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Description
Welcome to our newly formed community of 34 households determined to find a better way to live together, with a focus on connection, wellbeing and living sustainably; and with the added bonus of being set in stunning Golden Bay. I'm one of a diverse group of 55 adults here in the community and together we are looking forward to hosting you. Coordinating your stay will be Su, Ana and myself. Su has a bg in healthcare & is a keen traveller who has lived in many different countries; Ana is a keen gardener, and is busy raising two teenagers whilst also working in mental health and I am a keen Qigong practitioner, and photographer who loves swimming and animals. Coordinating the work will be Raine and John who are both part of the community's ground maintenance team. Raine is an avid gardener who has lived in the bay for a long time and John is a keen tramper who has recently moved here from Auckland.
Much of the work will be garden tasks such as weeding and planting which you will be doing under the guidance of our grounds team. In your off time if you are keen on the outdoors; it's not far from here to the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman national parks, the Heaphy and Abel Tasman hiking trials, Cobb Valley huts and hiking , Wainui Falls, the brand new Via Ferrata course on Takaka Hill etc etc. (Two members of our community also run a walks guiding company). Or if you prefer something more low key wander into Takaka to check out the cafe's & galleries. Golden Bay has a thriving art & craft community, and a small volunteer run cinema complete with comfy couches.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our community contains a wide demographic of interesting people with all sorts of experience. Our oldest member is 83 and our youngest just a few months old. Many members are passionate advocates for the environment, some are artists or musicians, and many are keen trampers and may be available to take you on some local walks. There are weekly community meals, morning workouts, occasional group meditations, games nights etc as well as regular community working bees so there is plenty of opportunity to get involved in community life and to meet everyone. The Common house also happens to be the biggest hempcrete building in Australasia, and our hempcrete specialist is right here in the community too in case that is of interest.
Help
First and foremost we have a lot of garden projects and are looking for people keen to get their gumboots on and help maintain our newly planted landscapes which include specially designed swales and berms to manage water run off. We may have other upcoming projects helping maintain buildings, paths etc alongside our maintenance team. We are lucky to have two builders in our community as well as lots of handy men and women who have a plethora of practical skills including everything from flax weaving to lead light sculpture. You will have the opportunity to learn from highly experienced gardeners (inc 83 year old Valerie) as you might be asked to help her in the organic vegetable garden next to our Common house. (And you will likely get to sample some of the produce.)
If there's two of you that's even better, working in a team is more efficient and more fun, so bring your partner or friend along too.
Languages
Languages spoken
French: Fluent
Dutch: FluentThis 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.
Accommodation
You will either be staying in the Guest room attached to our beautiful Common House, or be billeted with one of our community members. The Common House guest room has a bunkbed with queen bed below and single above, plus basic furniture such as drawers and chair. There's a separate bathroom and you will have access to the Common House Kitchen and three different lounge areas with games, books and a fireplace. (See photos) We will supply you with food for making your own breakfast and lunch and community residents will make arrangements to have you over for dinner. There will be one person for you to liaison with so you know what the plan is for each day.
What else ...
The Cohousing community is a ten minute walk from Takaka where there are several cafes, bars and a well stocked supermarket. The Golden bay area is renowned for its national parks and stunning beaches and rivers so there are endless opportunities for encounters with nature. The community has several bikes that can be made available to borrow and possibly also kayaks if you are already proficient at using them safely. (Able Tasman National park is just up the road and is a world renowned spot for scenic kayaking.) To get here there is a regular bus from Nelson which takes around 2 hours or if you are in luck, there are often community members travelling to and from Nelson so you may be able to get a ride. There are also flights to and from Takaka from Wellington with Golden Bay Air.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
As long as you are available for the required chores (which are likely to be a four hour period between 8am and 2pm) then you are welcome to use the internet and do your thing. Smoking outside is ok with us as long as you put your butts in the bin.
Space for parking camper vans
We have lit offroad parking available near the Common House building which has a large kitchen, bathroom etc you could use.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
