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Hastings
Hastings is an ideal place to stay as you explore Hawke’s Bay. Perfect for house sitting!
Hawke’s Bay
If you appreciate great weather, beautiful beaches, sunshine and wineries then the beautiful region of Hawke’s Bay is for you. It is great for house sitters as the city of Napier has stunning Art Deco buildings and the famous Art Deco Festival every February. If you’re into golf then the world class Cape Kidnappers golf course is a must if you’re in the region. Hawke’s Bay is also known for its wildlife, swimming spots and friendly people. Pets love the open spaces just as much as visitors. What a magnificent place Hawke’s Bay is.
I am a trust lawyer by trade having lived in Japan, the Cook Islands and the Bri…
I am a trust lawyer by trade having lived in Japan, the Cook Islands and the British Virgin Islands for most of the last 20 years but have returned to NZ (hopefully) permanently. For the last year I have run a trust company in Auckland but have left it to become “my own boss” and am setting up a trust consultancy business. This can be done almost exclusively online and I wish to reconnect with NZ whilst doing so and revisit the country. Wherein I was told about housesitting and thought it would be an ideal way to do so especially as I have such flexibility at the moment. Growing up in Morrinsville there were always animals around. Plus we guinea pigs, goats and Siamese cats (very sensitive eaters). My last girlfriend in the BVI had a lovely dog Georgie who I looked after many times and would regularly walk. She was a rescue dog and sadly had been abused so we had to be quite careful with her. I am reliable and very punctual (I blame my time in Japan). If I say something I will do it. I will look after your home and pets as if they were my own. I am truly looking forward to this adventure and thank you for being a part of it with me.
We are Casey and Jen, a married, professional couple in our 50s. We live in Well…
We are Casey and Jen, a married, professional couple in our 50s. We live in Wellington and are in the process of retiring. We are non-smokers. Jen has just completed treatment for early stage cancer. To celebrate the end of her treatment, we plan to visit different parts of New Zealand before settling into our own property in the Far North in late 2020. This retirement property is presently rented out on a long-term lease. We both were born in Europe (Scotland and Germany) and have post-graduate degrees. We have lived and worked in many countries during our professional careers and have long-standing, personal connections to NZ. We moved here from the UK in 2017 and our NZ permanent residency was granted in 2019. Our interests include outdoor sports, cooking and gardening (we have been members of our local landcare group in the Far North since 2015 and have volunteered with the World Wildlife Fund as well as a Wellington pest control group). We have owned pets (dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, chickens and fish) in the past, and we are dog and cat lovers. Casey grew up next to large farms for part of his upbringing. His father and uncle also co-owned a small sheep and cattle farm, where he spent a summer working in his mid-teens. Jen comes from a Scottish farming family. And while her parents lived in a village, with many pets, Jen spent all of her childhood holidays at her aunt and uncle’s farm. On the farm she was responsible for taking the eight working collie sheepdogs on daily walks and for tending to the chickens. With her uncle, a member of Scotland’s international sheep handling team, Jen’s also attended many sheepdog trials. We see house-sitting as a way to spend more time with domestic animals. This has not been possible for the past few years due to our work commitments and living in rental properties that prohibited pets. We also see house-sitting as a way to explore new parts of New Zealand. As remote property owners ourselves, we understand and respect the issues that homeowners face.
Barry and I have been married for 42 years and have always owned our own propert…
Barry and I have been married for 42 years and have always owned our own property until very recently. We have been pet owners - dog (a beautiful Collie), many cats, budgies, fish! We love animals. We are now living in a Retirement Village in the North Island and are retired, and therefore wanting to travel around and enjoy New Zealand while at the same time offering a service to others. We keep good health and are fit and active. We have had experience in house sitting for personal friends in Timaru and Nelson, and have cared for their pets. Homeowners can expect a couple who are reliable, honest, quiet and trustworthy. We are used to have our own home and know the responsibilities of caring for it.
My name is Diana, and I am a (Wellington born) New Zealander, who has travelled …
My name is Diana, and I am a (Wellington born) New Zealander, who has travelled extensively overseas. I am also a mother, and grandmother and I visit my families in Wellington, Melbourne and Sydney fairly regularly. I work seven to eight days a fortnight as a registered nurse, coordinating clinical trials at Hawke's Bay Hospital. I keep good health and am a non smoker. I would like to engage in some house sitting as I have sold my own home and would like to have some flexible time before I engage in another permanent commitment to a home. Of course I would also like to feel at the same time that I can support home owners who would like to go away, feeling confident that their home and pets will be looked after responsibly and with respect, by an honest professional (my grandchildren do not live in Hawke's Bay and would not visit at any time I was engaged in house sitting). I have had dogs, cats, birds, fish, guinea pigs - and the rest that come with three children over the past 40 years. I currently I have no pets of my own. As a sitter I would take particular care with regard to the security and safety of your home, and care of any pets as requested - including of course, dog walking. I currently have no planned overseas trips and so would be very happy to sit for you, should you wish to contact me.
We are David and Adrienne Smith and our ages are 68 and 61. We are a friendly, q…
We are David and Adrienne Smith and our ages are 68 and 61. We are a friendly, quiet couple, non-smokers, who have rented out our home in Auckland to discover the rest of this beautiful country, whilst caring for your home and pets. About us: David spent much of his early years on a farm in Matamata, before moving with his family to Auckland. He has worked for Air New Zealand, and its predecessor NAC, for many years as an airline pilot, both short and long haul and is now retired. David is involved in IT support for a charity group, which can be carried out anywhere there is internet connection. We do not need much bandwidth, its mostly offline work. Adrienne, also retired, has worked as a nurse and caregiver. She is a keen gardener and loves walking, crafts and reading. We are keen to move into the next phase of life, exploring other parts of this beautiful country, and beyond. Our gorgeous bi-colour ragdoll cat is no longer with us, leaving us free to care for your home and pets. We love pets and have significant experience caring for cats, dogs of various sizes and ages, and chooks. Awarded as a top 10 housesitter for 2019. As we have no work or family constraints, we can offer dedicated service to caring for your home and pet as we would our own.
