A directory of belonging
Places where community is built into where you live — not another club to visit, but somewhere the people around you are part of daily life. Monasteries that welcome guests, cohousing, co-ops, ecovillages, seniors villages, and neighbourhoods that actually function. Start where you are.
Compiled with AI, checked by nobody yet. These are starting points, gathered for Taranaki — real places as far as we know, but details change. Verify with a phone call before you set your heart or drive across the state.
Amberlea offers a continuum of care, from independent living in villas to rest home and hospital level care. Residents enjoy a supportive environment with various social activities and amenities.
Visit website →Coastal Care New Plymouth provides comprehensive residential care services for individuals needing support in a warm and welcoming environment. Their focus is on creating a supportive community where residents feel valued and well-cared for.
Visit website →Elizabeth R Lifecare offers comprehensive aged care services, including rest home and hospital level care, within a welcoming community setting. Residents benefit from social activities and dedicated support.
Visit website →Fergusson Rest Home & Hospital provides comprehensive care services within a supportive community environment. It offers a safe and comfortable home for residents requiring various levels of assistance.
Visit website →Marire Rest Home provides comprehensive care services for elderly residents in a comfortable and homely setting. The facility focuses on creating a warm community where residents feel valued and supported.
Maryann Rest Home & Hospital provides a supportive environment for elderly residents requiring various levels of care. It fosters a sense of community among its residents and staff.
Parklands provides a continuum of care options, from independent living in the village to comprehensive care in the home. It offers a supportive environment with various amenities for residents.
Visit website →Parkwood Lodge provides comprehensive aged care services, including rest home and hospital level care, within a welcoming community setting. Their focus is on creating a comfortable and caring home for residents.
Visit website →Puriri Court Lifecare offers a continuum of care services, from independent living to hospital care, in a modern and friendly environment. They are dedicated to supporting residents' well-being and fostering community connections.
Visit website →Te Whare Aroha o Ngā Mokopuna is a facility dedicated to providing care and support, often with a focus on cultural values. It aims to create a nurturing community environment for its residents.
Waitara Lifecare provides a range of aged care services, including rest home and hospital care, in a supportive community setting. Residents enjoy a comfortable and engaging environment with professional care.
Visit website →While primarily for students, the Spotswood College Hostel provides a structured and communal living environment for those attending the college. It fosters a close-knit community among its residents, offering support and shared experiences.
Visit website →While primarily a vicarage, this historic site sometimes offers shared living opportunities for individuals connected to the Anglican church or community work. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and communal living.
Bell Block is a growing residential area north of New Plymouth, characterized by its modern developments and community facilities. It offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city and coast.
Fitzroy is a well-established residential suburb known for its strong community spirit and local amenities. Residents often engage in local events and support neighbourhood initiatives.
Hawera is the second-largest town in Taranaki, serving as a hub for the surrounding rural community. It boasts a range of community facilities, parks, and local events that contribute to a strong sense of belonging among residents.
Hurdon is a residential suburb in New Plymouth, characterized by its quiet streets and a mix of housing options. It fosters a sense of community through local parks and schools that serve as gathering points.
Inglewood is a charming rural town with a close-knit community feel, offering a relaxed lifestyle. Its residents actively participate in local clubs, events, and support local businesses.
Māori Hill is a well-established residential area known for its strong community spirit and historical significance. Residents benefit from proximity to local amenities and a sense of belonging.
While not a residential community in the traditional sense, the Te Kohanga Reo o Te Piere, supported by the Māori Women's Welfare League, fosters a strong community hub for whānau. It strengthens cultural ties and provides a supportive network for families in the area.
Visit website →Te Whare Roimata is a branch of the Māori Women's Welfare League, actively supporting the well-being and development of Māori women and their whānau in the community. They provide a hub for cultural connection and social support.
Marfell is a well-established residential suburb known for its strong community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere. It features local parks, schools, and community initiatives that foster a sense of belonging among residents.
Mōkau Village is a small coastal settlement known for its strong local community spirit and close-knit atmosphere. Residents often engage in shared activities and support local initiatives.
Oakura is a vibrant coastal village known for its strong community spirit and artistic flair. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with local shops, cafes, and a popular beach, fostering a close-knit environment.
