Help our friendly family with daily life in New Plymouth, New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  Hi, we are a family of 4, kids aged 2.5 years and 8 months living in New Plymouth Taranaki, 3.5km from Ngamutu beach and less than 5 km from Centre City. We immigrated from South Africa (Pretoria) in 2019. I serve as a Minister at a Presbyterian congregation and my husband works as a Veterinary Surgeon. Our long-haired chihuahua also immigrated with us.
  
  For meals, we consider you as part of the family and can share together when it's possible (depending on our schedule and the needs of the children). Of course there's no problem if you just want to eat alone, outside or in your unit, so just let us know.
  
  We are a Christian family, so don't be surprised if you see us pray together. Be sure we'll be happy to receive you, even if you don't share our Christian faith.
  
  We like to have a video-chat discussion before making any commitment.
  
  We wish you the best with your workaway experience!
  Greta, Jasper, Clara & Michael.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Conversations about Faith,
  Language practice: Afrikaans & English

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We expect around 5 hours of work per day at your rhythm with a flexible weekly schedule that we fix together and free weekends and evenings to enjoy the area. You can expect a mix of different tasks like: cooking dinner, helping with some basic home maintenance and cleaning, removing invasive weeds, mowing the lawn and spending quality time and playing with our 2.5 years old toddler. We absolutely want someone with great love for children and a good sense of responsibilities.
  
  In early spring (September), we would appreciate help in our garden with some planting and preparing (tilling) part of our yard to plant grass seed.
  
  During Summer (Nov/Dec), we would love some help with building a firepit in our back yard. We're planning on laying some pavers around it and help with this would be awesome. We're not super DIYers, but wanting to tackle this project.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Afrikaans: Fluent
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You’ll be staying in the second living part of our home, a 45m2 self-contained unit with its own bathroom, living space and a kitchenette including a gas hob, fridge etc., but no oven. You are more than welcome to use our oven or air fryer. It comes with a queen/single size bed and 2 x portable cots.

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  What else ...

  New Plymouth has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, (incl. Pukekura park), a sunny climate, art galleries, decadent dining and family-friendly fun. New Plymouth also has a high concentration of world-class surf breaks suitable for all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to more challenging breaks.
  
  Taranaki is one of the few places on earth where you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon, with Ski Season being between early June to mid-October (dependant on natural snowfall).
  
  Our city was awarded the most livable city (for a population between 75,000-150,000) by the International Awards for Livable Communities. It’s no fluke as we won the same award in 2008. Our award-winning Coastal Walkway is a 13.2km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade and is excellent for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, skating and scooting.
  
  We only live 35km away from Mount Taranaki, a breathtaking natural wonder on New Zealand's North Island! This stunning volcanic peak is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.
  
  Imagine a majestic mountain rising 2,518 meters (8,261 feet) into the sky, its symmetrical cone shape a sight to behold. The mountain's slopes are cloaked in lush native forests, home to ancient trees, sparkling waterfalls, and a diverse array of wildlife.
  
  As you explore the mountain, you'll discover:
  
  - Hiking trails for all levels, from easy day walks to multi-day treks and challenging summit climbs
  - Panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Tasman Sea and neighboring mountains
  - A rich cultural heritage, with significance to the local Maori people and a fascinating history
  - A range of outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing
  - A serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation
  
  New Plymouth is lucky to have lots of walkways and is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading cities for getting around on foot or by bike. We have a Citylink bus stop right across our driveway or alternatively you can make use of the Blip e-scooters.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Fibre DOWNLOAD: 293 Mbps UPLOAD: 97 Mbps

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a big parking place where you can park your car or motorhome. If you need electricity, we can offer that.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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