Interview with Jo Shepherd
Manager, Golden View Village
Jo Shepherd manages Golden View Village in Cromwell.
With a connection to the region stemming from childhood, Jo is passionate about giving locals the option of affordable and high-quality aged care with heart in Central Otago. Learn more about Jo below:
Can you tell us a bit about your background – how did you find your way to Cromwell and Golden View Village?
Actually, my path into aged care is a little different. My background is in marketing, communications and business management in large corporate companies, both in New Zealand and London. I’ve worked for entertainment venues and telcos in New Zealand previously and have led marketing campaigns and customer loyalty programmes for one of the UK’s largest banks.
My grandmother lived close to Cromwell, in the Nevis. Despite not growing up in Central Otago, I spent my summers as a child here and have always felt strongly connected to the area and the lifestyle. Moving to Cromwell with my young family six years ago was a no-brainer.
I began at Golden View as the Marketing Manager and jumped at the opportunity when the Village Manager role came up four years ago.
What drew you to the role?
While my job is operational in nature, I have deep respect, understanding and empathy for our village residents – which is vital to the role. Meeting our residents and getting to learn about their past and life experiences is my favourite part of working here. It’s very rewarding to see residents come in and find purpose, create new friendships and establish a community for themselves.
I am very proud of the care that we provide, and it is particularly gratifying when children of residents express their appreciation for what we do.
What do you see as a point of difference for Golden View Village?
We’re in a distinctive part of Central Otago – we’re at a centre point and within easily accessible distance to other key locations like Queenstown, Wanaka, Clyde and Arrowtown. In Cromwell, we are within walking distance to the town which gives our residents independence – they don’t need to drive, which makes it easy for them to enjoy their environment.
We are uniquely placed to provide affordable and high quality retirement living in Central Otago, as well as the ability to transition onto onsite hospital care – our residents have the security of knowing that option is there for them when the time is right.
Having opened five years ago, we are still keen to implement new ideas and propositions, evolving to give our residents and the Cromwell community the care they need over time.
What’s on the cards for Golden View Village?
I’m looking forward to embracing new practices to make our operations more sustainable and innovative – automated lawn mowers have been a game changer for us, and there are other plans in the works!
We also want to give more back to our Cromwell community and are looking into ways in which we can do this meaningfully, such as through events and sponsorships.
What are you getting up to outside of work?
My husband and I have developed a high-density cherry orchard from bare land and utilised an advanced training system that was trialled in the US, in order to simplify pruning, increase light and produce higher yields. In the weekends, I get on the tools and help to do odd jobs around the orchard!
I love my sports and I like to do adventure racing with friends, which comprises of kayaking, mountain biking and hiking in a team event. My most recent events have been Spirited Women and the Queenstown 10km running race.
I also coach gymnastics under the NZ Gymnastics syllabus for our Cromwell primary and high school kids.
Contact Jo directly by emailing vm.goldenviewvillage@promisia.co.nz.