Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
30
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
I live on a rural property with the owner's house close by. I have cell coverage. I have Wi-Fi. I am an elderly, retired Māori artist and published Author. I am a practitioner in Medicinal Cannabis, and my products are sold at the local markets.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
It is a two-hour drive to the top of New Zealand to Cape Reinga, a nice day trip, and about a three-hour drive to Waipoua forest and the giant Kauri tree further down the West Coast, and Ngawha Springs healing, thermal hot pools.
There is no public transport available in the area. It is a good central point for day travel and sightseeing if you have a car.
Help
I have a variety of areas I need help with, including ongoing house cleaning, lawn mowing and using the weed eater. My small balcony gardens need re-vamping, ready for summer. I have seven old fruit trees that are overgrown and need pruning. and hammer projects and maintenance. Ongoing Mural project on my kitchen wall for artists to add to it.
Four Hours of help each day: hours and days flexible!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: Intermediate
Accommodation
Helpers will have a large double bedroom
Very relaxing home in a peaceful, remote area with a rural view down a long valley. You will help with some basic kitchen needs, such as dishes and dinner preparation if needed. My preference is vegetarian-type meals, but I do cook the occasional meat meal, with very little knowledge of cooking meat. I don't provide food to snack on all day between meals. There is no shop here, so you will need to bring your own snacks.
What else ...
We have a large farm with lots of hills stunning views, a river and native trees, if you like walking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have good wifi service. Quiet peaceful home.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 467262329138
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
Feedback (18)
24 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)
Jan was a very nice man and helped me when I had car trouble. He did a nice job removing my chimney and turning the area into extra cupboard space and sorted out the leak in my roof for which I am very grateful.
(Very good
)
23 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
Thank you Mary for the experience working with you.. I learned a lot about the relaxed lifestyle in the far north. An experience that can not be felt if traveling as a tourist. Our meals were always creative and delicious. I had the pleasure of turning a 19 th century kitchen cooking stove area into a practical kitchen closet . Taking down the… read more
27 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tereza)
Tereza was awesome and a big help she completed all tasks I needed her to do, plus more. She did a good job mowing my lawn and my invalid friend's lawn. We had lots of conversations and lots of alone time that suited us both. She worked to a high standard and was keen to help with everything. I can recommend her to future hosts, you won't be sorry… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tereza) for host
Volunteering for Mary was an absolute joy. We kicked things off with a trip to the local market, which set up the tone for a warm and friendly experience. She’s kind, full of great stories, and I really enjoyed chatting with here - especially because we shared same opinions on most of the topics.
Mary also had endless patience with me during my… read more
Mary also had endless patience with me during my… read more
11 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Yuito) for host
Mary is lovely person.
she was always patient with me until I got the hang of work. and also, she gave me work that matches my skills.
I think we did lots of culture exchanges such as sushi that I made in the first week and her story about Māori, family and friends.
I love every works that I'd done during staying, but especially making bonfire at… read more
she was always patient with me until I got the hang of work. and also, she gave me work that matches my skills.
I think we did lots of culture exchanges such as sushi that I made in the first week and her story about Māori, family and friends.
I love every works that I'd done during staying, but especially making bonfire at… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+11
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:
(4.9)
24 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)
Jan was a very nice man and helped me when I had car trouble. He did a nice job removing my chimney and turning the area into extra cupboard space and sorted out the leak in my roof for which I am very grateful.
(Very good)
23 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
Thank you Mary for the experience working with you.. I learned a lot about the relaxed lifestyle in the far north. An experience that can not be felt if traveling as a tourist. Our meals were always creative and delicious. I had the pleasure of turning a 19 th century kitchen cooking stove area into a practical kitchen closet . Taking down the… read more
27 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tereza)
Tereza was awesome and a big help she completed all tasks I needed her to do, plus more. She did a good job mowing my lawn and my invalid friend's lawn. We had lots of conversations and lots of alone time that suited us both. She worked to a high standard and was keen to help with everything. I can recommend her to future hosts, you won't be sorry… read more
(Excellent)
23 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tereza) for host
Volunteering for Mary was an absolute joy. We kicked things off with a trip to the local market, which set up the tone for a warm and friendly experience. She’s kind, full of great stories, and I really enjoyed chatting with here - especially because we shared same opinions on most of the topics.
Mary also had endless patience with me during my… read more
Mary also had endless patience with me during my… read more
11 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Yuito) for host
Mary is lovely person.
she was always patient with me until I got the hang of work. and also, she gave me work that matches my skills.
I think we did lots of culture exchanges such as sushi that I made in the first week and her story about Māori, family and friends.
