Curiosity Keeps Us Young
Inside this month’s newsletter, readers will find resident stories, practical wellbeing ideas, cultural inspiration and village updates from across Qestral. The edition encourages readers to stay curious, try something new and remain open to the possibilities that can come from learning, connecting and seeing the world from a fresh perspective.
The newsletter opens with a thoughtful look at curiosity and healthy ageing, reminding readers that exploration does not always mean travelling far from home. Learning a new skill, attending a guest speaker event, trying a new recipe, joining a discussion group or discovering a new walking route can all help keep the mind active and engaged.
The article also highlights how curiosity can enrich social connection. Asking questions, sharing ideas and learning alongside others often leads to meaningful conversations, new friendships and shared experiences, showing that every day offers another opportunity to discover something new.
From Inspiration to Adventure
Another feature explores how books, films, documentaries, guest speakers and cultural experiences can transport us to new places without needing to pack a suitcase. It also looks at how these moments of inspiration can spark future adventures, including through the Qestral Travel Club, where residents can enjoy travel experiences in the company of friends and neighbours.
Resident Spotlight: Trevor Spittle, MNZM
This edition also shares the remarkable story of Burlington Village resident Trevor Spittle, who was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to athletics. Trevor’s lifelong contribution as an athletics official, administrator and educator has taken him from Canterbury tracks to Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships, Paralympic Games, Olympic Games and events around the world.
His story reflects many of the qualities celebrated in this month’s Great Explorers theme: dedication, service, leadership, learning and a willingness to contribute on the international stage while continuing to support future generations of officials.
Taste the Journey
Food also takes centre stage in this month’s newsletter, with a feature celebrating the way flavours, meals and shared dining experiences can connect us with memories, cultures and places around the world. Throughout July, residents across Qestral villages enjoyed a French-inspired month, including visits to local French bistros, Bastille Day brunches and opportunities to savour classic French cuisine.
Wintering Well with Julie
Ashbury Heights Activities Coordinator Julie shares her practical and personal tips for staying connected, active and positive during the colder months. From the comfort of slow cooker meals and hearty winter food to the importance of checking in with others, Julie’s advice offers a warm reminder that community, routine and small acts of connection can make a meaningful difference in winter.
Technology as a Travel Companion
The newsletter also looks at how technology has changed the way we explore and stay connected. Travel apps, online museum collections, virtual tours, podcasts, video calls and digital tools can all help people research destinations, discover new cultures, connect with family and continue learning from home or while travelling.
Great New Zealand Explorers
From Kupe and Jean Batten to Sir Edmund Hillary and Mark Inglis, this month’s edition reflects on remarkable New Zealand explorers whose courage, resilience and ingenuity continue to inspire. The article also includes Mark Inglis’ recent TRILife guest speaker series across Qestral villages, where residents heard his reflections on resilience, teamwork and embracing challenges.
The Explorer’s Bookshelf
For readers who prefer to explore from the comfort of home, the newsletter includes a bookshelf of inspiring reads that encourage lifelong learning, reflection and new ways of seeing the world. Suggested titles include The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, The Bookshop at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw, and No Mean Feat, the story of Sir Edmund Hillary.
The Walking Explorer
The final feature encourages readers to discover the hidden gems close to home. From Riccarton Bush and the Ōtākaro Avon River in Christchurch to Miyazu Japanese Garden and the Centre of New Zealand Walk in Nelson, and the Hātea Loop, Whangārei Falls and Quarry Gardens in Whangārei, the article highlights the benefits of walking, noticing more and enjoying the local places right outside our front doors.
What’s Been Happening Across Our Villages
This month’s village updates include Coastal View’s nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane dinner, Burlington’s Mix n Mingle with Two Thumb Brewery, Burlington’s Bastille Day Brunch, Alpine View’s Ferrymead Heritage Park tour, Ashbury Heights’ AI presentation with Dr Maggie Buxton, and the opening of Banbury Park’s new Pavilion.
Read More
Looking for more inspiration from this month’s Great Explorers edition? The full Qestral e-newsletter includes the complete articles, resident stories, village photographs, practical ideas and community updates from across Qestral villages.
Read the full newsletter here.
