Selwyn Village opened its doors on 22nd May 1954.
That date became Founders’ Day, and every year The Selwyn Foundation celebrates the visionaries who made it happen, and everyone who’s contributed to our achievements since then.
‘For service of heart, hand and mind.’
That date became Founders’ Day, and every year The Selwyn Foundation celebrates the visionaries who made it happen, and everyone who’s contributed to our achievements since then.
In particular, Life Members and Companions of the Foundation are honoured at a service of thanksgiving held in Selwyn Village’s Chapel of Christ the King. They are presented with commemorative medals depicting the images of Bishop and Sarah Selwyn. Specially commissioned in bronze for the occasion, the inscription reads:
‘For service of Heart, Hand and Mind’
– a sentiment often used by Bishop Selwyn in his sermons and speeches.
Founders’ Day is an homage to long-lasting traditions and honours those who shaped and enriched the Foundation, so that they will be remembered long into the future.
Life Members are appointed by The Selwyn Foundation Board in recognition of outstanding service to the Foundation and the wider Selwyn community. Life Members are entitled to vote on any matter or question at any Annual Meeting or Extraordinary Meeting of the Foundation.
The Selwyn Foundation Board created this new category in 2014 to recognise people who have been generous to the Foundation in their spiritual guidance, leadership or in their gift of time, expertise or for their significant donation.
Lois Cossey
For her past 30 years of dedication and care for our residents at Selwyn Oaks village in Papakura. Lois has shown total love and compassion for all those she has cared for over that time, always putting their needs and concerns first, as well as being a supportive work colleague.
John Whitehead
For his thirteen years as consultant to The Selwyn Foundation Property Committee. John’s in-depth knowledge of the property sector and his expert advice were invaluable to Selwyn, as we entered a phase of major building development activity from 2005 until 2017.
We would like to acknowledge the passing in the last year of Selwyn Companions, Mr George Langton, Miss Betty Pyatt MBE and Mr Ross Gregory.
George Langton was awarded the honour of Companion in 2014 for his 12 years of dedication and service on The Selwyn Foundation Board.
Betty Pyatt was awarded the honour of Companion in 2017 for her service to Christ’s Hospital, her continued years of volunteering at Selwyn Village and her long and close association with the Foundation spanning a period of 43 years.
In 2016, our new retirement living apartments that are located on the site of Christ’s Hospital were named in Betty’s honour.
Ross Gregory was awarded Companion in 2015 for his services to The Selwyn Foundation as carver of Pono, a Tokotoko presented to the Board of The Selwyn Foundation in 2013. This symbolises the ethnicities and values of all cultures that live within the Selwyn community and have become a feature of our organisation. Ross also participated in our many and varied ceremonies as a respected Kaumātua.
We are grateful for the lives of George, Betty and Ross and for their valued contribution to the work of The Selwyn Foundation.