Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2024
Reply rate
90.9 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
4
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (1)
Details
Description
Im new to 'Workaway' but have hosted travellers through another volunteering platform for years and enjoyed each exchange. Then last year I travelled overseas, cycled 5000km through Europe, Cuba and Taiwan, spent time with daughters and grandchildren, and enjoyed being a 'HelpX' helper myself in Italy and Scotland.
Now I am back at my home by the sea and looking for support with my home and garden.
Helpers enjoy the location and the sea views, as well as the 2 minute walk down through the garden to a sandy beach for a swim. A short beach walk (or 2 min drive) takes you to Paihia wharf, shops, cafes and the Russell ferry while a 1 hr coastal walk leads north to the historic area of Waitangi or south to the port of Opua. Intercity buses arrive in Paihia - just a few minutes away - pick up no problem. Come for 4-5 days or longer.
I'm a passionate advocate for a nonviolent lifestyle. I attempt (not always successfully) to live zero waste, eat plant-based foods and connect with all people in a judgement-free way. I spend part of my day writing a novel, part on maintenance and development of my garden, and part advocating for Nonviolent Communication, Zero Waste and Fair Trade. I also love sea kayaking - and kayaks are available for your use.
In recent years I've worked as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Central African Republic. I've cycled solo over the mountains from Vietnam to Laos as a sponsored ride for Waste Aid. Im also a keen sailor and have completed several long offshore journeys, most recently from Fiji back to the Bay of Islands.
I enjoy meeting people like you on your travels too.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Here's what Clara and Matthias, a HelpX couple who I hosted in January 2024 had to say- " We've really enjoyed our week with Jane. Her place is absolutely stunning through our giant bedroom windows we could look out onto the water. It's so nice being able to walk into cute Paihia along the beach at low tide. We loved Jane's cooking especially her desserts. The work wasn't too hard and there was a variety of tasks. Jane is an extraordinary person with a vast range of work/woofing and cultural experience. Our evenings were rich in exchange of travel stories and learnings from these experiences and we wouldn't have wanted to miss the time at Jane's place."
In recent years I've worked as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Central African Republic. I've cycled solo over the mountains from Vietnam to Laos as a sponsored ride for Waste Aid, I'm a keen sailor and have completed several long offshore journeys, most recently from Fiji back to the Bay of Islands.
I enjoy meeting people like you on your travels too.
Help
What will you be doing? Some or all of the following, depending on your skills, my needs, and the weather... painting & decorating, gardening, general maintenance, repairs, landscaping, water blasting, office tasks (filing, website support, graphic design, data entry) to support my not-for-profit blog and zero waste activities), house chores/spring cleaning (as well as childcare from June onwards while my small Grandaughter is staying).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Maori: Beginner
Accommodation
I offer your own comfortable room, unlimited WiFi, and breakfast, lunch and dinner in return for 5 hours work a day (or do longer days with more hours then take full days off for sightseeing). After five days your sixth and seventh days are free for you to enjoy.
What else ...
The Bay of Islands area has something for everyone - from the historic site of Waitangi, birthplace of modern Aotearoa new Zealand; mountain biking; vineyards; boat trips; sailing lessons; water sports (and you are welcome to use my kayaks to venture into the mangroves or along the coast) and hiking (there are a number of beuatiful bush walks nearby.
Here's what a HelpXer, Agnes, who stayed in 2022 had to say.. "The house is in an indescribably stunning location, the views are just beyond anything I've ever had a chance to stay in! I couldn't believe my luck every morning when I woke up or got to eat my breakfast on the terrace. And there's something very special about being able to walk to Paihia on foot down over the beach and along the little coves."
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
My home has a fast fibre connection. There is a table providing a space to work in your room.
Space for parking camper vans
Cars and small vans are no problem however large campervans would need to be left on the roadside nearby.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
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:
(5.0)
