Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
22 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
39
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a family of five with 20 acres situated in the beautiful Maraetotara Valley. Our boys 25, 22, 14 and my husband and I. We have a dog Max and Chloe and 3 little puppies and 3 cats. We also have chickens, a Rooster, Scottish Highland steers, cattle, pigs and ducks. So I hope you like animals 😊 We have a small functioning veg garden. We live 30 minutes to the closest city, Hastings, 20 minutes to our closest village, Havelock North, 10 minutes to our closest beach and shop, Waimarama Beach and Ocean Beach and bush walks. There is NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT to or from our property. However, we are happy to pick you up from the bus stop in Hastings or Napier or the Napier Airport.
We live on an elevated site overlooking the valley out to the ocean. We have lived here for 17 years.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am Māori and my husband is Cornish. Together we make a great team. We are both generous hosts and very hospitable. I am eager to incorporate my culture to those who are interested and also introduce our cultural cuisine, which, depending on the season, could include a traditional Māori hangi, if you are keen to help. Oh and my husband cooks the yummiest Yorkshire puddings and of course there is the kiwi classic boil up 😊
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
On going maintenance, painting, water blasting, gardening, feeding animals, small building projects, light household duties.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We are happy to learn about your culture and language.
Accommodation
You will have a comfortable room in our family home with your own private space.
What else ...
There is plenty to see and do in beautiful Hawkes Bay. What ever you enjoy doing, I am sure you will find here, what ever the season. We are happy to pick you up or drop you off from our closest bus depot, Hastings or airport, Napier. We will also be happy to show you the local sights when we are not working. There is no public transport to or from our property.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have Starlink
Space for parking camper vans
We have areas to park a camper
Can possibly accept pets
We are happy for pets to stay but please be aware we have pets.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 128518531833
Feedback (21)
31 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Michel) for host
Staying with Janice and the whole family was just great! From the first minute you felt very welcomed, and as a part of the family. The rooms are very cosy, and they have a beautiful house with 5 lovely dogs and cats, too. We learned so much about her families culture, traditions, language, and food. Speaking of food: the meals at this family are… read more
7 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Laurie)
Laurie is such a joy to have around. We were all impressed with how well she fitted in with our family. She is a very competent and trustworthy young lady. We especially loved how intuitive Laurie is. We set a task for Laurie and she absolutely completed above and beyond what was asked of her. We are grateful that we have had this chance to share… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Laurie) for host
This is the one. You have to go there!
Janice and Dan, and their whole family, are some of the nicest people I have ever met. From the moment I walked into their house, I felt so at home. Janice made sure I was comfortable, and it just felt so good being there. They are also really thoughtful about the work, and want the workawayers to do things… read more
Janice and Dan, and their whole family, are some of the nicest people I have ever met. From the moment I walked into their house, I felt so at home. Janice made sure I was comfortable, and it just felt so good being there. They are also really thoughtful about the work, and want the workawayers to do things… read more
6 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel-Rose)
This is so long overdue and for that I am terribly sorry xx Rachel-Rose is an exceptional young woman!! She went above and beyond to make sure we were all cared for. She is very diligent and hardworking. Rachel-Rose is very intuitive, kind and thoughtful. Our family loved being around her and very much appreciated all her lovely meals she cooked… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel-Rose) for host
What a beautiful and overall lovely experience at Janie and Dans home <3 Janice and Dan are incredibly generous, kind, easy going, and friendly people, making your stay very comfy and relaxed! I enjoyed the freedom of choosing what work to do around the property and no pressure being put on the workers to accomplish tasks-
The love in this house… read more
The love in this house… read more
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
31 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Michel) for host
Staying with Janice and the whole family was just great! From the first minute you felt very welcomed, and as a part of the family. The rooms are very cosy, and they have a beautiful house with 5 lovely dogs and cats, too. We learned so much about her families culture, traditions, language, and food. Speaking of food: the meals at this family are… read more
7 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Laurie)
Laurie is such a joy to have around. We were all impressed with how well she fitted in with our family. She is a very competent and trustworthy young lady. We especially loved how intuitive Laurie is. We set a task for Laurie and she absolutely completed above and beyond what was asked of her. We are grateful that we have had this chance to share… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Laurie) for host
This is the one. You have to go there!
