Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
39
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a New Zealand/Irish family with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to live as close to nature as possible. Andy is a builder and Deborah runs a stargazing tour company. In our spare time we fish, dive, surf, garden or play on the beach with our son and dog.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We welcome you to be part of our family, learn from us, be part of our off-the-grid lifestyle and contribute your energy, skills and passions to our fun and busy days. You could learn how to make your own yogurt, muesli and sourdough bread too.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We would love your help! Currently we need help with weeding, lawns / weedeating, clearing our bush track, firewood and cleaning. You will need to be responsible and able to work independently.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have your own room with a comfortable king sized bed in our house.
Your meals are included. Usually, you will prepare your own breakfast, which may be Deb's homemade muesli and yogurt, or the kiwi favourite of weetbix, and lunch which is often home baked sourdough bread. Most nights Deb will cook everyone’s dinner, but if Deb is busy your help with dinner would be greatly appreciated. Many of these dinners will include freshly caught fish, locally sourced meat and vegetables from the garden. If you love to cook please say. The cook always enjoys a break!
There are a couple of small shops on the island (several kilometres away from the house) which can provide most of those bits and bobs that you may need. But for anything that you can't do without, we suggest you bring it with you from the mainland.
What else ...
With your time off you can visit the beautiful nearby beaches, and enjoy the many stunning hikes all over Great Barrier Island, try your hand at surfing or catch a fish or two.
We have a basic mountain bike, some boogie boards and a beginner surf board that you are welcome to use. We live only 1km from a stunning, white sand surf beach.
There is no public transportation on the island. Hitchhiking is common and safe on our friendly island. Or there is a shuttle that can be booked to help you get to/from the ferry or a hike.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a dial-up internet connection which works well for us. We don't have a dedicated office space, but you are welcome to use the dining table as your office during the day - that's what we do!
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 958382375131
Feedback (20)
25 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Philina)
Philina was a great workawayer. She communicated well and was mature beyond her age. Her main tasks were helping out around the house, looking after Airt when I was out working and with weeding and cutting back plants. I'm very grateful that we were able to tap into Philina's amazing photography skills too!
(Excellent
)
23 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Philina) for host
It was awesome! I really enjoyed staying with Deb and her awesome family. I don’t think there are words that could possibly express how amazing my experience really was. Deb is a chatty, welcoming, impressive woman. She’s a real sunshine and I had marvellous talks with her. Airt is just as generous and honestly one of the loveliest kids I have… read more
8 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanne)
Sanne is a fantastic helper! She is keen and quick to learn and very capable. Sanne did weedeating, weeding, deadheading, cleaning, dish washing and lots of general helping out with enthusiasm. My house and garden now look loved and tidy!
Sanne was also a great house guest. She knew how to both be friendly, helpful and give us space. With this… read more
Sanne was also a great house guest. She knew how to both be friendly, helpful and give us space. With this… read more
(Excellent
)
16 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marjolein) for host
I stayed with Deb and Airt for 10 days. Andy was out hunting most of my stay. They were really welcoming and expectations were clear about the tasks I had to do. If I wanted to explore I was free to do so and Deb would recommend some good places to go and how to get there.
I really appreciated Deb taking some time to tell me about the stars one… read more
I really appreciated Deb taking some time to tell me about the stars one… read more
14 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marjolein)
Maaike is a fantastic helper.
She got stuck into jobs and took pride in completing them. For example, our flax hedge needed cutting back and tidying up, and Maaike got right into the thick of it. She made sure all the dead flax and grass was pulled / cut out as well as cutting back the low hanging flax that gets caught in the lawn mower. Maaike… read more
She got stuck into jobs and took pride in completing them. For example, our flax hedge needed cutting back and tidying up, and Maaike got right into the thick of it. She made sure all the dead flax and grass was pulled / cut out as well as cutting back the low hanging flax that gets caught in the lawn mower. Maaike… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
25 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Philina)
Philina was a great workawayer. She communicated well and was mature beyond her age. Her main tasks were helping out around the house, looking after Airt when I was out working and with weeding and cutting back plants. I'm very grateful that we were able to tap into Philina's amazing photography skills too!
