Frequently Asked Questions

For residents this means two trusted names, and two guarantees of quality.
Of course, the location is unbeatable too! Tauranga’s relaxed coastal lifestyle and warm, sunny climate are poorly-kept secrets among retirees, who move here and help the vibrant city grow and prosper. Since the forward-thinking Preston family created their winery on the 12-ha site in the early 1990’s,
Bethlehem’s orchards and farms have given way to a lovely, leafy, safe suburb, notable for its beautiful homes and strong community heart. The Vines at Bethlehem offers resort-style facilities in an idyllic location.

We know you will feel at home here.

The moment you move to The Vines at Bethlehem you can enjoy the village’s stunning new clubhouse facilities. Inside, you will find a series of tastefully designed rooms, Cafe 143 which opens out into a lounge with a central fireplace. A snooker room, library, hairdresser, theatre, art room and meeting room.

Those seeking more active pursuits will relish the pool and entertaining outdoor spaces.

As the village develops, the iconic Mills Reef Winery building was transformed into a new, impressive community clubhouse, extended to encompass over 2000m squared.

For quiet and contemplation, head to the theatre, the arts room, or the extensive library, with nooks that invite you to tuck up with a book. When the day – or the evening – calls for action, head to the community garden, play pool with friends, or enjoy the gymnasium and indoor lap pool, or spa pool.

A barbeque area, bowling green and croquet lawn are connected via extensive walking tracks that feature benches for resting and conversing with friends.

Drive a little further minutes, and the resort town of Mount Maunganui awaits with the region’s famously white, sandy beaches.

To discuss longer stays – more than 40 days – simply have a chat with the Village Manager.

As such, we respect your privacy and independence. Be as sociable or secluded as you like. We promise you security and care, assistance when you require it. 1here is absolutely no compulsion to join in anything you don’t love.

Regular security patrols will be supplemented with closed­circuit television systems in essential areas such as entry gates.
A 24-hour emergency call system is also available, supported by modern monitoring and alarm systems.

Individual residents are welcome to discuss village operations or raise any concerns with our very approachable manager, who will also meet regularly with our residents’ committee. We will keep residents up to date on essential matters through regular newsletters and a communal noticeboard. For urgent matters, we can send an email or drop a note in your letterbox.

We pride ourselves on solving any small problems well before they become large ones.

As you would expect, there are some sensible rules that govern living in the village. These are designed to protect the rights and lifestyle of residents and are provided with the document pack for new residents. We are happy to provide you with a copy at any time.

The Vines at Bethlehem insures all buildings, including your home, which is covered in your weekly fee. You are responsible for insuring your personal belongings and house contents, as well as your private motor vehicle. Should you or a guest damage the dwelling or community buildings, you would not be responsible for the excess on any resulting insurance claim.

When you permanently leave your villa or duplex, your ORA will terminate. It is then our responsibility to re-sell the ORA on your home and there is no additional charge for sales, marketing, administration and refurbishment (providing there is only normal wear and tear). You will receive payment once the new, incoming resident has completed their purchase. The sale process is governed by the Retirement Act 2003 and Code of Practice 2008.

If you change your mind within 15 working days of signing the ORA, we will cancel the agreement and refund your deposit in full.

We’re confident you will love living in the village and we want to ensure you are happy with your decision. 

The statutory supervisor will deal with all financial transactions that relate to O RAs, review the village’s annual accounts, and act on behalf of residents where appropriate.

What’s more, the same legislation covers specific disclosure and reporting obligations to residents. We are required to submit a comprehensive financial report at the residents’ Annual General Meeting. This report includes profit and loss accounts and forecasts.

These accounts are audited and are reviewed by the Statutory Supervisor.

The Vines at Bethlehem is registered with the Retirement Villages Association.

These include:
Staffing of the village
Safety and personal security of residents Fire protection and emergency management Transfer of residents within a village Meetings
Complaints facility
Accounts

More information about the Retirement Villages Act 2003 can be found on the Commission for Financial Capability website at www.cffc.org.nz

Applications may be subject to the sale of your existing house or other mutually agreed conditions.

We will provide you with all the necessary documents -which we advise you to discuss with your solicitor. We are legally and morally obligated to ensure you are very comfortable with your decision to join us at The Vines at Bethlehem. Once you have completed your application, paid your deposit and signed the ORA in your solicitor’s presence, you can relax and await the completion of the sale agreement.

When both you and your new home are ready, the balance of the ORA payment is paid to the statutory supervisor and you’ll be able to take possession and move in. Once the Statutory Supervisor is satisfied the ORA has been correctly issued, your funds will be released to The Vines at Bethlehem.

We look forward to having you join us.