I love every works that I'd done during staying, but especially making bonfire at… read more
she was always patient with me until I got the hang of work. and also, she gave me work that matches my skills.
I think we did lots of culture exchanges such as sushi that I made in the first week and her story about Māori, family and friends.
I love every works that I'd done during staying, but especially making bonfire at… read more
16 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hugh) for host
Mary was a lovely host with many great storys and up for a good laugh. She s passionate about helping people with her medicine and is keen to share her knowledge wich is all very interesting. I did horse riding ,kayaking and some easy hiking was a great experience. Thank you Mary!
6 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hugh)
Hugh was a lot of help for me. He was keen to help; he is very strong, and he lifted and removed an old washing machine from the yard. His detailing when sanding my wooden bench was appreciated. He did a good job. He completed of a lot of unfinished work and put my garden in order. He has nice manners and is polite. I can recommend him to future… read more
(Excellent)
24 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Alex) for host
I had a great experience in this wonderful place sorrounded by nature.
Mary is a very kind and welcoming person, with so many interesting stories,
and she cook delicious meals.
I was glad to help with some jobs around the house and I wished I could stay more.
Thank you Mary for hosting me for few days and helping me with my car :)
Higly reccomand… read more
Mary is a very kind and welcoming person, with so many interesting stories,
and she cook delicious meals.
I was glad to help with some jobs around the house and I wished I could stay more.
Thank you Mary for hosting me for few days and helping me with my car :)
Higly reccomand… read more
22 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex)
Alex stayed a few days at my place, and I highly recommend him. In a short time, he built some shelves in my kitchen and Laundry and a rack for my shoes. Helped my invalid friend and chopped a load of wood for her. He was happy to help, he has lovely manners and a good personality. Thanks for your help, Alex.
(Excellent)
13 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lee & Lisa)
I can highly recommend Lee and Lisa I enjoyed their company it was a pleasure to have them here helping me. They turned my overgrown yard into picture perfect lawn. Lisa painted my new doors and I didn't have to do the dishes all week so that was a treat. They worked tirelessly and enjoyed what they were doing. Lee did an a nice job on my car and… read more
(Excellent)
10 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lee & Lisa) for host
From the day we arrived to when we left we felt welcomed and valued. We painted and gardened and helped out at the Kaitia Saturday market.
Mary appreciates any help around the house. We’ll never forget our time with Mary, so many interesting stories were shared and we laughed and laughed, Mary’s home has beautiful views and we were well looked… read more
Mary appreciates any help around the house. We’ll never forget our time with Mary, so many interesting stories were shared and we laughed and laughed, Mary’s home has beautiful views and we were well looked… read more
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
Thank you so much Mary for welcoming us into your home and community. It was so much fun getting to talk about Maori culture and spend time in your beautiful little house on the hill. From horseback riding to fishing in the bay it was such a memorable experience. I was lucky enough to get to paint some native birds on the wall and see them in… read more
21 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Abbie & Harry) for host
We had a wonderful time with Mary. She was very welcoming and it was a joy to spend time with her and hear her stories. The help was mostly in the garden and we enjoyed completing it - especially creating the veg & herb garden. Mary cooked us lots of great meals & her home is very lovely to stay in. I would recommend to anyone :) thank you Mary!
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Abbie & Harry)
It was a pleasure to have Harry and Abbie at my place. Their personalities were happy and peaceful. Their work effort was very much appreciated. They dismantled an overgrown garden and returned it to a lawn. Abbie helped me to make a potted garden on my balcony, with an abundance of vegetables and herbs. They did a nice job on my lawn. Harry fixed… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mauro) for host
My stay at Mary's house was one of my best travel experiences. She is super kind, funny, she is a person who seems to have lived a thousand lives and luckily, she told us about some of them.
We were only going to stay for a few days, but both she and her family insisted that we spend Christmas with them. so we finally stayed a week. and we spent… read more
We were only going to stay for a few days, but both she and her family insisted that we spend Christmas with them. so we finally stayed a week. and we spent… read more
11 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Elisa) for host
I had a great week at Mary's house. Mary is a very funny person and always has good stories to tell. Every evening you are treated to a delicious meal and she knows how to reward you if she has enjoyed your work. The setting is incredible, a 360° view of nature, mountains and land. Thank you Mary for this week of sharing and exchange.
27 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host
Mary was an extremely kind host that welcomed me into her home and community. She is a very interesting person to talk to with stories of her own travels and lifetime of experiences. The location is absolutely breathtaking and I didn't have a single problem in my time staying.
