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Join Madhuban, a peaceful retreat in one of New Zealandβs most unspoiled locations. Weβre looking for a skilled volunteer, especially in carpentry and joinery, to help prepare the property for short-term rental. Tasks include building a bookcase, replacing a kitchen counter, and supporting gardening and landscaping. A perfect mix of hands-on work and stunning nature. β¨
25 hours of help per week
Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.
Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.
Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
Amount: US$ 50 Per week
Description: Contribution towards electricity and wifi expenses. May also request to share gas/petrol if they do not have a license/vehicle and want me to drive them.
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely
Intermediate English or Intermediate Hindi
Between 25 and 55 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Academy Course How to become an outstanding Worldpacker
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
HOW OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WORKS
The basics:
Volunteers work 4β5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Weekends are completely free. Minimum stay is 4 weeks β longer stays are very welcome if the arrangement works well for both parties. We are flexible about start and end dates and happy to discuss what works for your travel plans.
How we structure the work:
Before you arrive we will have a clear conversation about the specific projects that need doing and agree on a realistic work plan for your stay. I don't believe in vague open-ended arrangements β I want you to know exactly what's expected and feel a sense of achievement and progress throughout your time here. Carpentry and joinery projects are the priority, followed by garden and grounds work. We check in regularly to make sure everything is working well for both of us.
A typical day:
Morning β work begins at a mutually agreed time, typically after breakfast
4β5 hours of work on agreed projects
Afternoon β completely your own time to explore, rest, work remotely, or pursue your own interests
Evening β we cook and eat dinner together most evenings. This is the social heart of the arrangement β good food, good conversation, and genuine cultural exchange. You are never obligated to join but most volunteers find this the highlight of their stay
Communication and flexibility:
I am usually at home and easy to communicate with. If something isn't working β the work, the schedule, the arrangement β I ask that you tell me openly and we'll sort it out together. I extend the same courtesy in return. Honest, respectful communication is the foundation of a good volunteer arrangement.
Screening and matching:
Because I live alone in a remote location, I take the matching process seriously. I ask all prospective volunteers to:
Have a
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Every day will look a little different depending on the season, the weather, and the stage of the projects we are working on together. Here is a realistic picture of what a typical week might look like:
Carpentry and joinery projects:
The priority indoor work includes replacing a kitchen counter and building a fitted bookcase. Depending on your experience and pace this could involve measuring, planning, sourcing materials from Kerikeri, cutting, fitting, and finishing. We work through these projects methodically and at a pace that produces quality results rather than rushing.
Garden and grounds:
Weeding, planting, pruning, shaping garden beds, clearing overgrown areas, and general landscaping to bring the property to its best. Whangaroa's subtropical climate means things grow fast β keeping the garden looking beautiful is satisfying, visible work.
Orchard and fruit tree care:
Our banana, peach, and fig trees need regular attention β trimming, shaping, clearing around the base, and harvesting when in season. If you have an interest in fruit growing and permaculture this is a genuinely interesting part of the work.
Tree trimming:
Larger trees around the property need trimming and shaping β some of this is physical work requiring confidence at height and with tools.
Painting and general maintenance:
Interior and exterior touch-ups, minor repairs, and general handyman tasks as needed to bring the property to rental-ready condition.
Evening kitchen time:
Most evenings we spend around an hour cooking dinner together in the main kitchen. I prepare traditional Indian vegetarian meals from scratch β dal, curries, chutneys, rice, breads β and welcome anyone curious to learn. This is genuinely one of the most enjoyable parts of the day and never feels like work.
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RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Work and reliability:
Please arrive for work at the agreed time each day, ready to work
If you are unwell or something has come up, communicate with me as early as possible β I am understanding and flexible, but I ask for honesty
Work hours are 4β5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. I don't clock-watch but I do expect consistent daily effort. Please take pride in your work β this is my home and I care deeply about quality. All agreed projects should be completed to a proper standard before moving on to the next task
The home and property: Treat the property β including your studio β with the same care and respect you would your own home
Please keep your studio clean and tidy throughout your stay
Report any accidental damage honestly and immediately β accidents happen, dishonesty does not sit well with me
No smoking, excessive drinking, or drugs.
No pets β I do not have animals and am unable to accommodate volunteers travelling with pets
Please do not invite guests to the property without discussing with me first
Noise β I keep early hours and value a quiet, peaceful household. Please be considerate of this, particularly in the evenings
The kitchen:The main kitchen is vegetarian β please respect this when cooking in the main house
Your kitchenette is your own space and you are free to eat as you choose there
After cooking together in the evenings, please help clean up β shared spaces stay pleasant when everyone contributes
Safety: Please familiarise yourself with the property and any safety considerations on arrival. Some outdoor work involves tools and heights β please work safely and within your genuine capabilities. Never attempt something you are not confident doing.
