Kath Des Forges QSM has never been one for dull.

A textile artist with a lifelong love of colour and fabric, Kath first found inspiration close to home, from a mum who “sewed everything”. That early influence grew into a remarkable creative career that has taken her throughout New Zealand and around the world.

After training in London during her OE, Kath went on to teach her craft, become the first President of New Zealand’s Embroidery Association, help create dramatic curtains for London’s iconic Globe Theatre, and receive a Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to embroidery.

Image - Kath with a beautiful piece she has created.

Today, that same creative spirit is easy to spot in her apartment at Awatere Retirement Village.

Vibrant artworks bring colour to the walls, while distinctive William Morris wallpaper adds plenty of personality to the flexi room of her two-bedroom apartment.

“I thought, ‘Why not?’ I love colour, I love fabric. Why shouldn’t I have the things I love just because I’m in a village?”

With support from the Awatere team, Kath was able to personalise her apartment and create a home that feels distinctly hers.

“The staff have gone out of their way. Anything will be considered, it may not always be possible, but they’ll listen. The results are just what I wanted.”

Image - Kath at the Awatere Cafe

Before Awatere, Kath lived in a four-bedroom home on a large section. With her children long since having left home, she decided it was time to explore Retirement Living, but she wasn’t going to rush the decision.

Kath spent two years looking at different villages before choosing Awatere.

“It didn’t occur to me until I had looked at several villages just what I was looking for.”

Location became one of her biggest considerations. Kath wanted a home that would allow her to continue enjoying the interests and connections that were already part of her life.

“You have to be somewhere you want to be to carry on your life. I have an interest in music, I play croquet and mahjong and am involved with my church.”

Awatere’s central Hamilton location means Kath can continue doing just that. While she still drives, she also appreciates having other transport options close at hand. A confident Uber user, Kath has even learnt not to order her ride until she is downstairs because they have a habit of arriving straight away.

Awatere’s contemporary design also made an impression.

“When I walk through the village at night you see all of the buildings beautifully lit. It gives me a safe, wrap-around feeling.”

Image - Awatere at sunset.

For Kath, moving also offered the opportunity to simplify everyday life.

Towards the end of her time in her previous home, keeping everything maintained had become a job in itself.

“In the end I employed five different people to do things like the gardening, lawn mowing and doing the windows. I was always on the phone organising people, there was constant coming and going.”

Leaving her much-loved show garden was one of the harder parts of the move, but Kath takes great pleasure in knowing it continues to be enjoyed by others