Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
16 Dec 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
51
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Hi my name is Jennie I live in a beautiful historical home over looking the ocean in New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ the 2nd best region to visit in the world 2017 according to the Lonely planet. Originally we came from the UK and settled in this place of Paradise 37 years ago. I was widowed 13 years ago and our family has grown up and flown the nest. Recently I have remarried to a wonderful man who came to do Workaway at my place and I had a golden retriever called Rosie who was 13 years old sadly passed away in May. I am close to town and the amazing walkway and on a clear day can see the mountain that dominates our region. There is so much to do and see here. We love hosting people, we are retired but help run various kids and youth leadership programmes and camps. I have traveled a number of times each year to the Philippines for cross cultural Christian and medical missions. We have a large garden and historical home both of which are always in need of some attention .
Early 2026 we have a new project launching through a Charitable Trust - a pioneering mission team to develop and run new and established children and youth leadership ministries/mission, holiday clubs and camps around our region.
As a result we are offering short term internships for young people who want to grow in Christian faith, leadership and mission, who want to make a difference in the lives of children and youth, and who want to experience the beauty and fun of the outdoor life in NZ especially the region of Taranaki. Our team leader also speaks Japanese and is a Teacher of English as a second language and our assistant team leader has a degree in youth work and loves learning about different cultures. If this interests you I can send you further information.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Language practice
Gardening
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Charity work
Gardening
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We love to show new people around this great region, and love hosting and getting to know new people. We love to bring people together from different parts of the world.We also love to coach people so that they can have a great life journey filled with faith , hope and love.
Help
My garden is quite large and borders a river and grows so prolifically it is always in need of pruning, weeding and sweeping. My house too is over a 100 years old and is in need of some touch ups and a bit of painting.
We volunteer with kids and youth and love for them to meet new people from overseas and hear all about their culture and life journey.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Ukrainian: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We have a large two storey house with 2 spare Queen bedrooms and a twin single bedroom, that share a bath/shower room. I have a swimming pool and spa and plenty of space for a number of people.
What else ...
We are ideally situated if you would like to explore Taranaki, 15mins walk to town, I have bikes for cycling the foreshore walkway, the surf beach is 2 mins away including a roller blade rink and lots of green space for walking. If you surf then you will love this region,We are quite social people and enjoy the outdoors so love lots of activity and time to get to know guests.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 766113645133
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+21
Feedback (28)
24 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Faye & Sten) for host
We had a lovely stay with Jennie and Stephen. From our first day we felt very welcome . They worked in the garden with us and it felt more like helping out then being assigned chores or work to earn your stay. They were both very willing to help us get as much out of our stay by giving us some tips about local things to do and experience,… read more
20 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
A massive thank you to Jennie and Steven for hosting me! they are a wonderful couple and made me feel very welcome. Jennie is very knowledgeable about gardening and always was clear and helpful with what I was expected to do. Helping with the church youth group was also fantastic and everyone I met was so welcoming.
28 Jul 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Natsuho)
We loved having Natsaho stay she is such a lovely, gentle person. She was always keen to help in anyway she could and even though she is still in the process of learning to speak English she gave everything a go. She joined in all our activities and was a really blessing. We would have her back anytime.
(Excellent
)
13 Jul 2025
Left by Workawayer (Natsuho) for host
I had such a wonderful time with Jennie and Steven. Helping with her church’s program was a great learning experience for me. Her house was so pretty and comfortable.Spending time with them felt like a dream.I really want to go back again...
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+21
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
24 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Faye & Sten) for host
We had a lovely stay with Jennie and Stephen. From our first day we felt very welcome . They worked in the garden with us and it felt more like helping out then being assigned chores or work to earn your stay. They were both very willing to help us get as much out of our stay by giving us some tips about local things to do and experience,… read more
20 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
A massive thank you to Jennie and Steven for hosting me! they are a wonderful couple and made me feel very welcome. Jennie is very knowledgeable about gardening and always was clear and helpful with what I was expected to do. Helping with the church youth group was also fantastic and everyone I met was so welcoming.
28 Jul 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Natsuho)
We loved having Natsaho stay she is such a lovely, gentle person. She was always keen to help in anyway she could and even though she is still in the process of learning to speak English she gave everything a go. She joined in all our activities and was a really blessing. We would have her back anytime.
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2025
Left by Workawayer (Natsuho) for host
I had such a wonderful time with Jennie and Steven. Helping with her church’s program was a great learning experience for me. Her house was so pretty and comfortable.Spending time with them felt like a dream.I really want to go back again...
25 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte & Romain) for host
After spending a week with Jenny and Stephan, our hearts are truly full. Being away from home can be tough, but with them, we found little pieces that made us feel at home.