(Excellent
)
23 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Philina) for host
It was awesome! I really enjoyed staying with Deb and her awesome family. I don’t think there are words that could possibly express how amazing my experience really was. Deb is a chatty, welcoming, impressive woman. She’s a real sunshine and I had marvellous talks with her. Airt is just as generous and honestly one of the loveliest kids I have… read more
8 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanne)
Sanne is a fantastic helper! She is keen and quick to learn and very capable. Sanne did weedeating, weeding, deadheading, cleaning, dish washing and lots of general helping out with enthusiasm. My house and garden now look loved and tidy!
Sanne was also a great house guest. She knew how to both be friendly, helpful and give us space. With this… read more
Sanne was also a great house guest. She knew how to both be friendly, helpful and give us space. With this… read more
(Excellent
)
16 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marjolein) for host
I stayed with Deb and Airt for 10 days. Andy was out hunting most of my stay. They were really welcoming and expectations were clear about the tasks I had to do. If I wanted to explore I was free to do so and Deb would recommend some good places to go and how to get there.
I really appreciated Deb taking some time to tell me about the stars one… read more
I really appreciated Deb taking some time to tell me about the stars one… read more
14 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marjolein)
Maaike is a fantastic helper.
She got stuck into jobs and took pride in completing them. For example, our flax hedge needed cutting back and tidying up, and Maaike got right into the thick of it. She made sure all the dead flax and grass was pulled / cut out as well as cutting back the low hanging flax that gets caught in the lawn mower. Maaike… read more
She got stuck into jobs and took pride in completing them. For example, our flax hedge needed cutting back and tidying up, and Maaike got right into the thick of it. She made sure all the dead flax and grass was pulled / cut out as well as cutting back the low hanging flax that gets caught in the lawn mower. Maaike… read more
(Excellent
)
2 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dmitry) for host
It was an absolute joy and fun to spend 10 days with Deborah, Andy, Airt, Toa and their friends who visited them during my stay on stunning Great Barrier Island.
The self made bread, yogurt, milk, self hunted meats that Deb and Andy cook are very delicious. And having generous dinners with them is one of plenty highlights of my experience. I also… read more
The self made bread, yogurt, milk, self hunted meats that Deb and Andy cook are very delicious. And having generous dinners with them is one of plenty highlights of my experience. I also… read more
14 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maggie) for host
What a wonderful week! I helped watch Airt while Deb did her stargazing tours. Airt and I had such a great time playing games, chatting about Star Wars and Power Rangers, and checking out the creek. Deb is an incredible host. She’s very clear with expectations and the jobs she’d like done. And a great cook! Thanks for all the delicious meals! Deb… read more
13 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maggie)
Maggie was bubbly, great company and hard working. I loved how quickly Maggie connected with our son, Airt. They played lots of games together! Maggie cleaned both our house and all the windows, kept everything in order and did lots of weeding and cooking too.
We really enjoyed having Maggie come and help us for a week, we only wish she could… read more
We really enjoyed having Maggie come and help us for a week, we only wish she could… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nina (Blue))
Blue got stuck into everything that came her way and was a really hard worker who asked good questions to make sure she was doing what was required. Blue mowed the lawns, looked after Airt while we were away, helped weed the garden and driveway, baked cake and bread, cooked and cleaned our accomodation and house.
Blue stayed for two weeks and was… read more
Blue stayed for two weeks and was… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nina (Blue)) for host
What an absolute joy to stay with such a lovely family on beautiful Great Barrier. Deborah and Andy are so kind and Airt is a fantastic kid - I will also miss their lovely dog Toa. I stayed for two weeks, and despite some pretty tough weather I still managed to get a varied list of jobs done, from weeding and mowing the lawn, cleaning, baking… read more
19 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Perry) for host
Thank you to Deb, Andy, Airt, and Toa for sharing your beautiful house with me and letting me explore Great Barrier. Deb was so generous with food and cooking and was more than happy to share recipes/tips and tricks for all sorts of things. I would recommend this work away to anyone open to a little bit of house work (if the weather is rainy) and… read more
18 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Perry)
Perry is a fantastic helper! Highly recommended. She got stuck in with weeding our garden and cleaning our accomodation and house.
