Help my expanding permaculture garden in Raglan, New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  I am a 50yr + American and have been in New Zealand for 17 years. I also spent several years in the UK, Cameroon and China. I've spent much of my working life all over the world so have lots of stories and curiosities about other countries to share.
  
  I am passionate about sustainability and work as a learning & development professional for a conservation organization. I share my home with a lab-staffy cross 11 year old dog and 8 year old cat. There are chickens in the back garden.
  
  I am a potter and beginning weaver (harakeke/flax), and happy to teach or provide access to these activities.
  
  My needs:
  I'm early to bed, early to rise, so this is not a fit for someone into late nights.
  I do not smoke or drink. You must be a non-smoker. Non-drinkers are preferred.
  I work mostly from home, so need someone that can be respectful of my space and availability during the day.
  Days that I facilitate/provide online training I may be worn out and tired of talking to people, so may not feel very social. Someone who can moderate their need for social interaction with me is ideal, though the dog will always be your best friend and provide company ;-). He's an excellent listener.
  
  Meals:
  This is a vegetarian household, so meals provided will be goodness harvested from the property and wholesome plant-based foods. If any of the chickens are laying there would be eggs available. I enjoy shared dinners and great conversation.
  
  Availability:
  I keep my calendar up to date, so please do not contact me if it shows red.
  
  Duration of stays:
  I am interested in those who want to stay two weeks or less. If you're looking for something longer, I am likely not the right place. Though if you are with me and you want to extend your stay, I am open to that if things have been going well for us.
  
  I have indicated I can take one workawayer at a time. This is because I find it too overwhelming to have more people in my home.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I have lived and worked on 6 continents throughout my life and have insights to multiple cultures. As tauiwi in Aotearoa New Zealand, I am a student of te reo and tikanga Māori, and am involved in a raranga group (flax weaving) which has significant Māori cultural protocols. My gardening approach follows maramataka, the traditional lunar cycle so there would be elements for sharing and learning. I am always learning and growing my own knowledge in this space.
  
  All of the renovations to my home and landscaping I have done myself so can always share knowledge and lessons learned (the hard way usually!) with those interested in building, landscaping and gardening.

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  Help

  I've got a range of garden, DIY and general home maintenance tasks to provide flexibility for what best suits the interests and abilities of the workawayer.
  
  I've got an expanding permaculture garden so there are usually garden tasks (weeding, mulching, planting, pruning) to do. Over winter 2024 outside I've got a few jobs that require digging for post holes for a walkway railing and fence and steps down the back slope; inside there are a couple of empty closets to clean and paint.
  
  Days that I travel into Hamilton for work it would be great to provide some company for the dog and a walk.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  French: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner
  Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner

  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

  My home is a simple, small three-bedroom house. Your room will have a very comfortable double bed with views to the garden, estuary and nearby mountain.
  
  The house has views to the harbour and sea and is very peaceful yet only a 10 minute walk to the shops and cafes of Raglan.

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  What else ...

  Google Whaingaroa/Raglan and you'll see what this little town has to offer. It's a great surf spot and easy access for many water activities (SUP, kayak, kite surfers and hydrofoils). There are multiple art enclaves and a few venues for live music, yoga, and dance. There is daily bus service between Raglan and Hamilton in case you need access to services Raglan cannot offer.

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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

  I work primarily from home so have good internet connectivity for typical work needs.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There is onstreet parking available. I live on a no-exit/dead-end road.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 3-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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