Real Living is preparing to mark its 40^th anniversary since its foundation — and we’re delighted to announce that one of New Zealand’s most beloved television personalities, Judy Bailey, will be the centrepiece of our October celebrations with a special Q&A event.

A household name for decades, Judy was the face of TV One’s primetime news bulletin for nearly 20 years. So cherished by viewers, she became known as the “Mother of the Nation” — a title that still holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. Judy continues to inspire through her work and writing — Her most recent book, Evolving, weaves together the latest science with personal stories that have shaped her journey into later life.

Judy Bailey will join us at Remuera Gardens on Saturday, 18 October, to take part in a lively and inspiring Q&A as part of our anniversary celebrations.

In speaking with Real Living ahead of the event, Judy said:

“I’m looking forward to chatting and sharing some of the knowledge I gained from researching this ageing journey that we’re all on together.”

Since retiring from television in 2005, Judy has shown that stepping away from a career doesn’t mean slowing down. In fact, she sees retirement as a chance to explore new passions and embrace personal growth:

“I’m not a fan of the word ‘retirement’, it sounds so passive, I look on it as an evolution.”

This year, Real Living proudly celebrates four decades since opening our very first village, Pakuranga Park, in East Auckland. Back in 1985, the concept of a retirement village in New Zealand was still revolutionary — but it shaped our vision from the very start: to create places where older people could live with dignity, purpose, and companionship.

Today, that vision has flourished into four vibrant villages — Pakuranga Park, Epsom Village, Remuera Gardens and, most recently, Warkworth Oaks — all still proudly owned by the same family who began this journey.

We’d love you to be part of this special event — visit our homepage for the latest details.