An afternoon tea to mark the occasion was held yesterday, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of the Older Person.
Former Abbeyfield Wakatipu chairman Simon Hayes paid tribute to all those who had been involved behind the scenes to help establish the rest-home in Frankton, in particular the Queenstown Lakes District Council and other funders including the Central Lakes Trust, Rotary Club of Queenstown and the Lions club.
He also acknowledged founding committee members Noel Dunlop and Noeline Watson, who planted "Lucy’s Rose", which is being sold as a fundraiser for Christchurch’s Ranui House, in the garden to mark the milestone. Committee chairwoman Alexa Forbes said the home opened with 10 rooms and two additional rooms were completed last October.
At present, there were no plans to extend the home further, but "there is a huge demand".
"There are probably a couple of people [on the waiting list] who would move in tomorrow if there was a room.
"There are many other people who like to be kept up to date when rooms come up, to see if they’re ready."
