The layout of the proposed development. Photo / Mission Hills
Oliver Boyd, Summerset general manager acquisitions and development, said lodging the resource consent application was “a significant milestone”.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with Napier City Council and the local community as we progress through the consenting process and move closer to delivering this exceptional village.”
The Mission Hills subdivision is located on hills behind Mission Estate Winery and is beginning to take shape, with the first private home completed in late 2025.
Only two other retirement villages in Hawke’s Bay are larger than the proposed Summerset Mission Hills village.
Summerset Palms in Te Awa (Napier) has 289 independent homes and apartments and a care home with 43 suites, while Arvida’s Mary Doyle retirement village in Havelock North has 272 villas and apartments and a 105-bed care centre.
“Mission Hills will be similar in scale to Summerset Palms, but with some differences in layout and amenities. Both villages are designed to meet strong demand in the Hawke’s Bay region, offering high-quality homes and care options,” Boyd said.
The location of Summerset Mission Hills. Photo / Mission Hills
Retirement Villages Association executive director Michelle Palmer said retirement villages were continuing to grow in popularity, particularly in regions such as Hawke’s Bay.
“Demand is only set to grow. Independent research … shows New Zealand is facing a significant shortfall in retirement village homes as the population aged 75 and over increases.
“While the number of villages and units has grown steadily over the past decade, development is still struggling to keep pace with demand.
“New villages, such as this one in Hawke’s Bay, will play an important role in ensuring older people in the region have access to modern, well-designed homes and the care and support they need, close to their communities, friends and families.”
More retirement homes are in the pipeline for Hawke’s Bay, such as Metlifecare’s plans for two new villages in Napier and Havelock North.
Last year, Ryman Healthcare officially completed the James Wattie retirement village in Havelock North.
According to retirementvillages.co.nz, there are about 30 retirement villages and homes in Hawke’s Bay.
Hawke’s Bay’s biggest retirement villages:
Arvida’s Mary Doyle retirement village (Havelock North): 272 villas/apartments and a 105-bed care centreSummerset Palms Te Awa (Napier): 289 homes and a 43-suite care centre*Summerset Mission Hills (Napier): 263 homes and a 35-suite care centre
*Yet to be built