Thornton Park Village are very excited with the addition of a new wing to their current facility offering a further 19 hospital level beds.  Although it is still in the early stages of its development the new wing will definitely add an exciting dimension to an already well established facility, that offers its services to a wider community along the East Coast as far as Potaka, to Matawai through the Waioweka Gorge,  to Waimana.  Our staff remain completely focused to delivering a high level of care to both our residents and their families, to ensure their values are adhered to and their dignity remains paramount whilst in our care.

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A valued and respected icon of Opotiki, given his commitment and service to our community in so many different ways. A life member of the New Zealand Lions foundation.  He had always felt that Thornton Park Retirement Lodge was the only place for him when he could no longer fend for himself.

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On Friday 5^th March 2021  many in our geographic area of Eastern Bay of Plenty received the alert from Civil Defence stating that we all had to evacuate to higher ground because of the severe threat of tsunami following the severe earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands.. 

I received a phone call at my home, 25 Walker Road, Tablelands, Opotiki, from Sue Toi of Thornton Park Retirement Home, informing me that as per our longstanding arrangement, all residents and staff of Thornton Park were evacuating to our property immediately. 

Using radio telephone I called up our key staff + neighbouring son and nearby son-in-law instructing them to come immediately to move all vehicles and machinery out of our large shed adjacent to our home. 

A friend of mine arrived seeking refuge for herself and while the men emptied and swept the shed and set out seating, my friend was shown where the 4 toilets are (one in the shed and 3 in the house  – the ones in the house are all wheel chair friendly); the urn was filled to heat water; mugs, biscuits, tea, coffee etc were taken to the shed ready to welcome residents with a hot drink and a smile. 

Vehicle after vehicle arrived  – some driven by staff and some driven by family members of the residents. Parking was not a problem as there is plenty of flat open space and drivers took their turn at being closest to the wide shed entrance. People were unloaded gently and calmly as though arriving for a picnic at the beach – no hassle; no rush; no impatience. I was impressed.   

Once everyone had received a drink, I noticed that a local doctor was present – he stayed with us for maybe 2 hours just mixing and mingling gently and pleasantly (but I am sure he was using his well-trained medical eyes all the time). I also noted that some staff were not in uniform – that was when I was told that many of the off-duty staff had come to the designated evacuation venue so that they could be of help supporting and caring for their residents. I noted that the patient hoist had been brought, as well as a couple of special “easy chairs” (sorry, I do not know the correct name for these) – everything that made the day more pleasant for the residents had been thought of.  Again I was impressed. 

The Thornton Park kitchen staff had arrived with all the food and utensils needed to serve everyone present for at least the next two meals (lunch and dinner). They even brought large containers of drinking water. The staff took over the well equiped house kitchen and kept everyone (residents and support people) fed and happy  – all the time appearing to be cheerful, efficient, and unflappable.   When they departed about five hours later, the kitchen  looked as if no one had been in it all day –  everything was spotless and absolutely tidy. I was impressed.

During the morning, home owner Ken Young brought out his saxophone, a guitar was given to the husband of a resident and a good old fashion sing song was enjoyed by everyone – another saxophone joined in and also some tambourines – the smiles on all the faces said it all.

Once the “all clear” was issued, people were loaded back into vehicles – again in a calm and gentle manner.

Throughout the day (they were here for about five hours) I heard not one cross word and not once did I hear an impatient tone. What could have been a very stressful day was, in fact, a very pleasant day. I was impressed.

I felt that the facilities offered, coped well (and the weather was kind). The toilets were easily accessible. There was plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, sanitiser etc available at the venue as well as what was provided by Thornton Park. Extra blankets were available for those who wanted one. 

There was no interruption to electricity so there was no concern about water availability or septic tank functions but if necessary, the generator that is situated on our farm could have been brought here.  

It was a day to be remembered for all the right reasons: no tsunami eventuated; our evacuation plans were tried and tested and, in my opinion, they passed with flying colours; the staff (both those on and off duty) rose to the occasion, all the while showing their great care and concern for the welfare of their residents.  

I congratulate the Management and Staff of Thornton Park.

Carole Young.

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