Janice and Dan, and their whole family, are some of the nicest people I have ever met. From the moment I walked into their house, I felt so at home. Janice made sure I was comfortable, and it just felt so good being there. They are also really thoughtful about the work, and want the workawayers to do things… read more
Janice and Dan, and their whole family, are some of the nicest people I have ever met. From the moment I walked into their house, I felt so at home. Janice made sure I was comfortable, and it just felt so good being there. They are also really thoughtful about the work, and want the workawayers to do things… read more
6 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel-Rose)
This is so long overdue and for that I am terribly sorry xx Rachel-Rose is an exceptional young woman!! She went above and beyond to make sure we were all cared for. She is very diligent and hardworking. Rachel-Rose is very intuitive, kind and thoughtful. Our family loved being around her and very much appreciated all her lovely meals she cooked… read more
(Excellent)
17 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel-Rose) for host
What a beautiful and overall lovely experience at Janie and Dans home <3 Janice and Dan are incredibly generous, kind, easy going, and friendly people, making your stay very comfy and relaxed! I enjoyed the freedom of choosing what work to do around the property and no pressure being put on the workers to accomplish tasks-
The love in this house… read more
The love in this house… read more
17 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Yutaro)
Yutaro is an exceptional young man. He is hardworking and willing to give anything a go. We have enjoyed having him as a part of our whanau and would welcome him back anytime. We had a little help from Alexa but largely he was quick to know what I was talking about.
We enjoyed Yutaro's cooking and I have to also so our gardens have never looked… read more
We enjoyed Yutaro's cooking and I have to also so our gardens have never looked… read more
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Yutaro) for host
This was my first workaway, and I had a wonderful two weeks.
The whole family was very generous and kind, and the many animals welcomed me .(and Alexa, too)
Thank you for the lovely bed, the delicious food, and the hospitality. I'm glad I was able to participate in the quiz night and puppy's party. If you ever visit Japan, please try the authentic… read more
The whole family was very generous and kind, and the many animals welcomed me .(and Alexa, too)
Thank you for the lovely bed, the delicious food, and the hospitality. I'm glad I was able to participate in the quiz night and puppy's party. If you ever visit Japan, please try the authentic… read more
17 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika & Bystrik)
Veronika and Bystrik ( Lovingly known to us as Beasty Boy xx) are very much a part of our whanau. We love them very much and wish them all the best and certainly hope they come back for a family holiday with us <3
They are both hard working and very conscientious. The work extremely well together and oh my gosh can they cook xxx They have made… read more
They are both hard working and very conscientious. The work extremely well together and oh my gosh can they cook xxx They have made… read more
(Excellent)
1 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Veronika & Bystrik) for host
We had such a wonderful time at Janice's and Dan's home! It was our first Workaway experience and we couldn't pick a better one! The bar is so high, it's going to be tricky to find another Workaway as good as this one! Janice and Dan are so warm, kind, and generous. They made us feel at home right away. Janice told us a lot about Maori culture and… read more
7 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina & David)
Val and David are an amazing couple. We loved having them as a part of our family. They are hard working, very thoughtful and kind. They shared their culture and their cooking skills with us which we enjoyed very much. We miss them and hope to see them again in Chile!! We wish you both all the best. Much love to you both xx
(Excellent)
7 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Jane)
Sara and Jane are an amazing, thoughtful and very warm and loving couple. They are very much a welcome part of our family. We enjoyed all they had to offer and we are so very grateful to have them join us for our family Christmas. The pickle they made for us was so very tasty. We miss them very much and look forward to seeing these beautiful girls… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Jane) for host
Janice is perfect host ever!! She's so warm, kind, lively, lovely, and just perfect! She invited us to her Christmas family gathering so we could learn Maori culture and Kiwi life style there which is also warm and fun :)
We met lots of people as friends of Janice and everyone was so nice and gentle. I even cannot explain all those moments we felt… read more
We met lots of people as friends of Janice and everyone was so nice and gentle. I even cannot explain all those moments we felt… read more
31 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lindsay)
Lindsay is very much a team player and very much a part of our family. We loved all that her kind heart had to offer. She is a very knowledgeable young woman. We loved her chocolate chip cookies. Very yum. Lindsay is so happy and keen to help in all ways and we had many wonderful experiences with her. Shame she didn't get to go to Cape Kidnappers… read more
(Excellent)
5 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joanna & SIMON) for host
Janice and Dan were wonderful hosts and the boys and Teddy the dog gave me a very warm welcome. I enjoyed helping them out with day to day tasks and looking after the boys. The local beach was beautiful and their home was such an interesting and beautiful place with a really peaceful vibe. It was great to learn about Maori culture and family life… read more
6 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Denise) for host
We absolutely enjoyed our time with Janice and her family. They were so generous and made our stay unforgettable! We had insights in the Maori culture and learned a few Maori words, so we had a great cultural exchange! Janice also took us to some places and made a list with cool things to see and do. Dan always cooked yummy dinner (and pudding :))… read more
27 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ruiko & Tadashi)
Ruiko and Tadashi are such a warm and friendly duo. We thoroughly enjoyed all that they did for us. They both did a super fabulous job of our garden, trimming our hedges to perfection. We are grateful to their beautiful meals cooked for us and learning the special art of Japanese Calligraphy taught to us by Ruiko. They were such a great part of… read more
(Excellent)
24 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ruiko & Tadashi) for host
Janice and her family was welcoming us so much. We could stay in a lovely big cottage. Dan cooked so delicious meals for us and we ate it together with family. We’ve never seen such a great family and place. Thank you very much for all your support and kindness. We will never forget about you and the experience we’ve had.
