Hawthorndale Care Village is honouring four remarkable Southlanders whose vision and belief helped turn one of Aotearoa’s most pioneering dementia care ideas into reality.

This announcement was made at the Hawthorndale Care Village Charitable Trust Annual General Meeting on Monday, 08 December, where the Trust also confirmed the appointment of trustee Mike Wyeth as the new Chair.

Sarah Hannan, Paul Harrington, Paddy O Brien and Fergus More are concluding their service on the Hawthorndale Care Village Charitable Trust Board.

Their departure reflects the Trust’s planned shift into a new phase. In the early years, Hawthorndale required a large governance group to guide complex planning, construction and significant community fundraising.

Now that the Village is built, fully operational and welcoming residents, the Trust has transitioned to a smaller governance structure aligned with an operational environment.

These four trustees leave with deep gratitude from the Trust and from Southland. Their service has shaped the foundation on which the Village stands today.

Paddy O Brien, Sarah Hannan and Fergus More also contributed a combined twenty-seven years to the Calvary Board, the original aged care facility, before their work with Hawthorndale.

Their longstanding commitment to older Southlanders deserves recognition. Paul Harrington, who was not on the Calvary Board, has been a dedicated Hawthorndale trustee providing governance support during the most complex decisions.

These trustees were some of the early champions who rallied Southland around an ambitious vision. They helped raise the funds required to build a world-class aged and dementia care village.

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They inspired belief long before there was a building to see. They stewarded complex planning and built the momentum required to create a bold new model of care for people living with dementia.

Outgoing Chair Frank O Boyle says the contribution of the departing trustees cannot be overstated. “Sarah, Paul, Paddy and Fergus were the heartbeat of this vision.

Paddy and Sarah, as members of the project working group, helped drive the vision from concept through to reality. They fundraised, knocked on doors, rallied support, and kept going even when people said it would be too hard.

Together, they changed minds and brought Southland with them. Hawthorndale would not exist without their courage and their belief in what was possible.

They have created a legacy for families who will rely on the Hawthorndale Care Village for generations.

Hawthorndale Care Village is now a fully functioning community inspired by the internationally acclaimed De Hogeweyk dementia village in the Netherlands.

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Aged care residents live in small households supported by permanent staff who enable meaningful routines and promote wellbeing.

This model was new to Aotearoa and now stands as a testament to what is possible when a region unites behind a bold vision.

A strong and capable board for the operational future

At the AGM the Trust announced the appointment of longstanding trustee Mike Wyeth as Chair. Frank O Boyle says Mike is the right leader for the next stage.

“Mike has a clear understanding of the responsibility we have to steward Hawthorndale for future generations. The Village is now operational and entering a period of strengthening and growth. Mike’s steady leadership will guide that work. The Trust is in excellent hands.”

The Trust has also welcomed Southland business leader Carla Forbes to the Board. Forbes is the founder of Naked Creative and is known for her strategic leadership, her commitment to community, and her ability to bring people together around shared purpose.

Carla Forbes says she is honoured to help guide the future of a project built by Southlanders for Southlanders.

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“Hawthorndale is an inspiring example of what happens when a community refuses to accept the status quo and instead chooses innovation, compassion, and possibility. I am humbled to join a board that is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of this model and ensuring it continues to enrich the lives of families across our region.

Hawthorndale is something Southland should be incredibly proud of, and I am excited to support its next chapter.”

The current trustees bring extensive leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to community-centred care. The board is made up of Chair Mike Wyeth, Helen Young, Scott O’Donnell, Frank O’Boyle, and Carla Forbes.

Together they offer deep experience in governance, strategy, organisational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Southland built Hawthorndale.

The Village stands as a testament to what belief, generosity, and determination can achieve.

The Trust invites Southlanders to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Sarah Hannan, Paddy O Brien, Paul Harrington and Fergus More and to stand with Hawthorndale as it moves confidently into its operational future.

For more information about the Hawthorndale Care Village model of care, visit www.thehawthorndale.co.nz