Help to begin planning and planting for a food forest and other tasks in West Coast New Zealand

Details

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  Description

  My name is Bev and I own and run a local coffee cart and pie house for the town of Waimangaroa that is located adjacent to a beautiful sculpture garden and gallery. I live on a five acre farm with my husband Johnny that has a garden, chickens, sheep and the occasional cow right off the main road. Waimangaroa was once a coal mining town in the early part of the century and our goal is to revitalize the community through coffee, homemade pies and good conversation amongst locals. Because the business takes up much of my time I need help both on the farm and at the cart.
  
  There are many things to do on our property and we are looking for one/two independent, quick-learning and creative volunteers to get their hands dirty their with some farm and community improvement projects that they would be excited to see through to the end.
  
  We are located right beneath the lush West Coast of New Zealand, with access to the famous Denniston Plateau, 2kms from the beach, rivers galore and beautiful mountains for trekking and biking right in our backyard. The nearest city Westport is a short 15 minute drive away for your basic amenities like groceries and gas or if you want to catch a drink with some locals at a pub or restaurant.
  
  We are a open and welcoming community and locals would be sure to show you around the native bush or invite you over for an evening of fishing or other fun activities like an ocean bbq. If you are looking for an authentic kiwi experience in the South Island, then you've come to the right place!
  
  Note: this workaway is intended for help with the farm and house, not for work at the cafe.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Farmstay help

  Help with Eco Projects

  Help around the house

  Animal Care
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  If you are traveling through New Zealand looking for a genuinely Kiwi experience, Waimangaroa and the West Coast is a great place to stop. The people here are incredibly friendly and eager to share their stories, food and time with travelers. The hospitality of the South Island is not an exaggeration and all are welcome.
  
  In addition, because we have a small farm there is a lot to be learned in terms of a hands-on, farm experience. I have also worked in a dairy for many years and can share my knowledge about farm life overall. I have spent many years in this area and am excited to share it with others.

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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

  Farm and house chores: taking care of the chickens, landscaping the garden, begin planning and planting for food forest, gardening chores, repainting the deck and lots more!
  
  The cafe: gardening
  
  Sculpture gallery: landscaping and possibly some help in the woodshop with the local wood carver

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  A small, private camper outside the main house that could fit 1-2 people with access to the house for the bathroom and shower.
  
  We also have a separate private room attached to the garage that needs some cleaning up but could be used for a very comfortable accommodation.

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  What else ...

  There are a ton of local sights in the area and most do not have the crowds that you might find at other New Zealand attractions. The Denniston Plateau and Incline is a few kms from the farm. The beach is a 2km walk or drive away. There are more beaches closer to Westport used for BBQs and fishing. There is the Waimangaroa river and many others for fishing, swimming or trekking. The town of Westport also has a vibrant community and the locals are incredibly friendly.
  
  The nature here is exquisite and there are many outdoor activities within a 25km radius. We are between two national parks, a three hour drive from one of The Great Walks (The Heaphy), and surrounding by lush native bush and rainforest.
  
  There are taxis and hitchhiking is available but having a car would make getting around to all of these places a lot easier.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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