Arthur grew up in Hastings; Joy was raised in Wellington. Joy spent several years with the Post Office Savings Bank before a cerebral bleed at the age of 47 led her to leave work. During the same period, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and Joy cared for her over the next two years.

Arthur served as an engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. His postings took the couple to Blenheim, Wellington, Fiji, Gisborne, Hamilton and Auckland. Each move meant establishing a new household and community, transitions they managed without fuss.

In 1989, the Hempstalks retired to Ōmokoroa, buying one of the first homes in the newly opened Ōmokoroa Country Estate. They lived there for more than three decades, valuing the stability after so many relocations.

They enjoyed a series of cruises aboard the Marco Polo, whose itineraries let them explore new places without the need for extensive planning.

The Arthur & Joy Hempstalk fund supports Waipuna Hospice, Hato Hone St John and the SPCA, and a portion is left unrestricted for the benefit of the Western Bay of Plenty.