Award-Winning Retirement Living Coming to Clarks Beach & Waiau Pa
Exciting news is on the horizon for the Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa communities, with Hopper Living confirming plans for a brand-new retirement village on the shores of the Manukau Harbour. Recently recognised as New Zealand’s Best Multi-Village Group at the NZ Seniors Awards 2025, Hopper Living is bringing its proven, people-first approach to one of South Auckland’s most scenic coastal locations.
This thoughtfully planned development will become Hopper Living’s fifth retirement village, continuing its steady growth across New Zealand while maintaining a strong focus on community connection, design quality, and resident wellbeing.
A Coastal Location with Community at its Heart
Set in Clarks Beach, overlooking the expansive Manukau Harbour, the new village will enjoy north-facing harbour views and a peaceful coastal environment that has long attracted families and retirees alike. For many locals in Clarks Beach and nearby Waiau Pa, this development represents a welcome option for downsizing without leaving the area they know and love.
The location offers the best of both worlds: a relaxed seaside lifestyle combined with convenient access to the wider Auckland region, making it easier for residents to stay connected with family, friends, and essential services.
Hopper Living’s Vision: More Than Just a Place to Live
Hopper Living has built a strong reputation for creating retirement villages where community comes first. Rather than focusing solely on housing, their villages are designed to foster belonging, social connection, and an active, engaged lifestyle.
“Our villages are designed to bring people together; we create villages where people don’t just live, they belong,” says Ruth Scandrett, General Manager of Hopper Living. She notes that opportunities like Clarks Beach — where the site, setting, and local values align — are increasingly rare, making this development particularly special.
This philosophy is expected to carry through into the Clarks Beach Village, with an emphasis on shared spaces, community activities, and a supportive environment that encourages residents to stay socially and physically active.
Partnering with Trusted Auckland Developers
To bring the project to life, Hopper Living is working alongside The Nakhle Group, a respected Auckland-based development company led by Daniel Nakhle. The partnership brings together Hopper Living’s experience in retirement communities with The Nakhle Group’s local development expertise.
Daniel Nakhle highlights Hopper Living’s strong track record, noting their reputation for integrity, thoughtful design, and high levels of resident satisfaction. The shared goal is to deliver a retirement village that not only meets modern living standards but also complements the existing character of the Clarks Beach community.
What’s Planned for the Clarks Beach Retirement Village?
While the project is still in its early stages, the design and planning phase is now underway, with concept plans being developed as part of a forthcoming Resource Consent application. The proposed village is expected to include:
High-quality, well-designed homes suited to retirement living
Shared community and social spaces that encourage connection
Recreation and lifestyle amenities to support active ageing
Professional, supportive village management
Importantly, the development team has signalled a commitment to ensuring the village integrates respectfully with its surroundings, reflecting both the coastal setting and the values of the wider Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa communities.
What This Means for Clarks Beach & Waiau Pa Locals
For many long-term residents, the arrival of a high-quality retirement village offers a valuable option to remain local as housing needs change. It also strengthens the broader community by supporting intergenerational connections - allowing grandparents to stay close to children and grandchildren while enjoying a lifestyle tailored to their stage of life.
Developments like this can also bring wider benefits, including local employment opportunities and increased support for nearby services and businesses, contributing positively to the area’s long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead
As planning progresses, more detail will emerge about timelines, design features, and opportunities for community input. For now, the announcement marks an important milestone for Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa, signalling confidence in the area’s future and its appeal as a place to live, retire, and belong.
With an award-winning operator at the helm and a strong local development partnership in place, the Clarks Beach Retirement Village is shaping up to be a thoughtful addition to the Manukau Harbour coastline - one that reflects both the natural beauty of the area and the close-knit community that defines it.
