On 22 May every year, our Selwyn family comes together to commemorate the official opening of Selwyn Village in 1954 – when we began our amazing journey to provide service and support to older people, especially those who are vulnerable and experiencing great need. We also acknowledge Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei who hold ahi kā (ongoing connection and active presence) to the land at Pari-one-taka/Selwyn Village.
We marked our 72nd anniversary on 22 May 2026 with a Service of Thanksgiving in the Chapel of Christ the King, joined by village residents, Life Members and Companions, Board members and staff, and Selwyn friends of many years.
Founders’ Day is a tribute to the incredible vision and determination of our founder, Auckland City Missioner Canon Douglas Caswell, and our most generous benefactor, Sir Robert Kerridge. It’s also a time to give thanks for the many others who have contributed to our growth and success ever since.
As part of the celebrations, we continued our tradition of presenting awards to those who have given so generously of their skills and talents to make Selwyn the well-regarded organisation it is today. Former Board members Ben Green and Stephen Titter were honoured as Life Members of The Selwyn Foundation. Both served nine years (three terms) on the Board and continue to represent the Foundation respectively on Selwyn Village Limited and Selwyn’s joint venture partnership with Auckland Council, Haumaru Housing.
We also announced two new Companions of the Foundation. Financial Accountant Pam Meurant was honoured for over 31 years of outstanding service as part of the Finance team at the village, and Ivan Ward Centre House Lead Lila Nair was recognised for over 30 years of dedication and loving service to residents as a member of the caregiving team.
To Ben and Pam who were able to join us on the day, we presented bronze commemorative medals specially commissioned for the occasion, depicting the images of Bishop and Sarah Selwyn and featuring the inscription: ‘For service of Heart, Hand and Mind’ – a sentiment that was often used by Bishop Selwyn in his sermons and speeches. Stephen and Lila will receive their awards at the AGM. Congratulations to them all.
The Selwyn Foundation and Selwyn Village are united in our shared history and common values around care, The Selwyn Way, and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Spirituality/Faith in the Anglican tradition. Collectively we are the stewards of an extraordinary legacy and, together, we will continue to shape a future that is inclusive, impactful and transformative for seniors both today and tomorrow.
As the Foundation’s General Manager Spirituality, Reverend Diana Rattray, said in her Founders’ Day address in the village Chapel, in Aotearoa New Zealand our population is ageing. That is not a problem, it is an opportunity. An opportunity to do more collectively with wisdom, relational understandings, ecological awareness and ethical responsibility. Through the sharing of story, our spiritual practices, our governance systems and the interconnectedness of all living things, we can continue to make a difference for good.