Extract from “In Search of the Rainbow” 2002

SENIOR SETTLEMENT TRUST INC. Compiled by Julie Smith

In 1985 concern was growing that there was no home for the frail elderly or retirement housing for the elderly in Coromandel.

A public meeting was held on 25 September 1985, called jointly by Coromandel Community Council and the Coromandel Lions Club. It was chaired by John Fowler and was attended by 120 people with 30 apologies recorded.

At the meeting an investigating committee was elected: Alasdair Thompson, Wilfred Harrison, Tom Whittle, Alec Caldwell, Joyce Keys, Joyce Allman, Bridget Carter, Pip Quinn, Phil Smith as a representative from the Coromandel Lions Club.

The committee went to great lengths to consider all development options available, possible sites in the area and government funding that was on offer. They also conducted a survey of the future needs of the people in the 55+ age group. This was a lengthy process and the next public meeting was not until 28 May 1986.

At that meeting, attended by 60 people, it was resolved that a trust should be formed to promote the requirements of the elderly. An interim committee was established with Tom Whittle as chairman, Joyce Allman treasurer and Dora Maclean secretary. Pip Quinn and Bridget Carter from the original investigating committee were also members. On 17 September 1986, the Coromandel Senior Settlement Trust Inc was established.

A small shed acted as headquarters and was staffed by volunteers selling membership, raffle tickets and donated goods to raise funds. In Autumn 1988, a gala day was organised by Nancye Schubert with many helpers and raised $8600 which was a huge boost to the fledgling Trust

Early in 1987 it became known that a private rest home was about to be opened in Coromandel.The Trust then reconsidered its priorities and moved the emphasis to providing individual housing units in a retirement village setting with the possibility of a rest home as a second stage.

Many sites were investigated with a block of land, belonging to the Geard family, adjacent to the council chambers, becoming the preferred option. An approach was made to the owners to purchase eight hectares. On 25 March 1987 it was unanimously decided to buy the land. A scheme plan was drawn up to provide sections with a legal survey and services. Jim Davies donated the forming of a road to seal standard and the first sections were sold.

The first independent unit was completed in 1991, and was used as a demonstration home to sell the other units. The original occupant, Nancy Schubert, is still living in the unit today.

Currently there are 28 units, with only one left for sale. The Trust is now looking into rental units as the next stage of development.

In 1989 the Trust bought the property that housed the Anglican Bazaar as a means of protecting this much loved Coromandel icon. After a few years, the old building was pulled down and another, much more spacious and practical, was put in its place. This proved to be a very wise decision, as the new Bizarre has been able to provide support to the Trust in return.

The Trust is a great success story. It demonstrates what can be achieved by people who are determined to improve their community. From nothing but an idea, the Trust is not only a successful business, it is providing housing for the elderly and continues the tradition of a shop that fills great social need in the area.

The current committee is: Chairman David Keeves, treasurer Liz Chatfield and secretarial duties are performed by Phil Anderson & Associates.