Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 Dec 2025
Reply rate
82.6 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
10
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
My home and pottery studio are on a 1 acre section just on the edge of Ngunguru on the beautiful Tutukaka Coast.
I'm a youngish pensioner, creating and selling my work as well as running pottery workshops.
I had Volunteers here for many years and always loved the mutual exchange in so many ways with working guests from different cultures - plus they helped me create a wonderful garden and restored wetland from what used to be bare land.
I have recently parked a tiny house parked amongst the kahikatea trees quite separate from my dwelling and self-contained with a small kitchen and bathroom/shower; I now feel I can offer some choice accommodation in exchange for practical help around the place - mostly this would in the way of garden and building maintenance.
UPDATE!!
After a year's hiatus my pretty tiny house is again available..I'm looking for some willing workers , preferably a couple - there's just one double bed - help out with ongoing landscape and building maintenance .
Long summer days allow for swims in the river across the road , kayaking, exploring the local beaches and bush walks.
Also have a couple of bikes available .
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Culture
Plant care
Performing arts
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Books
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Hiking
Dancing
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Originally from the Netherlands I immigrated to Aotearoa in the seventies.
I've lived in Ngunguru for 30 years now and simply can't imagine a better place to be.
It's a beautiful stretch of coast with so many different beaches, great for walks, kayaking snorkeling and diving (the Poor Knights islands!) - and from my place just a short walk to the river for a swim on a hot summer day..
I'm firmly embedded in this wonderful community around here - our little valley has a tribe of kids keeping things lively too.
Help
I have a few weed patches I'd like to tackle, incl. honeysuckle vine and papyrus - some experience with a weedeater would be a bonus (but not mandatory)..due to an injury I haven't been able to do as much as I'd like.
Some outside painting, sprucing up the chook run etc.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
As mentioned earlier - tiny house has a double bed, it's own composting toilet and shower and is self-contained as such. I imagine mostly sharing meals together (lunch and dinner) I'm pescatarian; I enjoy cooking - happy sharing that as well :)
What else ...
My internet coverage is a bit patchy.
I have a cat and 4 chickens
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (7)
They tackled the jobs with positive attitude and enthusiasm and worked solidly together .
Our communication went smooth - Melodie 's english is fluent and what Enzo lacked in english was well compensated for by his flair with the… read more
Akke is a great person and she made us feel very welcome in her house!
Her garden is a real piece of paradise and it was a pleasure to help her out , especially during springtime as everything is growing so fast.
The surrounding area of Tutukaka coast is really beautiful… read more
These two got stuck in and made such a difference with the weedeater, cleaning and tidy-ups.
They were easy going and interesting company.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and highly recommend them!
They're super friendly and willing to work - showing initiative and tackling various projects with enthusiasm, working hard and taking pride in copleting a good job.
I really rnjoyed their company and would welcome them back any time!
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:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.7)
They tackled the jobs with positive attitude and enthusiasm and worked solidly together .
Our communication went smooth - Melodie 's english is fluent and what Enzo lacked in english was well compensated for by his flair with the… read more
Akke is a great person and she made us feel very welcome in her house!
Her garden is a real piece of paradise and it was a pleasure to help her out , especially during springtime as everything is growing so fast.
The surrounding area of Tutukaka coast is really beautiful… read more
These two got stuck in and made such a difference with the weedeater, cleaning and tidy-ups.
They were easy going and interesting company.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and highly recommend them!
They're super friendly and willing to work - showing initiative and tackling various projects with enthusiasm, working hard and taking pride in copleting a good job.
I really rnjoyed their company and would welcome them back any time!
Visiting in autumn has felt like a Canadian spring, using the… read more
Her home is an oasis of peace, with all those flowers and bird sounds.
The phone doesn't get much reception and that is a good thing to be able to experience more of reality and everything around you.
I didn't have a car and she took me to visit many… read more
