Permaculture Learning Opportunity & Supporting Charity Experience
The experience
Main Activities
• Sow and raise seedlings for planting out spring and summer crops
• Weeding, pruning, bed prep, mulch, and organic compost building
• Seed propagation, transplant, and establish thriving beds
• Care of sheep - water checks and pasture rhythms
• Light fencing, painting, maintenance, and hands-on spring projects
• Assist with prep for my annual spring charity events
You’ll Learn: Organic, permaculture, compost principles and tasks
What you offer
25 hours of help per week
Painting & Decorating:
Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.
Building & Repairing:
Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Farming:
Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.
Gardening:
Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast:
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
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.
Yoga classes:
Take free yoga classes at our place.
Permaculture Course:
Take part in our Permaculture course for free.
Fast Internet Access:
High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Intermediate English
Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
Join me during the busy and rewarding spring season on my organic permaculture block. This is a hands-on learning experience focused on seasonal garden care, small-scale farming, and practical homesteading skills.
Main Activities
1. Seasonal Garden Work
• Sowing seeds and raising seedlings
• Planting spring crops
• Weeding, pruning and bed preparation
• Mulching beds
• Compost making and turning
2. Garden Prep & Early Season Care
• Seed sowing planning and propagation basics
• Prick out and transplanting seedlings
• Prepare and establish new garden beds
• Early season crop protection and care
3. Animal Care
• Assist me with sheep care (no lambing as we have no rams)
• Check water and general wellbeing
• Learn basic pasture management
4. Property Projects
• Maintenance and painting projects
• General spring maintenance tasks eg fencing repairs and garden set-up projects
You’ll Learn
• Principles of organic and permaculture growing practices
• Compost systems and soil health
• Seed sowing and propagation skills
• Basics of small-scale sheep care
What I Offer
• Beautiful private accommodation in a large room
• Shared meals (seasonal, homegrown where possible)
• A welcoming, relaxed home environment
• Practical, real-world organic permaculture learning experience
This program suits motivated, reliable helpers who are task oriented, enjoy outdoor work, want to learn new skills, and contribute to a small, organic land-based lifestyle.
At breakfast we set daily tasks & goals together… and then it’s all go
• carry out set tasks outlined in your 5 hours each day
• this is working over 5 days per 7 day week
• 2 days are free for you to explore when staying 7 full days
Note - your help and assistance may be asked of for meal & vege prep after your 5 hours/free time
Activities & Shift
As mentioned, at breakfast we set our daily tasks and goals together… and then it’s all go
• carry out set tasks outlined in the descriptions already shared which are set during your 5 hours each day
• this is working over 5 days per 7 day week
• 2 days are free for you to explore and rest when staying 7 full days
Please note that your help and assistance may be asked of for meal & vege prep after your 5 hours/free time. We often chat and enjoy time together doing this.
Work is varied and weather-dependent, with a good balance of physical outdoor tasks and steadier jobs.
Rules
House rules and some guidance too…
I’m fortunate to live on a beautiful Heritage-Category 2 listed property in New Zealand. I ask all helpers to respect my home, the land, and this quiet rural community.
No Smoking, Vaping or Drugs
This is a strictly no smoking, no vaping, and no illegal drugs property — indoors or outdoors.
Water Care (Rainwater + Bore Supply)
I use harvested rainwater and a bore/well supply, with filtration and UV light treatment, supported by a septic system. Water is always precious and infrastructure-sensitive. Therefore the home runs best on every one playing a role to have…
• Short showers
• No running taps
• Septic-safe products only
• Upfront reporting of any leaks
Power Use
Our electricity is from solar panels and battery storage.
• Switch off your room lights and your appliances when not in use
• Avoid high-energy use
• Be mindful during cloudy weather when the panels re not producing a lot of energy.
Dark Sky Respect
I’m lucky to enjoy beautiful dark skies for stargazing. Please keep outdoor lighting to a minimum at night and turn off lights when not needed.
Internet Use
Fast internet is available for normal use. No illegal activity or excessive heavy downloading.
Safety First
You need sturdy boots for outdoor work.
I can supply some gloves and protective work gear when needed.
Do follow instructions for using the tools and general working safely guidance.
Always ask if unsure — safety comes first.
Parking
Onsite secure parking is available in our designated areas only.
Please Respect our Peaceful Community
• No loud music or noise
• Keep evenings quieter
• Be considerate of neighbours