Profile information
Host rating
55 %
Last replied
15 Feb 2024
Reply rate
61.4 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
3
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Badges (1)
Details
Description
I have a large garden with an orchard, wetland, veg and flower garden and aim to be as weed and pest free as i can manage. Most wwoofers call it a jungle. I have been having volunteers for the last 10 years so I'm well used to having working guests and really enjoy it. The work is far too much for me to manage on my own. Workers have a lovely, sunny sleepout to themselves with a bench, tub, cold tap and a kettle outside but under cover. Further along there is a separate building with toilet, hand basin, hot and cold water. They have to share the shower with me and l enjoy cooking for/with guests being a bit of a foodie. I have had Council Grants in the past to control weeds in the valley which my property straddles. I am overdue for another blitz on the weeds but have been busy and not got round to applying for another one. When we bought the land here in 1983 I could count the number of native trees, now I am having to edit and prune a bit to let the sunlight in and the place has become a bit of a forest. I am retired the past 10 years, live here alone apart from a tenant in a studio who is hardly ever here. Old age is advancing and l am beginning to stumble and lurch my way round the garden instead of skipping lightly, so I do need young blood around and I also really enjoy having young people here. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren and really love them all, but only 4 live in Auckland. 2 in Wellington, 2 in Melbourne and 2 in the UK not counting in laws. I try to get 4 hours of work done in the mornings so the afternoons are free but it is often less depending on the weather, task etc. I like to be fairly flexible with hours but try to ensure that 20 hours work is done a week.
I ask workers to provide their own breakfast as I need a bit of time to myself in the morning, but l provide lunch and dinner on the days when work is happening but not on days when they are doing their own thing, exploring the island etc.Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about the difference between native plants and introduced plants, how to identify natives and control introduced species and how rainwater collection and sewerage treatment on site work. Exchange experience and action with cooking, plastic free living and recycling, working with compost, avoiding the use of chemicals in the garden. Exchanging knowledge and views on cultural differences, language, politics, literature etc.
Help
Pruning trees, turning and spreading compost, hand weeding to keep paths clear, barrowing mulch around garden, clearing weeds from creek bed, planting, carrying the heavy stuff, aerating soil, handyman jobs, clearing tracks. For inclement weather there are all the usual domestic jobs like cleaning windows vacuuming etc.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Queen bed in sleepout separate from house
What else ...
Easy access walk or bus to tracks, beaches, amenities
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
3 to 4 hours a day but flexible
Feedback (3)
Helen cooked some delicious dishes and took me to an exciting music event. From the house you can also get to great beaches very quickly by… read more
I can recommend Helen to anybody.
Just be open minded and helpful and you'll… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.3)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Helen cooked some delicious dishes and took me to an exciting music event. From the house you can also get to great beaches very quickly by… read more
I can recommend Helen to anybody.
Just be open minded and helpful and you'll… read more