Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
17 Feb 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are an active retired couple. I (Neville) spent 43 years working for the NZ Fire Service and Carol still works part-time at Auckland's museum. We have been farming 4 hectares (10 acres) for 40 years mainly breeding cattle and sheep. Farm and building maintenance is becoming harder and a set of younger and stronger muscles benefit us as we benefit them with good food and company. It hasn't helped that falling off a roof and smashing multiple bones a few years ago has slowed me down hugely. We are born and bred New Zealanders and have travelled throughout New Zealand including extensive trips in our RV. We are happy to share knowledge of some great places we have found on our journeys and New Zealand life in general.
Currently, we are planning to do some heavy pruning of trees Some, painting, and building maintenance. Working off a ladder is needed and I am skilled at ladder work, and safe use of same, so you are in good hands there. Skilled handyman carpentry and basic engineering skills are involved, and some heavy lifting requiring upper body strength is needed. We need maturity and initiative. If you have experience in construction trades or a work history in practical trade associated tasks, then you will be the best fit for us. If you can construct a small gate (for example) and fix it to a fence post, then I reckon you are the person who can help us. In return we will treat you extremely well. We cope quite well with workawayers with English as a second language by using translator apps when we get confused.
We are happy to talk online and fill in any gaps. We eat well, and generally don't drink alcohol. Mostly, we consider others as we would want to be considered. We have a very small wifi availability suitable for texts and emails for visitors. Its fine for email and research etc and we can show you how to tether your phone if you have a laptop or similar. If you intend using Auckland buses an AT Hop card is a big cost saving and is highly convenient.
BREAKING NEWS - Since I wrote the above, we have moved into town. We now live in a luxury new apartment which fortunately has a lovely guest room complete with its own en suite where several workaways have been thrilled to occupy. All the work described above is still required, we just live in town and travel to the farm each day. Its a fantastic environment for a workaway because they have extreme convenience from our apartment and still get to work on the farm. When I refer to extreme convenience I refer to - fantastic views of the harbour from the apartment, Many local beaches with one nice beach just 5-10 minutes walk away, Supermarkets and 100 other shops all just a very short walk away, buses outside our door which give access to all of Auckland, a recreational lake just a kilometre away and generally great flat walking in all directions. We even have use of a swimming pool. Public free Wi-Fi is available in the mall which is just 5 minutes walk from our apartment. We know we are privileged and we appreciate and value it all. Anyone staying with us hopefully shares the same values.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have a lifetime of experience to share and know our country and our city very well. We try to help people who are trying to improve their English.
Help
General tasks including heavy pruning of trees, painting, machinery operation (grass cutters and hedge trimmers) building maintenance, some lifting and carrying requiring upper body strength. Basic practical handyman skills, initiative and a positive attitude are essentials. We are happy to talk and fill in any gaps.you will need to be strong and fit as some tasks are heavier than this old guy (me) can handle.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Our helper will have a comfortable single bedroom with other household facilities shared with us. Most helpers have opted to occupy our RV next to the house. Its like a comfortable mini apartment with a lounge, table and hand basin.
What else ...
We are close to New Zealands biggest city, multiple beaches and coastal walks and the Islands of the Hauraki gulf are accessible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
20-25 hours a week
Feedback (4)
I am convinced that they gave me the best possible start to my journey.
They accepted me when I was having trouble finding a host, as there were not many hosts available over Christmas and New Year, and Neville taught me English very well and gave me a… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
I am convinced that they gave me the best possible start to my journey.
They accepted me when I was having trouble finding a host, as there were not many hosts available over Christmas and New Year, and Neville taught me English very well and gave me a… read more
