New Zealand
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Hi. I'm Grant, and at the beginning of 2020 I was lucky enough to purchase just over five hectares (12 acres) of land on the Pahi Peninsula, at the northern end of Northland's enormous Kaipara Harbour. It's a beautiful property, with nearly half the land in native bush, right on the harbour's edge.
I've just planted 280 bananas to add to the growing number of small plantations in Northland working to create a supply of domestically grown fruit.
I moved back to NZ after way too long living in Sydney, Australia. Pahi is a great place to visit while exploring Northland, just two hours from Auckland, and two and a bit from the Bay of Islands.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, I've only been on this property for just under two years, so this is a great chance to see what harbour lifestyle living is like right at the beginning. I've already started a native tree propagation programme, which would be of particular interest if you are keen on ecology; our native bush has an invasive weed problem which I've been tackling with the help of the local weedbusters group, and it's very rewarding to see the results after even a day's work. I'm also involved in the local community garden (which grows vegetables to give away) and the landcare group which grows native trees for harbour edge regeneration. Both groups often need help with maintenance and projects.
It's very laid back here - happy to share the kiwi lifestyle if you are visiting NZ, or even if you're local and checking out Northland.
If you are interested in helping with tasks like plant propagation, bush planting, weed removal, fence repairs and general tidying, it would be great to have you stay.
Although no specific work experience is required, most of the chores we are doing are physical, and outdoor, so it would help if you were fit, and had work clothes (boots are handy.)
English: Fluent
There are two spare bedrooms - one with a queen sized bed, and one with two singles which can be combined to a double. The house is quirky, 1970s architect designed, and has a swimming pool - and a sunken conversation pit with a fireplace.
Mostly there will be just me at the house. I work part time at the local museum.
There will be food available for you to help yourself to breakfast and lunch, and we'll cook dinner to share in the evening.
Pahi is not close to public transport, so you'll definitely need your own vehicle. It's only five minutes from Paparoa, which has a general store, pub, petrol station and a couple of cafes - and there's a small farmers' market on Saturday.
There's plenty to explore in the surrounding area - Piroa Waterfalls, Waipu Caves and the Kauri Museum, the west coast and Baileys Beach at Dargaville, the east coast at Mangawhai.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
This host can provide space for campervans.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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