They are incredibly fun and warm-hearted, and we always looked forward to our evenings together, chatting, playing games, and enjoying delicious meals. Our conversations on… read more
They are incredibly fun and warm-hearted, and we always looked forward to our evenings together, chatting, playing games, and enjoying delicious meals. Our conversations on… read more
19 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Maxime)
We really enjoyed hosting Maxime he was a hard worker, very tidy and helpful in the house, cooked us a meal, was fun and gave us a good challenge at table tennis fortunately he didn’t quite manage to beat my husband. Would recommend him
(Excellent)
19 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
We loved having Nicole. She stayed with us 12 weeks and returned for an extra week at the end of her NZ adventure. What a blessing she is, fun , easy to get on with, hard worker and a can do personality. We would definitely recommend her as an excellent Workaway.
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Aysha Tamara) for host
I am so greatful to get the chance to meet such lovely people. Staying with them was definitly one of my highlights since I am in New Zealand. They have an amazing house full of love and fun! A perfect place to get in touch with other workawayers, have a safe place to calm down and extend your horizon. The help wasn`t too hard and was mostly fun.… read more
17 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Donald) for host
I enjoyed a fantastic week with 2 other workaways. Jennie and Stephen really made us feel like family. It was great to help out in their backyard and also at the church with the children's group. I especially loved the picnics and Jennie's brownies! It is a beautiful old house, right next to the coastal path and beaches.
9 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anouk) for host
I spend an unforgettable week with Jennie and Stephen. We were 3 workawayers there and had a lot of fun together. We did a spring cleaning in the house and some cleaning around the house. They took us to the church, where we could play with the kids. That was great. We also did some picnic on the beach and the lake, which was a great adventure.… read more
18 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Coline) for host
I spent a week in Jennie's home and it was wonderful. I enjoyed the gardening and the kids camp preparation that we did. She is very accomodating for all kind of activities and work.
I almost felt like home and I am really grateful for that!
Thanks Jennie for everything.
I almost felt like home and I am really grateful for that!
Thanks Jennie for everything.
22 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Pia) for host
I was able to stay at Jennie's wonderful house for the last few weeks. She trusted us to take care of her house when she was traveling. After that I had the chance to get to know her better. She is a very warm person and takes a lot of time to support you as well as answer questions.
Thank you Jennie for inviting me into your life and home and… read more
Thank you Jennie for inviting me into your life and home and… read more
19 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Florian) for host
Hello Jennie, thank you very much for the great time I had at your place. I spent 2 weeks in the beautiful house of Jenmie. The place is just impressive. The work was varied: I've done some tree cutting, hedge trimming, wood chopping, pruning and some other gardening work. I had a lot of fun there. I could join Jennie to one of her youth group.… read more
14 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian)
Was great to host Florian what a lovely polite young man, easy to fit into my household and friendly. Did some great jobs around my place in the garden and sorting out my wood. Can recommend him.
(Excellent)
7 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Stephen) for host
Great people to work with. Great place to stay. Thank you Jennie.
4 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)
Was great to host Stephen he easily coped and fitted in to our busy household. He worked very hard and I am very thankful for all the amazing jobs he completed. He was friendly and easy to get on with, eager to serve, had a sense of humour and joined in with all our out of work fun activities . Can really recommend Stephen .
(Excellent)
4 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
We really enjoyed hosting Sarah - such an interesting, warm , friendly person, loved having her around hearing her stories, she is a hard worker, lots of initiative, gets on with everyone and fits in to the everyday routines of our household hoping she will come back some day
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Donald E & Nancy) for host
Jennie was most welcoming and once she explained what she wanted done, she left us to get on with it. As an older couple, we appreciated being able to work at own pace and take breaks when we needed to. We enjoyed interacting with others living at Jennie's place and their friends, and of course with Rosie. It was a pleasure to help her out in her… read more
8 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas & Chrystel) for host
We spent 3 weeks at Jennie beautiful old house in New Plymouth. It is very well situated by the beach and 10mn walk to central town. The perfect location! It was great to work in the garden has it is beautiful and with a huge Kauri tree! Rosie the dog was very loving and very nice to walk. We also covered a few odd jobs: exterior painting,… read more
6 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas & Chrystel)
Nicholas and Chrystel stayed with me for 3 weeks a very lovely couple, quiet, loved the outdoors of Taranaki and did An amazing job with my garden As well as lots of fix it jobs and walks with a Rosie. I can recommend them.