13 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Koleen Marianne) for host
My stay with Janice and her beautiful family was utterly delightful. I couldn't ask for a better host for my NZ trip. I truly enjoyed Janice's warm yet fun company. I've learned a lot about Maori and NZ culture. She's one of the kindest people I've ever met. I can't thank her enough for the warm welcome, the amazing food, the cozy home, the… read more
28 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Koleen Marianne)
Koleen is such a wonderful person to have around. We miss her very much. She is very helpful, considerate and kind and very much a part of our family. Thank you so very much Koleen for all you did for us. We look forward to seeing you again in the very near future. Much love to you xxx from all of us :D
(Excellent)
5 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alireza) for host
No word can express the greatness of hospitality and affability I received from Beard's family members during my two-week stay a lovely farm and house in Maraetotara, Hawke's Bay.
As for my first ever workaway experience, I came to know how to work with the digger and small truck, gardening, tree plantation, and daily tasks. Never boring and not… read more
As for my first ever workaway experience, I came to know how to work with the digger and small truck, gardening, tree plantation, and daily tasks. Never boring and not… read more
3 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alireza)
We had an amazing time with Ali. He is very much a welcomed member of our family. He is honest, trustworthy and will give anything a go. We especially enjoyed his cooking skills, especially his saffron rice!!! very yum!! He interacted well with our 8 year old boy Bumble (who has a million questions) and our 17 year old boy Zayne. Ali brought with… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kaddi & Dave) for host
We had a choice as time playing trucks with the boys, chucking Bella around, and developing Teddy's fitness program. And bro, the kai was tu meke! Hope the Manuka survive in the Gully. Dan's Yorkshire pud was the bomb. The "sleepout" was more of an executive apartment and our weekend treat was unexpected and tino pai. Kia ora ki nga tangata o… read more
18 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hiroyuki & Nozomi) for host
This was our first Workaway experience as a couple, and it couldn't have been better. We really enjoyed our stay (3 weeks) with lovely family, Teddy(dog), Tonka(pony), piggy, and all other animals. The accommodation is comfortable and the nature around is definitely awesome.