19 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jesse) for host
An unforgettable experience in a remote location and Maori community that gave me a window onto the Far North, with very satisfying practical work to be done. It was a joy to be able to help Mary with her decking, to make use of essentially scrap materials and refurbish her original small deck area. Her nephew had all the tools and fasteners… read more
9 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jesse)
It was a pleasure to have Chris at my place for a week, his peaceful nature was appreciated. Chris repaired my deck and extended it. He did an excellent job, and I am very thankful. I would highly recommend him. He will always be welcome back here. His manners are impeccable. a truly fine gentleman. Thanks Chris.
(Excellent)
20 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lamya) for host
It was a wonderful stay by Mary’s house. I felt directly at home and stayed 1 week.
The area is wonderful. It’s a quiet and peaceful place and the landscape is amazing!
Mary is a lovely person with many life stories. I’ve learnt a lot from her. It was nice to share conversation and meals with her.
It was a pleasure to help with the house and… read more
The area is wonderful. It’s a quiet and peaceful place and the landscape is amazing!
Mary is a lovely person with many life stories. I’ve learnt a lot from her. It was nice to share conversation and meals with her.
It was a pleasure to help with the house and… read more
19 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lamya)
I would recommend Lamya for her work ethic she was keen to help and learn new things, she always made herself available, if I was doing something she always offered to help. We got a lot of things finished that have been waiting till I had more time. I feel we achieved a lot and for that I appreciate her. Her personality is lovely, easy to talk to… read more
(Excellent)
15 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Juliane)
It was a nice exchange with Juliane, she did a bit of carpentry on my kitchen cupboard, I was very happy with that, Juliane took a photo of me for the back cover of my next book and gave my house a complete clean. Her personality was lovely, and she was good company with a nice peaceful nature, I wish you well in your journey through NZ Juliane it… read more
(Excellent)
14 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Juliane) for host
I had a great time with Mary. Her place is far from all the commercial spots in NZ and I´m glad, that she gave me the oportunity to stay at her place. She is a very friendly lady who makes sure that you are comfortable at her place. I learned a lot about Maori culture and had always a nice chat with her in the evening. You can enjoy wonderful… read more
28 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (CHIKA)
It was nice to have Chika here she gave my house a good clean, and took care of the high dusting, she has a happy personality and is considerate.
she is able to work alone and can motivate herself to work and do a good job that i appreciated, I enjoyed her Japanese food and wish her happy travels. thanks Chicka
she is able to work alone and can motivate herself to work and do a good job that i appreciated, I enjoyed her Japanese food and wish her happy travels. thanks Chicka
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (CHIKA) for host
I stayed 1week here.Pawarenga is very beautiful area. I could see cows,sheeps,horses,pigs with a lot of little babys! so cute!
Mary is always smiling. She is really funny woman, we laughed a lot every day. I like Mary's big smile!!
She can knitting flax very well and she taught me how to do it. I made some bags and some flower by flax. It's really… read more
Mary is always smiling. She is really funny woman, we laughed a lot every day. I like Mary's big smile!!
She can knitting flax very well and she taught me how to do it. I made some bags and some flower by flax. It's really… read more
17 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Celia) for host
I was so lucky to find Mary's profile and to have her as my first Workaway host. I learnt so much from her in the short time I was there and was sad to leave so soon! I have told all my friends and family about my time with Mary and they're all very envious. I hope to return as quick as possible and I encourage everyone to go help on her property… read more
29 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Celia)
I was very lucky to have Celia stay with me for a few days, my garden looks Perfect, not a weed in sight. I look forward to her return later in the year. Celia's work ethic and personality were very appreciated she brought good energy and a happy heart to my house for which I am grateful. thanks Celia
(Excellent)
16 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Camila) for host
The time share with Mary was really nice, you can learn a lot with her about maori culture and medicine. She tought me how to make maori bread, I really appreciate that 💚.
Also she show me arround and her place is so peaceful.
I will love to stay with her again.
A big hug green woman 💚.
Also she show me arround and her place is so peaceful.
I will love to stay with her again.
A big hug green woman 💚.
13 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Camila)
I was very lucky to have Camilla stay here, her personality is very happy it was nice to hear her laughing. I was thankful for her honest work ethic, my house was cleaned through and my bathroom got a huge makeover it feels so lovely and clean, like brand new. Camilla pulled nails out of a lot of bits of wood, and will be a lot of help with small… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ebru) for host
Mary’s place is a magical hideaway from the commercial NZ spots and you’ll learn a lot from the Mãori culture to the calm benefits of living on a farm. She’s a lovely lady and will make sure you’ll feel good at her house. Her creative spirit and her wisdom is better then listening to the radio, very inspirational. I was interested to help her… read more