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Casey)
I loved having Casey she is very easy to get on with, great communicator and Very methodical with the work. Totally recommend her hoping she might come back at a later date
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
We had the most wonderful time with Julia it was her first Workaway in nz . She settled in so well, so friendly caring and willing to help. She was always enthusiastic and positive and worked hard in my garden and home, so willing to learn and serve. Fully recommend her
(Excellent)
12 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
It was my first workaway experience with Jennie and I really enjoyed the time by her. She is such a lovely, kind and optimistic person. She tried to help me in every single think. Her brownies are amazing :) The location of her house is awesome. Just a few minutes to the beach. I enjoyed working in the garden, so many different plants and flowers.… read more
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
Loved having Emily to stay - so creative and very willing to help. She made the best salads and had all my windows cleaned and shining. She is an expert in preparing craft supplies and was great fun and a willing helper with the Childrens holiday club. Rosie misses her massages by the fire. Was good to have her in my home fully recommend her… read more
(Excellent)
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Joanne)
The gardening goddess strikes again. A Big thank you Jo for organising my garden into a beautiful weedfree environment. Loved having you to stay so much fun and also the inspiration to try out some new recipes - restored my trust in vegan cooking. Thanks too for helping at the holiday club loved your talk on Penguins and the kids so enjoyed all… read more
(Excellent)
13 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joanne) for host
Thank you Jennie, I had an amazing time staying at your beautiful home. I loved working in the garden, walking Rosie, helping with the holiday club at Opanake and of course sitting by the fire. It was an absolute pleasure. I appreciated how you welcomed me, made delicious vegan food and had great chats. Highly recommend x
23 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lindsay)
Loved having Lindsey to stay, she is so friendly and caring. She stayed just over 2 weeks she did lots of jobs around my house and helped us with a 3 day holiday club she was fantastic with the kids and always eager to serve in any way. I can really recommend her.
(Excellent)
29 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Dustin) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and I didn't expected it to be perfect! Just after I arrived, she took me to an absolutely stunning beach with lots of wildlife for the sunset! Jennie is such a heartwarming, trustful person who cares about you. All of her friends and neighbours I've met are so kind and welcoming. She has got a lovely, calm… read more
25 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (JENxxxFROMxxxBERLIN)
I loved having Jen at my home, she was so friendly and helpful always cheerful and positive to be around. Rosie my dog loved her and enjoyed all the walks and attention. Jen was great in my garden and very easy to get on with very tidy and willing to serve . I would totally recommend her
(Excellent)
3 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (JENxxxFROMxxxBERLIN) for host
Jennie is an incredibly kind and inspiring person and I loved staying with her and Rosie for almost 3 weeks in beautiful New Plymouth. :) Her house and garden are absolutely stunning and I had the greatest time getting my hands dirty while weeding, cleaning the guesthouse, clearing cupboards, etc. Jennie took me to the most amazing spots and… read more
10 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Anaïs) for host
The best workaway we have ever done !
Jennie is a very lovely person, full of generosity and with a lot of consideration for other people. She welcomed us as we were a part of her family. We spent two amazing weeks in her beautiful house, she showed us places and we discovered New Plymouth in the best way ! We could try some kiwi experiences,… read more
Jennie is a very lovely person, full of generosity and with a lot of consideration for other people. She welcomed us as we were a part of her family. We spent two amazing weeks in her beautiful house, she showed us places and we discovered New Plymouth in the best way ! We could try some kiwi experiences,… read more
22 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Justin) for host
Jennie is a lovely Person,
She really Made my First Time abroad a memorable Experience and helped me feel Welcome on the other side of the world (:
I will never forget her and her Dog Rosie and treasure the memories I made there!
The Bonfire at the beach was amazing!
She really Made my First Time abroad a memorable Experience and helped me feel Welcome on the other side of the world (:
I will never forget her and her Dog Rosie and treasure the memories I made there!
The Bonfire at the beach was amazing!
2 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pierrick & Léa) for host
What an amazing stay with Jennie! She's an inspiring, active and very considerate woman.
Léa and I had an awesome stay but more than that, we especially enjoyed being in Jennie's company and getting to know her. Anyone that gets to Workaway at her place is very lucky!
We did some gardening, maintenance work, helped take care of children of the… read more
Léa and I had an awesome stay but more than that, we especially enjoyed being in Jennie's company and getting to know her. Anyone that gets to Workaway at her place is very lucky!
We did some gardening, maintenance work, helped take care of children of the… read more
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Pierrick & Léa)
Loved having Pierrick and Lea to stay. Such encouraging easy going nature. Really willing to help in any way lots of great conversations, very flexible with the work, awesome company, friendly and caring. I can reccomend them.
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
What a great guy Matthew is, multi talented, can fix anything, so willing to help, lots of fun and easy going nature. Conscientious and tidy around the house . Gets on with everyone full of energy and hard working. Kids loved him when he helped at camp and he is patient and super friendly. I can recommend him
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Yoann & Aurelie)
Was great to have Yoann and Aureilie stay a number of times. What great cooks they are and Yoann can fix anything. They are just a wonderful friendly kind and fun couple to have around. Plus Yoann makes the most exquisitie deserts. I can truly reccomend them./
(Excellent)
31 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Yoann & Aurelie) for host
We spent a great time with Jennie and Rosie for 3 weeks. She is very pleasant, generous and flexible person. She cooked us some amazing dishes, specially each monday dinner for her friends reunion. We enjoyed meeting her friends (Peter, Pru, Alex, Mat...). Jennie took us for some lookouts in New Plymouth and surrounding area. We have been happy… read more
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Pierre)
Was great having Pierre to stay, he was very friendly and easy to get along with, he worked hard and was very responsible. I can really recommend him.
