Kōwhainui Home, Whanganui
- Location88 Virginia Road, Otamatea, Whanganui
- Size5 neighbourhoods (maximum of 79 residents)
- FeaturesPets welcome, full Eden Alternative certification
- ManagerTrish Boswell
- Call us06 349 1400
The atmosphere at Enliven’s Kōwhainui Home is bright and easy-going; the people are caring and welcoming.
Situated on lovely grounds in the prestigious suburb of Otamatea, this modern, purpose-built home is a well-known local icon.
At Kōwhainui Home we embrace Enliven’s philosophy of care; we take every opportunity to make sure the elders of Kōwhainui have companionship, spontaneity, fun, meaningful activity and a sense of purpose in their lives. Residents are well connected with the local community and their whānau and friends are part of everyday life here.
At Kōwhainui Home we receive many positive comments about our well appointed and modern facilities.
Here you’ll enjoy a large room with ensuite bathroom. You can set up your room with your own familiar things; many residents bring items such as photographs, artwork, ornaments, bed covers and even favourite pieces of furniture. Some even bring their pets!
Like any family home, at Kōwhainui Home there are lots of shared spaces, including the lounges with kitchenettes, entertaining areas, recreation rooms, gardens and courtyards. We also have a beautiful chapel for church services and private reflection. Residents use these spaces whenever they like, to socialise, read, do activities and host visitors. You’ll often find avid conversations happening in the shared spaces!









Kōwhainui Home recognised.
Kōwhainui Home is one of just a few aged care facilities in New Zealand with full Eden Alternative certification – the internationally recognised elder-directed model of care.
The home also has 4-year Ministry of Health certification – the maximum certification achievement awarded by the ministry. To achieve certification the homes underwent a rigorous audit process which looked at a multitude of things, including the way residents are cared for, how staff interact with the residents, how policies and procedures are followed and applied, documentation standards and time frames, the general environment as well as the satisfaction levels of residents, families and staff.
A full range of positive ageing services
With Enliven, as your needs change, so too can the support we provide.
At Kōwhainui Home and Village in Whanganui we offer independent retirement living, rest home care and specialist hospital care. We are sometimes able to cater for short-term stays as well – our respite and health recovery are great options for some temporary support for the community. We also run a popular day activity programme for elders living in their own homes.
If there comes a time village residents need extra support, they will have priority entry to our Kōwhainui Home when there is availability.
Why choose an Enliven home?
There are many reasons people give for choosing an Enliven home. Find out more about what makes Enliven home’s unique.
Positive ageing services
Enliven offers a range of services for older people across the lower North Island. This includes independent retirement living, rest home, hospital and dementia care, health support services such as tai chi classes and continence products and assessment and an online shop stocked with products specifically for over 65s.
Kōwhainui Home residents say:
It’s so different to what I thought it would be. There’s so much laughter. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves here.
Gwen
We liked the location, the environment and the feel of the place. The rooms are nice and big and all the people get along with each other. It’s perfect here.
George
We knit for charity. I enjoy it – I like to do something that’s worthwhile and it keeps me busy. It’s about the company as much as the knitting.
June
I know it sounds corny, but I feel like I was meant to be here. I just love the feel of the place and being part of the community.
Judy
It’s homely and very well appointed.
Jill
Kōwhainui Home news
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Thank you aged care nurses!
As the world marks International Nurses Day 2022, Enliven is highlighting the positive difference aged care nurses make to the lives of New Zealand elders and the wider health sector.

“New Zealand elders’ matter… don’t they!?”
Enliven is joining the chorus of aged residential care providers across New Zealand calling on the government to do more to support New Zealand’s elders.

Enliven accredited to run Competency Assessment Programme
Positive aging service Enliven Central is now accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand to run a Competency Assessment