Charlotte Horan, The Helier’s Senior Resident Concierge, pictured with a resident.
The Helier isn’t just a place to live—it’s a community where comfort meets style. With top-notch facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why retirees are choosing to call The Helier home. This article takes you behind the scenes of what makes life here so special.
Retirement villages: independence and community
In 2023, Charlotte started working at The Helier, a boutique retirement residence operated by Oceania in Auckland’s seaside eastern suburbs.
Charlotte’s role, in a nutshell, is to ensure that The Helier’s residents are content and connected. However, in trying to meet this broad objective, Charlotte never really knows what the day will bring.
“One day I might be advising a resident on the best local physiotherapist, and then the next day I could be organising transport into town, booking local restaurants or undertaking local guided walks for other residents,” Charlotte said.
I am someone who is always here if residents need to talk to someone, about anything. It is about being caring but not clingy, and helping people lead their best life.”
“I’ve even helped a couple receive a letter from the Governor-General to congratulate them on their 50th wedding anniversary.
“I am also often helping organise the activities we have here, including the nightly drinks hour, wine tastings and events for special occasions, such as the Melbourne Cup or Christmas.
Charlotte’s role is emblematic of The Helier’s distinctive retirement living model.
A human-centred approach
An innovative approach to design has seen The Helier win the mantle of best new Retirement Living and Aged Care project at this year’s Property Council New Zealand Awards. Celebrated for fostering a vibrant community, prioritising sustainability, and seamlessly integrating into its surrounding landscape.
Combining eco-conscious design with amenities like wellness facilities and social spaces, it redefines retirement living in New Zealand; but it is The Helier’s highly personalised approach to retirement living that really makes it unique.
This approach is driven by The Helier’s experienced hospitality staff.
Concierge Charlotte Horan has had a 35-year career in customer engagement, and has been a St Heliers local for 20 years.
It’s about looking after people, but at the same time respecting their independence and sense of space,” Charlotte said. “For this reason, I think we are very different from your typical retirement village.”
Executive chef Charles Pihera, meanwhile, has worked in prestigious kitchens from Sydney to the Czech Republic, while General Manager Olivier Lacoua has managed premium hotels across New Zealand, France, United Kingdom and French Polynesia.
These are the people that ensure the individual needs of residents are considered, and responded to, by all staff on a daily basis.
It’s this unashamedly human-centred approach which makes The Helier an ideal location for singles or couples who are looking for a private and highly enjoyable environment, among a welcoming community of people from a range of diverse backgrounds.
The Helier’s indoor pool.
The Helier has well-appointed meeting spaces for residents.
About The Helier
Open since September 2023, The Helier is a low-rise community featuring 79 refined, modern and comfortable apartments which have been specifically designed for independent retirees.
The Helier is located in an elevated position in Auckland’s seaside eastern suburbs.
All apartments include a spacious open-plan layout, roomy kitchens with an induction cooktop, and balconies which can be enclosed for weather protection and have a tap for watering plants.
In addition, master bedrooms feature a walk-through wardrobe and ensuite.
Inside an apartment in The Helier.
Currently available apartments offer a range of outlooks, including views of Glover Park, the city skyline, and some with water views.
Views from The Helier.
The Helier is a retirement village, but in fact operates more like a five-star hotel.
A home to top-end facilities, including its own cinema, billiards room, wine library, residents’ lounge, indoor swimming pool, private fitness room, day spa and hair salon - residents also have access to chauffeur-driven cars, to take them to and from local destinations of their choosing.
The Helier has a private cinema.
A further important feature is The Helier’s professional kitchen, cafe and restaurant, which are all for the exclusive use of residents and their guests.
Thanks to this feature, residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals, ranging from snacks to fine dining, in their apartments or in the dining room.
The late 2024 menu includes delectable delights such as wagyu beef sliders, fish & chips, beef cheek ravioli, squid ink spaghetti and a seafood platter with scampi, crayfish and market oysters.
The Helier has its own executive chefs.
Resident testimonial
As a closing note, it’s perhaps worthwhile recording a testimonial from one of The Helier’s residents, which helps explain the community’s atmosphere and services.
“As a widow who has lived alone for many years, moving into The Helier has been a wonderful experience for me.”
“As I expected, I love my spacious apartment with its beautiful view which makes me feel part of what is happening in the city at all times of the day and night.
“What I did not expect was the warmth and support of the community which has welcomed me here.
The kindness of the staff and the services which are provided are amazing.”
Georgina, The Helier’s Resident Chauffeur.
“I no longer have to worry about finding a park in the city at night - The Helier chauffeur will drop me off and pick me up. If I need a meal before I leave or when I return, I can order a beautiful and reasonably priced one from the restaurant.
“I can go down at any time of the day to enjoy barista coffee and talk to other residents or staff.”
“Through these opportunities I have got to know the group of interesting, friendly and diverse people who are the residents here.
We all have active lives outside The Helier but we have built a special bond appreciating a new lifestyle which supports us in all we do.”
Apartments available
A range of two bedroom and two bedroom plus study independent living apartments are currently available at The Helier.
Two bedroom apartments start from $1,495,000 and two bedroom plus study apartments start from $1,450,000. Weekly and deferred management fees also apply.
Care residences are also available for those with higher care needs.
This content was prepared by Village Guide on behalf of Oceania.
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