Come and help out with childcare in a vibrant and diverse area of West Auckland, New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  Come and experience life out in Glen Eden West Auckland, gateway to the Waitakere Ranges and Karekare, Piha beach.
  
  
  Kerri is as Kiwi as they come, and works as an Early Childhood teacher for Play and Learn in one of Auckland glorious and oldest parks Cornwall Park.
  
  She has been teaching for 20 years and has lots of experience and knowledge.
  
  When she is not working you may find her in the garden or running errands for the kids or reading, or fixing stuff in her shed.
  This winter is drawing to an end spring is upon us, summer is glorious in Auckland.
  
  Aniela is 10 now she is outgoing talkative and loves fashion and nail polish, she loves languages, she is learning Polish and Spanish.
  She also likes gymnastics but life is mostly about chatting to her friends and loving cats.
  
  Lukasz is 8, he lives to play football, and he can likely tell you all the stats of your famous football players.
  He likes Manchester city football club.
  
  
  Both kids are pretty busy with school.
  
  My children help with everything, they unpack groceries, are responsible for their rooms, help in the garden, fix stuff, they are independent.
  Every second weekend they are with their Dad in the city, so there is plenty of un interupted downtime for you.
  
  We have 2 cats, they are crazy lovely.
  
  
  Kerri's Dad helps out with childcare as well, Ian's passions are travel and he is widely travelled chances are he has been to your homeland.
  He also used to teach English as a second language and would be helpful with travel tips.
  He has also worked in the car industry all his life and is great to chat to about cars.
  If you have time to listen his stories are elaborative.
  My Mum loves animals and has dogs and shows them in dog shows and does agility, you will see a bit of my parents if my dad is not away traveling.
  
  We like to think we are really easy going and friendly and would make anyone feel at home and relaxed.
  We don't have many house rules, just be open and communicate and be honest.
  
  The kids Dad Mieszko lives in an apartment in the city, he is an expert on Urban development and infrastructure and transportation and transport planing as well as leadership.
  He also loves football, he is English/Polish/Irish heritage you will see him around around from time to time

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  House sitting
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  To the West of Glen Eden is Oratia where you will find farmers markets and vineyards, To the East is New Lynn with trendy eateries and shopping malls.
  Southwest is a Suburb called Titirangi.
  West Auckland has stunning Fauna and Flora and trees, it is a diverse area with so much to offer.
  The beaches are spectacular if you have time go and see them.
  Check swimsafe online to see if they are safe to swim and if there are flags aka ways swim between the flag.
  NZ West Coast beaches have an undertow and rips which can be dangerous.
  We are not far from the centre of Glen Eden with local shops and a 15 m walk to the train station, bus services at the end of our road.
  I have a Hop card you can use but if you are coming from the airport you will have to buy one to be able to use the bus.
  There is so much to do and see in Auckland, we don't consider ourselves close to Auckland CBD, but its only 40 minutes on a train.
  
  From Kerri Learn about Children's development and why children are becoming risk adverse and what skills children need to survive nowadays to grow up to be contributing to society.
  Auckland is a vibrant diverse town, if you are open to learning then you can learn what ever you want.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  You main role would be to take Aniela and Lukasz to school some mornings and pick up some afternoons, the school is 10 minutes walk away, or we all have bicycles, you can use mine.
  You could also babysit at nite so I can go out to the gym.
  Also general help around the house is appreciated.
  
  The children have been learning Polish so if you speak Polish then we would love to teach them some more, us as well.
  
  When you are with the children I request that you get off your phone.
  Connect with them and be respectful, it is disrespectful to be constantly checking your phone when you are caring for children.
  
  
  Cooking wise, you would make dinner a couple of nights a week when i work that would be appreciated.
  It would help if you can bake.
  We don't have much in the way of foods with sugar in the house but they can have treats on weekends and I don't mind if you buy your own sweets but you have to keep them in your room and not eat them in front of the kids.
  
  
  We will provide basic food, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, breakfast and Lunch in NZ is very casual and you just find your own from what we have.
  There is always Veggies, Fruit, Bread cereal and eggs.
  I am happy to include foods you like in the grocery shop but if you are a big eater then please buy your snack foods yourself.
  Food is expensive in NZ so we have to stick to a budget and be mindful not to waste food.
  I don't drink coffee, sorry you have to provide your own.
  Kiwi's do not have a big sit down lunch, we will eat out in the garden, or grab a sandwich.
  I hear that is different from other cultures.
  Most workaways enjoy using our kitchen, it has lots of space.
  
  Kerri has worked as a Nanny in England and America in her past before kids so i know what it means to be a good host and enable a workaday to develop there own life away from home and have days where i won't need you at all, it would be just about achieving a balance between us all to keep everyone happy.
  I love workaways that see a job that needs doing and offer to do it, like meal prep or making the kids beds or tidying the lounge room that is the best as it gives me a break.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Maori: Beginner
  Polish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  It’s is so beneficial to be exposed to new languages I love this for my children. We would love to learn more Polish and begin learning Spanish.
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  Accommodation

  Single dwelling house Small study off the garage with desk and chair, single bed wardrobe, Internet, your own access through the garage if you want but most people just use the main access with us.
  You would share a bathroom with the children with a bath and a shower.
  You could help keep it clean and clean the shower before you leave us.
  There is a fridge in the garage as well for your drinks and any special foods you buy. The garage has carpet and it is very cosy.

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  What else ...

  We want to learn from you, teach us your language.
  We are so close to the train and bus services
  Download the AT mobile app to understand our transport system.
  
  There is a great initiative called EcoMatters and they have a hub in New Lynn where you can purchase sustainable products, this is where I refill my shampoo and conditioner and cleaning products.
  They also have a bike hub where you could buy a cheap bike or go to fix your bicycle and access free use of tools and maps, this is where my children have got there bikes from.
  Google them.
  Ecco matter and bike hub New Lynn

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We are down a long drive so there is ample room, but no turning space so as long as you can reverse well, all good.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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