Perry stayed for 10 days and was a joy to host. She joined me body boarding, was really interested in the way we do things and learnt how easy it is to make your own yogurt. Perry is great with kids too and I loved… read more
Perry stayed for 10 days and was a joy to host. She joined me body boarding, was really interested in the way we do things and learnt how easy it is to make your own yogurt. Perry is great with kids too and I loved… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tuulia) for host
I stayed with Deb, Andy, Airt and Toa for 9 days. All of them were really nice and I felt welcomed to their home. They have a lovely house close to the beach and I had a nice own room.
My jobs included weeding, lawn mowing and cleaning. The jobs were quite easy and I had good instructions. Deb and I had surfs together the most days and I could… read more
My jobs included weeding, lawn mowing and cleaning. The jobs were quite easy and I had good instructions. Deb and I had surfs together the most days and I could… read more
29 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tuulia)
Tuulia is a fantastic helper! Highly recommended. She got stuck in with the weeding and lawns, helped with cleaning our accomodation and house - including lots of windows. Tuulia stayed with us for 9 days and I hardly ever did the dishes and she already had them done. I also loved how she would take the initiative to get stuck into one of the jobs… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Misaki)
Misaki was a really good and willing helper who did a great job of weeding around the house and garden and cleaning.
While I tried my best to be as clear as I could with instructions, there were a few times that those instructions were not followed. I know this was not intentional, and I would encourage Misaki to ask questions when she doesn't… read more
While I tried my best to be as clear as I could with instructions, there were a few times that those instructions were not followed. I know this was not intentional, and I would encourage Misaki to ask questions when she doesn't… read more
(Very good
)
16 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Misaki) for host
Debora, Andy & Art
Thank you for accepting me for 10 days.
I helped mostly weeding, gardening and cleaning and it was flexible and plenty of time to explore the island.
They were busy for the guests.
To be honest I didn't feel so welcomed and I hope I could have much time to talk.
However meals Deborah made with the fish Andy caught were sos… read more
Thank you for accepting me for 10 days.
I helped mostly weeding, gardening and cleaning and it was flexible and plenty of time to explore the island.
They were busy for the guests.
To be honest I didn't feel so welcomed and I hope I could have much time to talk.
However meals Deborah made with the fish Andy caught were sos… read more
12 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Lila)
Lila was a fantastic helper. She got on with the work independently and efficiently, asking questions as required. Most of the work was cleaning and weeding, and it was all done really well.
Lila was also great with our 5 year old boy, Airt. He was very keen to hang out with Lila and she gave him lots of her time, reading books, playing games,… read more
Lila was also great with our 5 year old boy, Airt. He was very keen to hang out with Lila and she gave him lots of her time, reading books, playing games,… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Roxane & Cassandra) for host
We've stay with Deb, Andy and Airt for 10 days and it was great! Airt is a very chatty and adventurous kid who loves making jokes. Deb and Andy was a bit busy but they always take time to share us their passion and experience. Deb is a very good cook and make us delicious dinner :)
Thanks for having us, shared a bite of your life, taking us to… read more
Thanks for having us, shared a bite of your life, taking us to… read more
23 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Kim Linnea & Kjell Johan) for host
Wow, we have just left Andy, Deb and Airt and it already feels empty. We have had 2 fantastic weeks learning all about life off the grid. They are such a loving and caring family and directly makes you feel included in their home. It has been pure happiness to get the opportunity to help out around the house and Airt made sure we always had a… read more
23 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Kim Linnea & Kjell Johan)
Kim and Johan are fantastic helpers who got stuck into every task, fitted in with our family, and quickly became friends.
They were great with our 4 year old son. Involving him in their tasks so that he could be contributing too, having in depth conversations with him, reading books and playing games.
