Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Jan 2025
Reply rate
96.4 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
9
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Description
Hello, Mandy and I (Brian) would love you to join us in Te Mata.
We are looking for helping hands on our 30-acre lifestyle block.
Currently we are in need of physically fit Workawayer/s who can assist in weed spraying. This task involves the use of a backpack or spray unit for the annual application of a herbicide to control noctious weeds.
Our block is situated in the scenic hills of Te Mata in the Coromandel Ranges, with a great view of the ranges and ocean. We have sheep and will hopefully be getting some chickens in the near future once a chicken coop is built.
If you love hiking, space and nature you will love it here. There are many native birds and trees we would be happy to share our knowledge of. In 2000 we built our home and know some really beautiful places to show you. Surrounding streams are great for looking for rocks and minerals (semi-precious stones), I can share my geological knowledge if you're interested. When the sea is flat I quite often head out fishing for snapper, you are more than welcome to join me when I go out.
As well as speaking English we know a few Maori words/phrases which we are happy to pass on to anyone interested in learning a bit of the local language, culture and history. Both Mandy and I are open minded and honest. We appreciate honest communication to ensure your stay with us a pleasurable and unforgettable one.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Most of the work does not require work experience, as we are happy to teach as we go. Please note however, that most of the tasks will be done outside and will require you to be physically fit. There will also be times when we will be looking for specific skills eg. chainsaw, fencing etc
We can teach you about sheep, native birds & plants, building, DIY projects, working machinery, weed control, Maori culture, geology and fishing.
Help
We have a continuous list of things to do depending on your interests, the weather and season.
There are small building projects we would love help with; building a chicken coop, repainting the house and making a vegetable garden. As well as creating walking tracks through our native bush.
Ongoing property maintenance and weed control (gorse eradication or cutting) are things we would like help with. Sometimes we use chemicals, please let us know if you have an aversion to this.
Depending on the season there is stock work to do - lambing, shearing, drenching.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Maori: 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
Separate from the main house we have our "workawayer room" with a double bed, private bathroom and fully self-contained kitchenette.
What else ...
You are welcome to park your car/van here, if you do not have your own transport we can pick you up from Thames.
We would like for you to work 4-5 hours a day 5 days a week. Staying with us is ideal for couples and for singles who enjoy solitude tasks. If you want to work a full day you can have the next day off for example. We usually just talk about what works for both of us and are flexible.
Please note that we eat meat, fish and dairy. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, please add this to your message.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate up to 7m campervans beside the accommodation.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (5)
We only spent a week with them, but it was remarkable in every sense.
The tasks were very interesting, and Brian extremely good at teaching us skills and conveying what he wanted done. And it was varied, too: we helped finishing a fence in the woods, we… read more
Although fairly new to farm type work she never once held back and was keen to participate and offer useful suggestions and solutions to any task.
I genuinely valued her input and would… read more
The room was spotless and comfortable. Mandy's cooking was amazing, I even took some recipes from her when I left! The… read more
She was very motivated to get on with any tasks given and proved to be a real asset in helping us rid the property of unwanted vegetation.
She would definitely be welcome back at any time and we recommend her… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
We only spent a week with them, but it was remarkable in every sense.
The tasks were very interesting, and Brian extremely good at teaching us skills and conveying what he wanted done. And it was varied, too: we helped finishing a fence in the woods, we… read more
Although fairly new to farm type work she never once held back and was keen to participate and offer useful suggestions and solutions to any task.
I genuinely valued her input and would… read more
The room was spotless and comfortable. Mandy's cooking was amazing, I even took some recipes from her when I left! The… read more
She was very motivated to get on with any tasks given and proved to be a real asset in helping us rid the property of unwanted vegetation.
She would definitely be welcome back at any time and we recommend her… read more
One of the main projects they were given, on our property, was to help build a challenging 8 wire sheep proof fence in very difficult terrain. They considered this 'their baby - to be seen… read more
The accommodation and food is excellent. We spent our mornings clearing their beautiful paddocks of weeds, we also learned new skills essential to Kiwi Farming like fence building, and mustering sheep. In the afternoon you can take your pick of exploring the… read more
As a couple they brought a lot to the whole workaway experience. Casper was a willing and very capable helper to the projects that Brian had in the pipeline and his physical strength and stamina, teamed with… read more
We had a private room which was comfortable and the tasks were varied which made our stay great. We worked a whole day and had a day off where Brian and Mandy took us to explore the area.
Both hosts are patient when… read more
