Ready for Living welcomes new project lead

Gore District Council has welcomed Roxy van Zyl as the new Project Lead for its Ready for Living initiative, aimed at supporting residents aged 65 and over.

Roxy is originally from a small farming town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, similar to the Gore District.

She says growing up in such a close-knit environment instilled in her a deep sense of community and the importance of supporting one another.

Roxy has a professional background rooted in healthcare. She trained as a nurse in Bloemfontein, South Africa, before immigrating to New Zealand in 2018 with her husband.

“As outdoor enthusiasts, we were drawn to the natural beauty of New Zealand and the opportunities to explore the great outdoors that Southland has to offer.”

Since then, Roxy has embraced life in Southland and recently became a proud New Zealand citizen. She’s now eager to put her skills and passion to work supporting Gore’s older population.

“As Ready for Living Project Lead, my focus is on helping our older residents stay connected, supported, and thriving.

“I’m excited to work with local organisations and community groups to make sure everyone feels valued and included.”

Roxy is looking forward to meeting the people behind Gore’s strong community networks and collaborating to ensure older residents enjoy a high quality of life.

“I’m here to listen, learn, and help build a vibrant, age-friendly Gore District,” she said.

To find out more about how Ready for Living can support you, visit its website – click here for the link or contact me directly at (021) 198 0480 or via email at [email protected].