Ōamaru man Scott Elliffe has been appointed manager of Observatory Village Lifecare.

Observatory Village board chairman Peter Robinson said Scott had been appointed to replace Moira Kliegl as manager of the Ōamaru retirement complex.

Moira is returning to Dunedin to be closer to family and the board was grateful for her “commitment and dedication” over the past two and a half years, Peter said.

Scott is well known in Ōamaru and the wider Waitaki District through his time with Heritage New Zealand at Totara Estate and Clarks Mill. He also stood for the Waitaki District Council in last year’s local body elections.

More recently, he has managed heritage attractions as far north as Coromandel and the Bay of Islands. 

“Scott brings a broad range of management skills that will assist us forward on our next stage of the village’s development,” Peter said.

“We’re very pleased to have him on board and we believe the community will feel likewise.”

As the district’s first full-care retirement complex, Observatory Village has been something of a Waitaki success story since it opened in August, 2017 - almost six years ago. 

“It has meant a lot of Waitakians who would likely have left, have been able to stay in the region they love,” Peter said. 

The community’s response to the village had been overwhelming, he said. 

So much so that occupancy rates are close to 100%, and waitlists are in place.

Scott joins Observatory Village as it heads into its next phase of growth.

As of August last year, there were 81 care suites filled, 32 apartments, and 21 villas. Stage 2 of the development was now taking place, and was expected to be finished by 2026. 

The number of independent-living villas will double and additional capacity will be offered in serviced apartments and care suites, together with a purpose-built community lodge. 

Scott said it was an exciting time to be joining the organisation as it looks to expand the range of facilities and services it offers to residents. 

“There’s a tremendous community of staff, residents and their families here. 

“My focus will be on both building the community spirit of the village and in further connecting our community to the town. 

“I’m very much looking forward to the challenge ahead”.