points including the plethora of rules and regulations that now govern real estate agents, who need to know everything about a property.
It was easier to sell an uncluttered home, as buyers could focus on the property, she said, while online advertising, at the seller’s cost, was an effective option.
She also spoke about overseas buyers, who needed residency or citizenship in order to acquire residential property, although they could buy and develop orchards etc. More emphasis was also being placed on where the buyer’s money was coming from in order to stop money-laundering.
She concluded by telling members that although there was no shortage of buyers, there was currently very little on the market for them to buy.
Wendy was followed by Colleen Olsen and Lois Strong, from Far North Hospice, Colleen starting with a slide show showing what the organisation was doing in the district.
Founded by the late June Dampney (as Far North Palliative and Cancer Care), who ran it from her car boot, Hospice now had its own property, Dampney House, and was run by a board of trustees.
It supplied beds, mattresses and other equipment needed for patient care, and as there was no charge for that service, fundraising was important, revenue being received from the Hospice Shop, events and donations.
The Haven, at Kaitaia Hospital, was also available for patients.
Lois talked about what her work as a ‘life reviewer,’ using a voice recorder and laptop when she talked to patients about their lives, thoughts and experiences. Written copies and voice recordings are made and given to the patients.
The Kaitaia Friendship Club will next meet at Far North REAP, in Puckey Ave in Kaitaia, at 10am on Tuesday (March 12), where the guest speakers’ subjects will be organ donation and Kaitaia’s Enviro Centre.
A trip to Rawene and the Hokianga is planned for Wednesday April 17.
For further information about the club contact Peter on (09) 406-0835 or David on (09) 408-0999.