Manuka was cut for grape vine supports, our… read more
They were great with our 4 year old son. Involving him in their tasks so that he could be contributing too, having in depth conversations with him, reading books and playing games.
Manuka was cut for grape vine supports, our… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)
Martin was a great worker and a pleasure to have as a guest in our house. He did several days of firewood, both working with Andy and then splitting the wood and stacking it by himself. These were long, hot days, but Martin worked hard and didn’t complain.
Martin also looked after our 4 year old son, cleaned the house , cooked for our family, did… read more
Martin also looked after our 4 year old son, cleaned the house , cooked for our family, did… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
It's hard to say something great about this family that hasn't already been said. Deb, Andy, and Airt are really kind and caring people and I'm grateful for the chance to have been part of their world. They made a sincere effort to bring me into their lives and I had an incredible time. It's probably also worth mentioning that they live on The… read more
22 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)
Amelia has been a delight to host. She is super helpful and a joy to have around.
Right away, Amelia bonded with Airt, our 4 year old boy, playing with him on his swing, having adventures in the bush or simply reading books and playing games. There was no task that was any trouble - cleaning and windows were done beautifully, Airt's room and our… read more
Right away, Amelia bonded with Airt, our 4 year old boy, playing with him on his swing, having adventures in the bush or simply reading books and playing games. There was no task that was any trouble - cleaning and windows were done beautifully, Airt's room and our… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Amelia) for host
I have just left Deborah, Andy, Airt (and Toa of course) after staying with them for just over two weeks and I am so sad to have left. I was instantly made to feel welcome by the entire family and Airt was very quick let me join in with his adventures. He is an incredibly intelligent, loving and funny young man and it was an absolute pleasure to… read more
2 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Blythe)
Blythe has been a great help!
She cut back willows, did a lot of weeding, cleaned our house, windows, waxed the boat and mowed our lawns.
Blythe also did a lot of cooking and was great at infusing fantastic flavour into our meals. She is a great cook!
Blythe read our 4 year lots of books and he enjoyed hanging out with her while she was weeding… read more
She cut back willows, did a lot of weeding, cleaned our house, windows, waxed the boat and mowed our lawns.
Blythe also did a lot of cooking and was great at infusing fantastic flavour into our meals. She is a great cook!
Blythe read our 4 year lots of books and he enjoyed hanging out with her while she was weeding… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Blythe) for host
I had a fab time staying with Andy, Debs and Airt. They’re lovely, down-to-earth and easy to get along with. I stayed with them for 2 weeks total (although on my weekends off I was able to borrow a sleeping bag and go off hiking on the island!). I always felt like the amount of work expected was fair, I enjoyed the jobs I did, and felt like the… read more
18 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
Deborah, Andy and Airt were my first workaway experience. I will never forget these two weeks in this beautiful and amazing place. They are an awesome family. Airt is very funny and the coolest boy on great barrier island 😊. The work was different each day and you know what you have to do. I spent two amazing weeks out off the grid. I learned a… read more
14 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa was FANTASTIC!!
She took care of our 4 year old while I was away on business for 8 days and Andy was here but working. We felt confident in Lisa’s abilities at all times. She was responsible, flexible as plans changed, worked hard and did a good job.
Highly recommended.
She took care of our 4 year old while I was away on business for 8 days and Andy was here but working. We felt confident in Lisa’s abilities at all times. She was responsible, flexible as plans changed, worked hard and did a good job.
Highly recommended.
(Excellent
)
14 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)
Melissa has been a fantastic help! She connected with our 4 year old son straight away and gave him lots of her time and energy. Mel also did a lot of weeding and cleaned our house. Most of this work was done independently.
Highly recommended!
Thanks so much for your help Mel! You’re welcome back anytime 😊
Highly recommended!
Thanks so much for your help Mel! You’re welcome back anytime 😊
(Excellent
)
12 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Saskia)
Saskia was an excellent help!
She fitted in with our family very quickly and helped out around the house a lot - often tidying and cleaning up without being asked. I really enjoyed finding that tasks I was expecting to do when I got home had been done already!