Omata Estate offers a semi-rural lifestyle with a strong community feel, featuring larger sections and a peaceful environment. Residents enjoy the proximity to New Plymouth while benefiting from a close-knit neighbourhood.
Ōpunake is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach and friendly community atmosphere. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life with local amenities and a strong focus on community events and activities.
A living Māori village beneath Taranaki Maunga, world-renowned as the home of the nineteenth-century peaceful resistance led by Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi. Its marae communities continue to welcome visitors to learn its history of peace and resilience.
Spotswood is a diverse and family-friendly neighbourhood in New Plymouth, offering a mix of housing and local services. It has a strong community focus with local schools and recreational areas.
Strandon is a desirable residential area close to the New Plymouth city centre, known for its attractive homes and proximity to amenities. It offers a vibrant community feel with local shops and cafes contributing to its character.
Stratford is a unique inland town nestled at the base of Mount Taranaki, known for its Shakespearean theme and strong community engagement. The town offers a friendly environment with local services and community groups that foster connections.
Tainui Village is a residential area in New Plymouth recognized for its community spirit and local amenities. It offers a mix of housing options and is popular with families seeking a connected lifestyle.
While primarily an early childhood education centre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngāmotu serves as a vital community hub for Māori families in New Plymouth. It strengthens cultural ties and fosters a sense of collective identity.
Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Piere is an early childhood education centre that immerses children in Māori language and culture, strengthening community ties. It serves as a vital cultural hub for local whānau.
Te Pukei is a well-established residential area known for its strong local connections and family-friendly atmosphere. It features local parks and community events that bring residents together.
Te Pukei o Te Rangi is a well-established residential area known for its strong community spirit and family-friendly environment. Residents often engage in local events and support neighbourhood initiatives.
While a tribal entity, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui actively fosters community and cultural connection among its people, often through papakāinga developments and community programs. It provides a strong sense of belonging and shared identity for its members.
Visit website →Urenui is a small coastal town known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community ties. Locals often gather for fishing, beach activities, and community events, fostering a sense of belonging.
Waitara is a historic town with a strong sense of local identity and community, situated along the Waitara River. It has a rich Māori heritage and offers various community facilities and events that bring residents together.
Waitara Central represents a well-established neighbourhood with a strong sense of local identity and community engagement. Residents benefit from proximity to local amenities and a shared commitment to the town's development.
Westown is a residential suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and active local community groups. It offers a mix of housing options and convenient access to schools and parks, fostering a strong neighbourhood feel.
Bell Block Gardens provides independent living options for seniors within a supportive and friendly community. Residents can enjoy well-maintained gardens and a range of social activities.
Coastal View Lifestyle Village offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of facilities and social activities designed to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →Highlands Retirement Village offers independent living options and a supportive community for seniors in a picturesque setting. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Visit website →Kowhai Place offers independent living units for seniors, fostering a supportive and secure environment. Residents enjoy a sense of community with shared facilities and social activities.
Ōakura Retirement Village offers independent living options for seniors in a picturesque coastal location. It provides a secure and friendly environment with opportunities for social engagement.
Peacehaven Village provides a range of independent living options for seniors, including villas and apartments. It fosters a vibrant community with shared facilities and regular social events.
Visit website →Pukekura Park Apartments offer modern, independent living for seniors with stunning views and proximity to the city's iconic park. Residents benefit from a secure environment and opportunities for social engagement.
Pukekura Park Villas offers premium retirement living adjacent to the iconic Pukekura Park. Residents benefit from a central location and a vibrant community atmosphere.
The Links Lifestyle Village offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →The Oaks Lifestyle Village offers independent living for seniors in a supportive and engaging environment. Residents enjoy a range of facilities and social activities designed to foster a strong sense of community.
Visit website →The Village at Westown offers modern retirement living with a focus on community and convenience. It provides a secure and comfortable environment for residents to enjoy their golden years.
Waitara Gardens provides a peaceful and secure retirement village setting for independent seniors. The community offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to local amenities.
The other path
If your state's list is thin, that's not a dead end; it's the reason this project exists. Three friends on one street is already a community. The guide walks you through the whole path.
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