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Description
Kia ora I'm Ethan, and welcome to my little corner of Motueka, New Zealand.
I'm passionate about creating abundant and diverse ecosystems, building sustainably, and learning to live more closely with the land. This project is my way of expressing creativity while shifting from the way many of us were raised, toward a lifestyle rooted in intention, regeneration, and community.
The vision here is to build a space where a small group of people can eventually coexist in harmony with each other and the environment, a place that supports life in all its forms.
Right now, the work is hands on and varied, we’re planting trees and restoring waterways, managing invasive plant species, harvesting timber, creating ponds and access ways, and (with a bit of luck and timing) starting some new natural builds soon.
We started here with a bare grassy hillside and are slowing transforming into a thriving eco system.
I enjoyed hosting Couchsurfers here for a few years with plenty of laughs and colour added to the cabin. If you just want to connect for a night with no expectations then contact me on CS.
I am now trying Workaway as i have more time on the land and would love to continue the good vibes of CS with an intention to help the land and vision to evolve.
Whether you’re drawn to the land, sustainability, creativity, or just want to explore a new way of living, I’d love to welcome you here and share the journey. The birds are returning more and more each year and we are blessed to be woken each morning with beautiful bird song. We look forward to hearing from you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I enjoy hearing people’s stories, experiences, and ideas from all over the world.
I’ve recently spent time living at a Dharma centre, and that experience has really influenced how I want to live and interact with others and the enviroment. I’m working to cultivate a sense of those qualities here: mindfulness, presence, simplicity, and compassion. While this isn’t a formal retreat space, I do value quiet moments, conscious living, and creating an environment where people can slow down, reflect, and grow.
At the same time, I’m passionate about practical skills and sharing knowledge. You’ll have the chance to learn what it takes to live with off-grid systems — from managing water and power, to growing food and building with natural materials. I have a strong DIY approach and encourage others to get involved, experiment, and learn by doing.
Whether it’s through deep conversations, learning new hands-on skills, or just enjoying simple moments together in nature, this space is all about exchange, inspiration, and shared experience.
Help
The help I need is varied and seasonal, so there’s usually something for everyone. At the moment, I’m mostly looking for people who are keen to get their hands dirty and enjoy physical, outdoor work.
Some of the tasks include:
Planting native and fruit trees
Managing introduced/invasive plant species
Harvesting timber and processing firewood
Digging and shaping ponds and waterways
Maintaining accessways
Helping with natural building projects (as they begin)
Experience is great but not required — what matters most is a good attitude, a willingness to learn, and a respect for the land and the project. If you have specific skills (e.g. building, landscaping, permaculture, tool use), let me know, but I'm always happy to guide people who are new to this kind of work too.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: Beginner
Accommodation
I live in an off grid cabin that i built myself and can sleep 3-4 comfortably with 1 slide out double and 2 single beds. It is an open shared spaced and there is a seperate shower and compost toilet dwelling. It has spring water on tap, a fire place and power for lights and device charging
NO! fridge/ frezzer or laundry facilities
I can go to town 2-3 times a week to support these needs
I also have a comfortable quality 2 person tent that i can use if a family wants the use of the whole cabin
It is a small kitchen space so shared meals are preferred. While I enjoy sharing new cultural dishes and can accomodate for any of your food preferences, I generally eat simple and healthy with 2 cooked meals of meat and vegetables a day with a lite meal of oats or toast.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of room for campervans and a couple different spots to park
Can possibly accept pets
Plenty of space for pets as long as they DO NOT chase wild life
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