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pierre) for host
I stayed with Jennie for about two weeks and I had a great time. I definitely recommend this place.
She is a lovely person, I was really welcome and she has very nice friends. You can learn a lot from her very good frame of mind. Help her with kids and painting job was pleasant and interesting.
And she took time to show me around. New Plymouth and… read more
She is a lovely person, I was really welcome and she has very nice friends. You can learn a lot from her very good frame of mind. Help her with kids and painting job was pleasant and interesting.
And she took time to show me around. New Plymouth and… read more
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Tabea)
Was great having Tabea to stay, She has a lovely nature, caring and willing to help. Easy to get along with and good company. I can reccomend her.
(Excellent)
29 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Tabea) for host
I loved it to stay with Jennie! It was a great time and a few nice & new experiences.
When I arrived Jennie picked me up at the airport and I felt immediately welcome.
Her House is beautiful and filled with positive energy, so you can feel just like at home.
I stayed only one week and during the first 3 days we (two other really nice helpers and… read more
When I arrived Jennie picked me up at the airport and I felt immediately welcome.
Her House is beautiful and filled with positive energy, so you can feel just like at home.
I stayed only one week and during the first 3 days we (two other really nice helpers and… read more
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Loved having Anna to stay she has such a cheerful and helpful nature.Very willing and has a servant heart friendly and easy to get on with. I can recommend her.
(Excellent)
21 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (BONNEFOY) for host
Where should I start ?
Jennie is the most amazing host in the world!!! That was my first experience as a workawayer and I couldn't have expected better! She is so kind and welcoming, trusting me from the first moment I entered her beautiful house. She was waiting for me at the airport of New Plymouth and made me feel home in an instant.
Jennie's… read more
Jennie is the most amazing host in the world!!! That was my first experience as a workawayer and I couldn't have expected better! She is so kind and welcoming, trusting me from the first moment I entered her beautiful house. She was waiting for me at the airport of New Plymouth and made me feel home in an instant.
Jennie's… read more
1 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (RIVIERE) for host
I spent a week with Jennie in april and it has been amazing!I only regret that this time was too short and I wish I staid longer! The tasks were fun and I enjoyed helping in the garden wich is absolutly beautiful. Jennie is a really invested person in many things and it was a pleasure to go with her to the church and help with childrens… read more
3 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Anne & Anna-Lena) for host
We stayed with Jennie for 10 days and had a lovely time. Jennie is a great host and cook and her house and garden are beautiful. The work was mainly gardening and not too hard. She made a great effort to show us around New Plymouth. We really enjoyed staying with her and meeting new people.
1 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Melissa) for host
I stayed with Jennie for a few weeks and had an amazing time! The work was mainly gardening and maintaining the pool and was rather relaxing. I was made to feel at home. There's lots to do in the area and jennie was very helpful in information about the area and also helped me organise things to do. I absolutely loved my stay! Thank you so much… read more
10 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Adriana)
Adriana was a great Workaway, great English, very organised and willing did lots of outdoor jobs in the garden, worked with kids and cooked. Very warm friendly, helpful and respectful, fully recommend her.
(Excellent)
10 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Was great having Maximilian and Manuel to stay they were hard working very easy to get on with, polite and respectful and willing to help with anything . they did some heavy gardening work, took some great photos, helped cook and were very popular with the kids they worked with. I enjoyed their company and sense of humour. Fully recommend them.
(Excellent)
10 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoriaallsop)
Loved having Victoria to stay, such a warm and willing person. She was hard working great sense of humour and so keen to learn new English words each day. Fully recommend her.
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Victoriaallsop) for host
Jennie is an awesome host. My time here was amazing, really amazing!
Jennie is very communicative and she doesn't hesitate to offer you activities and some opportunities. A lovely house, lots of learning in different type of jobs. She trusted me with working by myself, she loves share everythings with you. Funniest host and hands down the best… read more
Jennie is very communicative and she doesn't hesitate to offer you activities and some opportunities. A lovely house, lots of learning in different type of jobs. She trusted me with working by myself, she loves share everythings with you. Funniest host and hands down the best… read more
4 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Sarah, Nina and Anya stayed with me for a number of weeks and they were great company very positive , tidy, hard working awesome cooks and a total blessing to host . Can highly recommend them
(Excellent)
