Each year, one winner from across the award categories is selected by the judging panel as worthy of the title of EBOS Healthcare Overall Winner. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Queen Rose Retirement Home.

This award recognises the exceptional longevity of service, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contribution of someone who has been an integral part of and actively promoted the aged residential care industry for more than ten years.

Finalists

• Mary Stewart
• Diane Bell
• Bert Ubay-ubay

About the winner

Mary Stewart is the recipient of the 2024 NZ Aged Care Association’s Legendary Service Award, celebrating over 40 years of dedicated service in nursing and aged residential care. Renowned for her transformational leadership, Mary has significantly impacted residents, families, and colleagues through her expertise and compassion. Her career began in a geriatric hospital at age 13, shaping her commitment to the sector. After training as a registered nurse, she returned to her passion for aged care, developing her own standards of care long before formal regulations existed.

As a leader at Metlifecare, Mary established the first dementia care unit and implemented initiatives to enhance resident care and empower staff. Her mentorship has shaped the careers of many in the sector, fostering environments where nurses thrive.

Mary embodies the essence of transformational leadership, tirelessly advocating for residents and the betterment of aged care, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

This award recognises the commitment and achievements of a stand-out individual in a care facility, or facilities, and is open to anyone who is a volunteer, employed at, or contracted to an aged residential care facility that positively influences resident care outcomes.

Finalists

• Bert Ubay-Ubay
• Jamayla Brown
• Linda Podvoiskis

About the winner

Bert Ubay-Ubay, the former manager of Beachhaven Care Home, is the deserving recipient of the Leecare Solutions Stand-Out Individual Award for his exceptional commitment to specialized dementia care. Since starting as a caregiver in 2012, Bert’s dedication has led to remarkable improvements in service delivery. Under his leadership, the Beachhaven team achieved significant milestones, including winning the HCSL Innovative Delivery Award 2023 for reducing emergency restraint use by 95% and lowering antipsychotic medications and resident distress incidents by 37%.

Bert’s focus on shared learning and advocacy for specialized dementia care has raised awareness within the health sector about the need for improved services. His commitment to environmental sustainability led to partnerships that reduced landfill waste, and his innovative D6 Puzzle initiative enhanced the dining experience for residents, preventing unintentional weight loss. With high occupancy rates and exceptional engagement scores, Bert’s legacy continues to impact residents positively, making him a true stand-out in aged care.

Finalists

• Generus Living
• Oceania
• Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital

About the winner

Generus Living has embraced innovation in aged care by introducing Rendever, a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) platform, across all four of its care centres in New Zealand. This initiative exemplifies exceptional effort in enhancing care delivery by providing immersive experiences that significantly improve residents’ mental well-being and social engagement.

By integrating Rendever into their activity programs, Generus Living aims to address the unique needs of residents, particularly those who are hard to engage, have cognitive impairments, or are physically unable to participate in traditional activities. The VR experiences have led to a notable uplift in mood for 78% of participants and have fostered increased social interaction, particularly among those receiving hospital-level care.

This innovative approach not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also sets a new benchmark in the sector, demonstrating how creativity and technology can be harnessed to provide a true continuum of care. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents and families, Generus Living’s adoption of Rendever underscores their commitment to excellence in care delivery, making this initiative a deserving recipient of the Healthcare Compliance Solutions Ltd Innovative Delivery Award.

This award celebrates organizations or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional sustainability practices through innovative design and/or construction techniques in their new or refurbishment projects. The award aims to highlight those who have successfully integrated sustainable principles into their construction projects while also demonstrating a high level of design and innovation.

Finalists

• Metlifecare
• Masonic Care

About the winner

The redevelopment of the MVT Woburn Masonic Care facility transformed a dated building from the 1960s into a contemporary care complex for 62 residents, prioritising sustainability and resident wellbeing. With input from TEAM Architects and BECA, the project incorporates sustainable initiatives throughout its design and construction, reusing elements from the original structure to minimize waste. Key features include abundant natural light from innovative bay windows, thoughtfully designed corridors to enhance staff efficiency, and four internal courtyards that provide light and views.

The project also includes significant upgrades to existing facilities, such as transforming the original administration wing into a welcoming reception area and repurposing other spaces for community use. Sustainable materials, automated lighting, and a solar panel installation further demonstrate the commitment to eco-friendly practices. This redevelopment not only enhances the living environment for residents but also strengthens the facility’s connection to the surrounding community.

Finalists

• Albany Home and Hospital
• Queen Rose Retirement Home

About the winner

Queen Rose Retirement Home achieved exceptional results in just nine months under new ownership, notably securing a flawless certification audit and attaining 100% resident satisfaction. Addressing a persistent issue with limited teatime food options, Queen Rose partnered with Cibus Catering to introduce a flexible, two-option menu, which could adapt to resident requests. This change, alongside enhanced menu customization for winter and summer, resolved past dissatisfaction with meal choices.

The proactive approach has greatly improved the dining experience, as evidenced by the perfect satisfaction rating in 2024, marking a significant improvement from prior years. Queen Rose’s success demonstrates the power of adaptability, feedback, and collaboration among staff, residents, and family members, enriching daily life and fulfilling diverse preferences within the care home.

Finalists

• Albany Home and Hospital
• Hilda Ross Retirement Village
• The Bellevue

About the winner

The Bellevue care center in Christchurch has revolutionized its dining experience under Executive Chef Sebastian Straetling, bringing fine-dining quality to residents. Since joining in 2024, Straetling has redesigned the menu with flavorful, restaurant-quality meals, such as lamb shanks and tarts, that have reduced meal returns and boosted meal participation. Residents look forward to dining, with weekly Wednesday night dinners now doubling in attendance as residents and their families join together.

The dining transformation has enriched residents’ lives by fostering social interactions and creating a fulfilling, engaging atmosphere. Positive feedback highlights how The Bellevue has successfully made mealtimes a key part of daily life, providing not only essential nutrition but also enhancing the overall quality of life and community for residents.

This award recognises exceptional design, construction or changes to a care home to create a positive environment for residents and staff. This may include innovative or creative garden and landscape design, construction of physical care home buildings or changes to the interior to achieve superior results for elderly resident.

Finalists

• Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital
• Woburn Masonic Care
• Pacific Coast Village

About the winner

Te Manaaki Care Centre at Pacific Coast Village has redefined residential care in New Zealand through exceptional design, luxury, and a community-focused approach. Integrating seamlessly with nearby Pacific Coast Beach House and Hikurangi Apartments, Te Manaaki provides a continuum of care in an elegant, resort-style environment that promotes independence and well-being for residents. The facility’s design not only uplifts residents but also fosters family and community connections.

Resident and family satisfaction is high, with over 90% of residents noting improved well-being and engagement. Staff retention rates are exceptional, with employees expressing pride and motivation in such a well-designed space. Te Manaaki’s success in recruitment and its 4-year Ministry of Health certification reflect its high standards, while auditors and stakeholders alike praise its innovative approach to aged care. Te Manaaki Care Centre stands as a benchmark, showcasing how design and quality care can elevate the aged care experience.