Thanks again Janice and all the family for your great hospitality and of… read more
Thanks again Janice and all the family for your great hospitality and of… read more
31 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura & Lena) for host
The whole family welcomed us so warmly and we really enjoyed our stay as we felt like a real member of the family. Janice puts very much effort in making you comfortable and in teaching the maori culture and language. Thanks to Janice,we're able to say our names in maori now. The work wasn't that hard and we had enough time to explore the… read more
19 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (8CarpeDiem8) for host
This review is so overdue!!! This was our first Workaway experience and we couldn't ask for anything better. Janice and her family are very welcoming and generous people. We had so much fun having family meals together, spending a day out with Allyssa, Zayne and Bumble, playing with Teddy. Janice taught us weaving and shared her knowledge about… read more
25 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Richard)
We had an awesome time with Father and Son duo Tom and Richard. Our boys totally enjoyed their time with them both. They both have EXCELLENT work ethics and completed all the tasks willingly and with an impeccably high standard. Not only did we have the pleasure in getting to know them both we also were able to share our culture with them to. Tom… read more
(Excellent)
26 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Karoline) for host
I've never experienced such a generosity as I did during my stay with Janice and her welcoming family. She invested so much time and energy to show me around. I got the feeling I didn't work at all. The cultural exchange is for Janice really important. I was so lucky and was introduced to her Maori class. I felt so welcomed and it was an authentic… read more
18 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Karoline)
For a girl so young, Karoline is an exceptional person. She is thoughtful, kind and very family orientated. We shared many many happy moments with her and Karoline is most certainly a welcome member of our whaanau. She embraces everything in her stride with such a cheerful and eager manner. We had a power cut due to heavy storms for three days and… read more
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Adéline)
Adeline is the most warmest, friendliest person you could meet. She is enthusiastic, kind and very eager to give EVERYTHING a go. I was fortunate enough to take her to my school where she was happy to introduce herself in te reo Maaori. We will all miss her and she is very much a part of our family. We hope to see you again soon Adeline in the… read more
(Excellent)
24 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Adéline) for host
Janice and all the family were so nice. Janice is such a generous person, she always want to be sure that you have everything you need. Accomodation and the food were great! During the school period its harder for Janice to show us around wich is totally normal, but during the weekend (friday to sunday) she has more time (we did crafting, we went… read more
9 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kimberly) for host
Thank you so much, Janice! We had an amazing time at your place. We really enjoyed the lovely apartment and the nice food Dan cooked for us. Unfortunately we never got the chance to meet each other, but we hope you had a fantastic stay in Australia and maybe we'll see us on our way back to Auckland.
Greetings to Dan and the boys. We wish you… read more
Greetings to Dan and the boys. We wish you… read more
8 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kimberly)
Thank you so much Kimberly and Kristen for taking such great care of my family while I was away in Australia. My boys were very happy and my husband was very pleased with all that you girls did while you were here.
I wish I was here to greet you. Take care in your travels and I hope that when you next travel this way you will give us a… read more
I wish I was here to greet you. Take care in your travels and I hope that when you next travel this way you will give us a… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Flore & Pieter)
Flore and Pieter are very much a part of our family. While they stayed with us they were kind, hard working, extremely conscientious workers and they have an excellent work ethic. They are both keen to give anything a go and do what ever task that is asked of them to the very best of their abilities. It was such a joy and a pleasure to host… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Flore & Pieter) for host
We had a very nice (2 weeks) stay with Janice's family! They made us feel welcome at the first sight. They introduced us to the Maori culture with a lot of enthusiasm. We did various jobs like painting, gardening, cooking,... They gave us a homely feeling which made it hard to leave :-) it's a beautiful spot to work, relax and enjoy the family… read more
29 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Brenda & Anthony) for host
Our two weeks with Janices family were really really great! We felt like members of the family and we enjoyed all of our staying. A nice place to stay with a nice view on the Maraetotara valley! We hope to see you again before leaving!
Cheers!
Cheers!
28 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Brenda & Anthony)
Brenda and Anthony are an amazing dynamic couple. We thoroughly enjoyed their 2 week stay with us. They interacted extremely well with our children and our animals, especially Teddy, our dog.Ttheir work ethics are at a high standard.
They are both awesome cooks.
Brenda and Anthony are a part of our whanau now and we look forward to seeing… read more
They are both awesome cooks.
Brenda and Anthony are a part of our whanau now and we look forward to seeing… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Magdalena & Anna)
Magda and Anna were more like whaanau (family) to us. We all loved their cheerful, happy and helpful ways. They are both excellent cooks and have the ability to cook for many people. They both have an excellent standard of work ethics. They are a great team. We look forward to seeing the girls again soon. Much love to you both.
(Excellent)
15 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Magdalena & Anna) for host
We had the best time with Janice's family! They took us to many places and showed us around :)
The food and the accommodation are excellent! Thanks for the great time and the warm welcome!!
See you soon, Magda and Anna
The food and the accommodation are excellent! Thanks for the great time and the warm welcome!!
See you soon, Magda and Anna
6 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Quentin)
Quentin was our first work away experience and he was certainly a pleasure to have. He is a very polite, helpful young man. He adapted beautifully with our family. The children really enjoyed him. We all look forward to seeing him again and wish him well in his journey here in Aotearoa.
(Excellent)
