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Description
We’re a small, land-based community in the early stages of regenerating a 60-acre former commune in the Motueka Valley. Our project blends ecological restoration, cooperative living, and low-tech resilience. We’re rebuilding gardens, upgrading infrastructure, and creating systems for shared food, tools, and decision-making. Volunteers join us in daily life—cooking, gardening, firewood, and building projects—while contributing to a broader vision of communal, regenerative living rooted in care, creativity, and mutual support.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Interests
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
Mountain
Camping
Nature
Animals
Gardening
Carpentry
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Plant care
Sustainability
Farming
Van life
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We’re a small community raising babies, growing food, and slowly transforming a once-neglected farm into a place full of life with deep connection built on cooperation. Volunteers are welcomed into our daily rhythm—working side by side, sharing meals (ranging from rustic one-pot-wonders to the occasional French feast!), chasing kids through the bamboo, and collapsing in front of the fire after a full day to chat, play cards, and eat. Our older kids love games, mischief, and getting helpers involved in their imaginative worlds, while the babies add their own chaos and charm to the mix.
We’re happy to share what we know—experimental gardening, preserving, firewood splitting, regenerative land care, DIY repairs, animal wrangling, and the messy art of communal living. In return, we love hearing your stories, learning new skills, and discovering surprising things about ourselves through the exchange. Expect a lively mix of productivity, play, shared meals, and real connection.
Help
We’re juggling a mix of projects at the moment—establishing gardens, processing firewood, doing small building and repair jobs, and preparing for spring planting. Alongside that, there’s a steady rhythm of cleanup work: clearing rubbish, collecting scrap metal and organic debris, and bringing old houses and outdoor spaces back into use. It’s hands-on, varied, and satisfying work that is exclusively non-for-profit and in service to the community and volunteers. We do not operate a business and are focused on self-reliance and providing as much of our own food and land-based supplies as possible, so you can come feeling confident that your much appreciated contribution will be going towards co-creating a beautiful examplary communal situation. Most tasks are done together, with plenty of opportunity to learn, share skills, and enjoy the process. There’s also occasional help with sheep and animal care depending on the season and your interest. We would not ask for more than 2 to 4 hours of side-by-side contribution per day, 5 days per week, hopefully leaving volunteers with plenty of time to enjoy the serenity of the farm, connect with others through fun activities, or go visiting the nearby rivers, beaches, mountains, or town.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a shared house with two bedrooms, a common area, and a wood-fired cooker for heating and meals. It’s currently being brought back to life, so early volunteers will help make it more cozy and functional. We’ve got plenty of firewood, hot meals, and good company! Van-lifers are also very welcome—we have flat spots to park, and access to indoor spaces for cooking, showers, and warmth.
Food-wise, we raise animals and regularly eat meat, often cooking vegetables with broths or animal fats. While we respect different dietary choices, this means shared meals may not suit vegetarians or strict dietary needs. Volunteers can self-cater if preferred, or contribute to communal food and join us as short-term members of the group—sharing not just the work, but the harvest and the heart of our project.
What else ...
We’re a family-centric, quiet space focused on community, cooperation, and land-based living. With babies and kids around, we ask for no smoking or drug use anywhere on the property, and no alcohol in shared spaces (ideally none at all). We aim for a grounded, present atmosphere.
We’re about 20km from the nearest town (Motueka), and usually only head in once a week—so having your own transport is helpful, though not essential. Let us know and we’ll see what’s possible. We’re right at the edge of Kahurangi National Park, with two stunning rivers nearby for exploring (or braving a cold dip in winter!).
Mobile reception is very limited—you may need to walk out to the paddocks to get a signal. We don’t have broadband or Wi-Fi, which is excellent for real connection and pretty frustrating if you’re trying to manage emails or research projects! We have a few spare pairs of gumboots to lend if needed, but can’t promise they’ll be the perfect fit—best to come prepared for mud and weather.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
The farm is big and access is reasonably easy, so we ought to be able to find a beautiful spot for any sized van to park up.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Artemis
Photos
