Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Nov 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
37
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
I am an older widow and a writer. my Family have grown up. I enjoy classical music and concerts. I love gardening but need help with pruning, weeding and landscaping .
At present there is some indoor maintenance, weeding and some lawn mowing
I do go to a farm sometimes it is in a less visited area in South Canterbury. to collect firewood there are a few shelter belt trees to be planted as there are gaps in some places.
I have space at present for one homestay only. There is a nice warm comfortable space in an alcove or a twin bedroom
.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Performing arts
Music
Gardening
History
Drawing & painting
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Outdoor activities
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am very interested in and reasonbly well informed about other countries and their cultures. I am always ready to help people improve their spoken and written English. I live in Christchurch near Canterbury University. and am happy to tell people where to go.or take them. I can cater for most Asians being able to cook Thai and Chinese yummy dishes. I appreciate time to correct my paintings whilst someone is doing a bit of gardening or boring vacuuming . Workawayers would learn about the New Zealand way of life and our food. I also go sometimes to a farm in South Canterbury to help with garden maintenance . The area is not visited by tourists and has bush, native wood pigeons, lots of sheep and a mountain range behind the homestead. There are good demanding hill tracks in nearby reserves and on the farm.
Help
My garden is quite large and needs weeding. I can only have room for one person. If you can mow lawns or use a De Walt reciprocal saw that will be a bonus. But it is easy to master and safe. I am quite computer literate. If you can use a quad bike that would be a help. Strict conditions when using quad bike, low speed etc. Helmet to be worn on farm if I go there one week to the farm which is in South Canterbury in the Hunter Hills. My old bike is available to use round Christchurch which has numerous bike lanes Helmets must be worn.
Languages
Languages spoken
French: 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
Christchurch a modern house with Upstairs a twin bedroom electric blanket and desk and desk light Handy to large bathroom and separate toilet. . Bench with sink hot water jug . Small fridge and microwave to use.
Farm Homestead bedroom with electric blanket ample storage for clothing etc bathroom and toilet handy. I enjoy cooking for other cultures.
What else ...
There numerous shops, banks, Post Office table tennis in Christchurch near this home. People can buy cars or sell them in Christchurch, if leaving to return back to their country.
Christchurch earthquake damage still visible.
People can visit Akaroa and the Hamner Hot Pools. Skiing in winter .
I have had very helpful young men and found their help with some heavier tasks really worthwhile..
Bus transport is just down the road. I appreciate at least 4-5 hours help a day but am flexible if person wishes a day off to visit somewhere.. I prefer some one who is happy to have breakfast at about 8 am, not much later. Also a person who will complete a task thoroughly.
Christchurch has some worthwhile local sights mostly the botanical gardens, and art gallery. Our museum (Its closed for earthquake repairs ).. The town is fine for bicycles. I am a good cook. There are good concerts to cater for all tastes.
I tried to send a review of the latest workaway Nadege but have not been able to do so. She has sent a review of me
So here goes
Nadege stayed for a few weeks as she had bought a nice looking hatchback to be tidied up. She was a very good cleaner indeed and anticipated many things that needed doing. . Nadege .put pea straw on parts of the garden a task new to her. abd was such a help weeding. Her best efforts were in the house though helping me in many ways thank you Philippa Grahjam
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I do not mind if people wish to use my wifi but one couple (not workaways) left me with a pile of used cartridges which indicates that they possibly used my printer non stop.
Space for parking camper vans
Good off street parking in excellent location.
Can possibly accept pets
No cats ever but well trained outside dogs ok must be registered in New Zealand and owners Responsible Owners
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (20)
Philippa has the true sens of Workaway.
She is hospitable, knowledgeable, helpful, flexible and funny.
My duties and tasks were flexible between the garden and inside the house.
It was various and pleasant.
I worked the morning and then I have the afternoon… read more
She often cooked delicious meals, especially fresh salads using vegetables from her own garden, which I truly appreciated.
She was always open to talk and gave me helpful advice… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Philippa has the true sens of Workaway.
She is hospitable, knowledgeable, helpful, flexible and funny.
My duties and tasks were flexible between the garden and inside the house.
It was various and pleasant.
I worked the morning and then I have the afternoon… read more
She often cooked delicious meals, especially fresh salads using vegetables from her own garden, which I truly appreciated.
She was always open to talk and gave me helpful advice… read more
She's a lovely wise woman full of interest in nature, farm life, food, music… read more
When I arrived there ,she cooked for me a tasty Japanese food for a dinner!It was so tasty and she can make so nice international foods!The work she gave me is everything not difficult it’s like a helping my mom.So I could enjoy it!
By the way I had… read more
I apologize for not being able to speak English and causing inconvenience to her. However, she cared for me, tried to understand me, and helped me with my language studies.
Cleaning the room and painting the… read more
Thanks for everything Philippa.
