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General Gardening and Landscaping skills needed in Christchurch, New Zealand

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi, we are Rolls & Lizzy.

    We are busy professionals working mostly from home. Rolls is a Data Scientist within the Procurement profession and Lizzy is a Supervisor within the Social Services environment.
    We have 2 Maine Coons who love a play and cuddle and to be taught tricks and we are cat-sitting a cute black cat with white features. Cats are lovely to have around, but they don't clean up after themselves.

    We live on a hill close to walking tracks and nature. Within a 7km radius we have the city centre, beaches and a harbour.

    Our home is on a 1/4 acre hill section and everything grows profusely.

    We are also starting a home-build in Governors Bay and there is a lot of work to be done. Landscaping, planting, lighting, irrigation, walls, paths,.. We'd like to adopt permaculture / circular economy / off-grid principles.
    Between the existing home and new home, there is always a tonne of work to be completed.

    Aver the autumn period we will need to plant around 200 grasses to stabilize the slopes.

    We offer a comfortable bed, 3 meals, and bathroom in return for 4 hours work per day.

    We have had Workaway guests over the last 12 years and built some lovely friendships. What we have found works best is the following:
    - as we work from home, our office contains confidential information/conversations. At the end of the day, after dinner, we also need alone-time.
    - we like to include you in events when that suits both parties. These may be family oriented, trips outside Christchurch, op-shopping, etc. We won't be offended if you don't want to join us and we hope that works both ways.
    - we feel valued when guests also contribute to the daily household chores (e.g. vacuuming, dishwasher, grooming the cats, putting rubbish out, cleaning their room prior to leaving)
    - a helpful motto is "leave things behind in a better state than you found them".
    - values of integrity, respect, cleanliness, tidiness.

    We are thinking people, and enjoy discussing ideas. No subject is taboo. We love to learn from your experiences and your view of the world.

    - We are interested in spirituality, enjoy meditation and reading, and have a holistic view of life.
    - We prefer eating unprocessed food and to improve our micro-nutrients uptake.
    - Our favourite kitchens include Mediterranean/middle Eastern, and Far East.
    - In our new home, we would like to improve our skills in living off our land, and learn to use in-season food to preserve or ferment. Choosing the right plants at this stage is essential.
    - Having a light eco-footprint, recycling and up-cycling are important to us. We are far from perfect, we aim to be better.
    - We are economical and careful with our choices of possessions. If things break, Rolls prefers to fix them rather than throwing away and replacing. Lizzy likes to mend clothing/curtains/furnishings and sews well.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We are European by origin, educated, have open minds, and interesting conversations are welcome.
    Rolls is a Data Scientist / Management Consultant and Lizzy is a Forensic Therapist.

  • Help

    Help

    For the period end April to mid-July 2024 we are looking for the following help:
    - planting of grasses and young shrubs/trees, light pruning, light weeding, and some leveling of ground with hand-tools
    - possibly some external house-cleaning with a water-blaster
    - expertise in growing plants from stem-cuttings would be lovely to have
    - general household tasks

    We anticipate being fairly hands-off and let you get on with the jobs at hand, which is more suited to self-motivated guests with a mature outlook.

    We prefer volunteers over the age of 26.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent
    German: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Own room with private WC and Bathroom on a separate level of the house.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Beautiful walks, sailing, beaches, surfing, kite-boarding, kayaking, fishing, city centre - all close by.
    The Port Hills are at our back-door with many walking tracks and stunning views.
    The Alps are 90 minutes away with amazing tramps, hot pools, and climbing.
    Christchurch is recovering after the Quakes with some really neat places to see.
    Rolls likes being outdoors and Lizzy likes to browse at Op Shops, so you may have opportunities to see Christchurch and surrounds.
    Rolls grew up in New Zealand, we have travelled extensively throughout New Zealand, and we can share with you the best places.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We work from home. Having other focussed people around helps us stay focussed.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    4 hours per day for 1 day full board

Host ref number: 412765471591

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