We’re proud to announce that Burlington won Best in Category and Excellence, for New Zealand Aged Care and Retirement Villages, for their “Pavilion” - in the 2025 New Zealand Property Council Awards at the Spark Arena in Auckland. The Property Council Awards are presented for outstanding property projects, developments or substantive refurbishments across New Zealand. The judges said, "Burlington Village is a vibrant community hub designed to enhance social engagement, wellbeing, and inclusivity. Inspired by Singapore's Raffles, the two-storey Pavilion village features accessible design, level entryways, and movable walls for flexible use. It has a library, a restaurant, a bakery and coffee shop, movie theatre, wellness centre and a pool all within an easy walking distance. It’s like being on a permanent, and lux, holiday!" Earlier in the year, Qestral won the prestigious 2025 Eldercare Innovation Award for its TRILife Wellness Programme at the 2025 World Ageing Festival in Singapore, - attended by more than 6,000 delegates from over 50 countries. Qestral is constantly refurbishing its model – seeking excellence in healthcare security, personal relationships and activities, and individual architecture. These awards tell us that the team is on track with our product.

Where every detail is designed for comfort, elegance, and ease.

For many, retirement is less about slowing down and more about choosing how, and whereto live life fully. In recent years, a quiet migration has been underway, as active retirees discover the charm of Whangārei, Northland’s vibrant, sea-breezed gem.

When it comes to retirement, glossy brochures and grand promises are everywhere. But seasoned retirees know that true value lies in the everyday details, the fine print, and the long game. That’s where Qestral stands apart.

Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, but for many, it’s just the beginning of a more enriching, intellectually fulfilling life. Free from the nine-to-five, this new chapter offers space to explore fresh interests, pick up old passions, and finally pursue those “someday” goals. Whether it’s learning to speak Italian, joining a philosophy group, or diving into family genealogy, today’s retirees are proving that curiosity doesn’t retire.

There’s a quiet magic in tending to something that grows. For many retirees, gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifeline to wellness, creativity, and connection. Whether nurturing native blooms or harvesting a basket of homegrown herbs, the act of gardening continues to bring peace and purpose well into later life.

Let’s be honest—making new friends as an adult isn’t always easy. And after 65? It can feel downright daunting. The routines are different, the social circles have shifted, and if you’ve just moved into a new place—especially a retirement village—you might find yourself wondering: Where do I even start?

How to Know When Independent Living Is Getting a Bit Too Hard

Dementia. It’s one of those words that can feel heavy the moment it enters the conversation. For many families, it begins subtly—an occasional forgetful moment, a lost word, a misplaced item—and slowly, the picture sharpens into something more serious. If someone you love is starting to show signs, or has just been diagnosed, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate it blind.