NZ’s biggest retirement village operator has received approval to build the village in Devonport, 13km from the Auckland CBD, which will include 195 independent living units, a 120-bed hospital or aged care home and 78 serviced apartments up to six storeys high.

The development had been referred to an independent commission after Auckland Council received over 30 submissions against the plan, objecting to the look and scale of the project.

The significant 4.2ha site had been home to Navy housing overlooking Waitemata Harbour, but is now owned by the local Maori tribe’s business arm. Ryman has signed a 150-year lease for the land.