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Hidden valley restoration and homestead project, Northland, New Zealand

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    PLEASE NOTE: I WILL BE UNAVAILABLE FOR WORKAWAY HOSTING BETWEEN 18 MAY AND 29 JUNE. AM LOOKING TO ARRANGE SOME ENERGETIC, LARGELY OUTDOOR, HELP DURING JULY AND AUGUST FOR PLANTING AND WEED MANAGEMENT


    Greetings from Onerahi, Whangarei.
    I'm Mike and I am restoring the native vegetation of a small valley, finishing off my recently erected house and establishing a vegetable garden/orchard through 2024. I've established a small nursery, so also get involved in gathering seed, making cuttings and growing the plants to install on the land. A network of walking and biking paths within the site are in their early stages. My old wooden yacht sometimes beckons for a bit of polishing, cleaning or painting, so that may appeal to nautically-minded people. Lots to do!

    Billy, a young dog, shares my home and loves new company as well. Despite being largely composed of mini schnauzer and poodle genes, he also has some form of long-haired heritage, so may not be the ideal companion for anyone with an allergy to dogs.

    I'm vegetarian, but retain a love of seafood. I have no objection to omnivores if you want to bring a bit of meat into your diet. I like to think that I am quite a flexible, laid back and - usually - quiet person, but have lots of energy for my little project.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I am happy to share the Kiwi way of life with you, take you out on the boat and go fishing, hiking or biking with you (provided I can fit it into my timetable). I can lend you a bike, snorkeling gear, a kayak, soft surfboard and other gear you might need.

    I've got a reasonable knowledge of the surrounding natural world and am happy to share that.

    Your involvement may bring you some new skills in things that you haven't done before (or if you are an expert, I may well learn from you). Like most things in life, there's lots to be gained for those that put in the energy and are open to new experiences. This area has a wealth of natural beauty that is easily accessible.

  • Help

    Help

    Depending on your skills and what you feel comfortable with, tasks might include:
    • Gardening weeding and planting and broadscale restoration planting
    . Propagating native plants for future planting
    • Forest weed and pest control in the bush: killing weeds by digging out or poisoning them (using safety equipment and with careful instructions)
    • Work on the boat
    • Building: possible minor carpentry work on house, small buildings, boardwalks and other little structures.

    I will provide good directions and suitable safety equipment where needed. I'm very happy to answer any questions, so don't hesitate to ask.

    The work can be physical, so you need to be comfortable with putting in some effort outdoors.
    It would be useful if you had your own working clothes and boots, but if not, I should be able to find you something suitable.

    TIMEFRAME
    A minimum stay of a week would be preferred. After that, you'll be welcome to stay for longer if it has worked well for us both.

    WORK HOURS
    Standard Workaway.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    A largely complete 2 bedroom, solid timber house erected during the middle part of 2023. As of early 2024 it still needs to have the bathroom and kitchen finished, floor coverings etc, so not a "perfect" new house.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    ABOUT THE AREA
    Whangarei is a very relaxed town with a lot of small events going on, especially if you're interested in art and the outdoors. There are beautiful beaches in the vicinity, a lot of great walks around the area and some spectacular views. If you're looking for a vibrant nightlife, Whangarei is probably not a perfect place to be, but we have quite a few smaller things going on, like bars, exhibitions, music events in the evening, sports fixtures, markets and so on. There are a good range of shops offering almost anything that one could wish for.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    I have unlimited fibre

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    I have a reasonably generous forecourt to the house and can provide power via an extension or caravan lead.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    5 hours/day, 5 days/week

Host ref number: 482835315678

Feedback (26)



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Accuracy of profile: (4.9)

Cultural exchange: (4.9)

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