Saskia was brilliant with our son Airt. He loved having Saskia be part of his… read more
She fitted in with our family very quickly and helped out around the house a lot - often tidying and cleaning up without being asked. I really enjoyed finding that tasks I was expecting to do when I got home had been done already!
Saskia was brilliant with our son Airt. He loved having Saskia be part of his… read more
(Excellent
)
3 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Saskia) for host
I've had a wonderful time with Deb, Andy and Airt. They're a lovely, fun and inspiring family and made me feel very welcome. The tasks were always well explained and easy and playing with Airt was good fun. He has a beautiful imagination and collecting stones at the beach can easily become a pirate treasure hunt. I learnt a lot about gardening,… read more
21 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host
Our 2 weeks stay with Deb, Andy and Airt was the first workaway experiece for both of us and it was a really wonderful one. We learned so much about being self-suficient and how easy it is to make his own yoghurt,bread, milk and chutney and to manage your own garden with a lot of passion. Every dinner was made up of vegetables from the garden and… read more
16 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
Thanks for this very good workaway time in your Family ! Deborah, Airt and Andy are very great : A friendly and lovely family ! The place in great barrier Island is very nice, peaceful and it’s easy to do a lot of good hiking around this place. It was a real pleasure to be with you two weeks. I hope see you soon you are welcome in France :)
5 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie is fantastic! Super helpful, often doing more than was expected, happily.
Marie was great with our three year old son, engaging with him and extending him as well as doing the often tricky jobs - such as putting on sunscreen. Marie took our son to Playcentre twice (so I could work) and I had great feedback from the other Mums saying how… read more
Marie was great with our three year old son, engaging with him and extending him as well as doing the often tricky jobs - such as putting on sunscreen. Marie took our son to Playcentre twice (so I could work) and I had great feedback from the other Mums saying how… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Great people, great place, great memories.
-This was my fifth workaway experience and probably the best one. Deborah, Andy, and Airt are very special people who make you feel like home from the very first minute you're there. I had a great 3 weeks with them. Andy took me fishing and tried to teach me how to surf. Although the Wifi is limited as… read more
-This was my fifth workaway experience and probably the best one. Deborah, Andy, and Airt are very special people who make you feel like home from the very first minute you're there. I had a great 3 weeks with them. Andy took me fishing and tried to teach me how to surf. Although the Wifi is limited as… read more
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Mitchell) for host
We had such an incredible experience staying with Deborah, Andy and Airt. They were so welcoming of us into their home and we loved eating dinners with them- they are incredible cooks! We learned so much staying with them about alternative and sustainable living. The work was varied on their beautiful property and we were always given just the… read more
2 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Mitchell)
Bec and Mitch were the most fantastic helpers you could have. They got stuck into every task we gave them with speed and a smile and connected with our 3 year old son within minutes. These two go above and beyond and it was such a pleasure to have them in our home.
We really hope Bec and Mitch will be back one day.
Thank you both for all your… read more
We really hope Bec and Mitch will be back one day.
Thank you both for all your… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rylie & BreeAnn) for host
Deb, Andy & Airt were our first WorkAway hosts & we couldn't have imagined a better home to be in. They were the most absolutely gracious hosts & made us feel like part of their home & family right away. Airt is the coolest kid around & we became quick mates with him.
We really wanted a WorkAway experience that offered challenges & new learning… read more
We really wanted a WorkAway experience that offered challenges & new learning… read more
2 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rylie & BreeAnn)
We were so lucky to have had Rylie and Bree come and help us.
They are AMAZING! Hard working, easy going, fun and with a great creative flair. They built a fire bath, finished the work required on our rental accomodation (which now looks fantastic!), maintained our garden, cleaned our house and entertained our 3 year old son (even overnight for… read more
They are AMAZING! Hard working, easy going, fun and with a great creative flair. They built a fire bath, finished the work required on our rental accomodation (which now looks fantastic!), maintained our garden, cleaned our house and entertained our 3 year old son (even overnight for… read more
(Excellent
)
