The Sterling, Kaiapoi has been named Best Large Retirement Village in the South Island at the 2026 Seniors NZ “New Zealand’s Best” awards, the second year in a row the village has won the title.
The awards, run by Seniors NZ (formerly Aged Advisor), are decided by reviews on the Aged Advisor platform, where residents, their families and village staff share their experiences. That makes the result a reflection of what the people who know the village best have to say about it.
Village General Manager Suzi Cadigan says the win belongs to the whole community.
“Every review behind this award comes from someone who lives here, has a loved one here or works here. These are the people who experience The Sterling, our team and our community every day,” she says.
“Winning for a second consecutive year felt like recognition of all those everyday moments: taking the time to listen, responding when someone needs help, knowing our residents by name, keeping the village looking beautiful and simply being there. It was a shared achievement that everyone could feel proud of.”
Cadigan says the result reflects what the team works to achieve.
“Responsive management, caring and knowledgeable staff, and creating a village where people feel valued and listened to are things we work hard to achieve. To have that recognised two years running tells us that what we are doing is making a positive difference.”
The village opened its new Clubhouse and Wellness Centre on 28 February this year.
“Seeing residents proudly show their friends and family around their new space reflects the sense of belonging that makes The Sterling, Kaiapoi special,” Cadigan says.
The Sterling, Kaiapoi opened in late 2021 and offers independent living villas and townhouses. The Clubhouse and Wellness Centre includes a swimming pool, cinema, bowling green and Three Streams Café, which is open to the public.