My husband and I have recently retired, and we are unsure as to where we would l…
My husband and I have recently retired, and we are unsure as to where we would like to settle in our retirement. I spent 30 years working for an airline spending much of my time overseas. My husband was a ship’s captain so he spent all his working life overseas as well, in between coming home for his leaves. Then his job took him permanently to Asia, so we have just returned from being based in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for the last five years. Now that we are home, we have yearnings to live in either a different suburb of Auckland, or more rural areas but as we have always lived in big cities, we are not confident to do this without trying it out first. We are also embarking on a renovation project with our villa, so Housesitting also gives us a roof over our heads. As neither of us are working, we will always be able to give quality time to your pets and will always put them first. We love animals and had Rhodesian Ridgebacks when our kids were growing up. I couldn’t bear to put them into kennels when we went on our holidays, so we always relied on my parents who lived in Tauranga to look after them. Our first Ridgeback was extremely timid so the thought of putting her in some kennel with other dogs and strangers was utterly unthinkable! So we totally understand and appreciate the love that people have for their pets. I also spent years volunteering for the SPCA in Kuala Lumpur and really loved it. I also came across many stray cats and kittens on the streets of KL so I would always rescue them by taking them to the SPCA where I worked, or on another occasion my neighbour found a mother cat and her litter and so we managed to trap them all and my husband and I drove them to the vet for immediate medical assistance (hence the explanation for one of the photos). When it comes to housekeeping, I am always looking for something to clean so you will always come home to a clean house.
I am a mature woman who is responsible, clean living, quiet and enjoys presentin…
I am a mature woman who is responsible, clean living, quiet and enjoys presenting and maintaining properties to the best possible standard. I do not smoke, drink or party. I have a current Police clearance which I will present when we meet. I attend and serve at a local church in Matamata while in the area. I was raised on a farm in Hawkes Bay so am familiar with animal care and responsibility. I have worked in professional roles but am not working currently and find it difficult to cope with current rental rates. I have house sat previously while living in Western Australia and took care of a very large dog. I have been a long term cat owner but do not currently have animals in my care and miss this contact. I frequently stop to admire other peoples' animals while out and about. It's a great way to meet people too.I have also sat for personal friends in Tauranga prior to my departure for Australia in 2010. They were very satisfied with my level of care but have been unable to repeat this service for them while property managing a rural colonial villa near Matamata, rejuventating both massive garden and the interior of the property.Early in 2018 I looked after animals on a kiwifruit orchard and kept an 'eye' on seasonal happenings while in that role as my first sit with The House siting Company.. As the house sitter, I take my role seriously. You will be away from home fully confident that your property is well cared for and that your animals are nurtured and cared for exactly as you require. Your property will be kept clean, tidy and totally presentable. I enjoy gardening and taking pride in where I live, applying these same guidelines to your property if you require this(only weed removal and dead-heading). I replenish anything I might use (although well equipped with own supplies) and ensure that when you arrive home, you will be able to 'make a cuppa' etc. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the details of both pet care and property to allow me to do the very best possible in your absence.
I am mature and trustworthy and enjoy house sitting while traveling in my motor …
I am mature and trustworthy and enjoy house sitting while traveling in my motor home. I have several clients whom I house sit for looking after cats and dogs and am comfortable around livestock. I enjoy property maintenance and have owned a hire-a-hubby business in the past. I enjoy looking after lawns and gardens as required. I am seventy years of age, physically fit and enjoy being occupied with chores as my age permits. I am a non smoker and social drinker. I am respectful and a clean tidy person and considered to be very caring in my everyday life.
I am now a single woman recently retired from the professional workforce and hav…
I am now a single woman recently retired from the professional workforce and have returned to New Zealand after living overseas for a number of years. Since retiring I have been asked to house/pet sit on two occasions. I enjoyed the experience and would like to expand on that, while at the same time seeing more of New Zealand. A little about myself - I grew up on a dairy farm in the Manawatu and am comfortable with all animals. I don't have any pets of my own at the moment but I did have as a child including cats, dogs, guinea pigs and a lamb. My interests include travel, reading, gardening, cycling, walking/tramping, the outdoors and meeting new people and hearing about their lives and interests. Also my 3 sons and their families which include my 5 young grand children. I own my home and can assure home owners that I will treat their home, garden and pets as if they were my own. I am very security conscious and clean living and have respect for people and their possessions. I look forward to caring for your homes, gardens and pets and assure home owners that I am a trustworthy and respectful person. I have included references from other home owners and long term friends for your perusal. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
I am an artist and was born in Wellington and raised in Nelson. We lived next to…
I am an artist and was born in Wellington and raised in Nelson. We lived next to a farm and from a very early age I became the farmer’s main assistant. Although it was primarily a sheep farm, there were also horses, milking cows, goats, geese and domestic animals... all of which I felt much affection towards. The farmer called me his animal whisperer. I would spend most of the school holidays toiling the farm and occasionally the farmer would leave me in charge while he attended other business. At the age of thirteen, I inherited a young and fierce Doberman Pinscher which I kept for five years. I include this information to indicate that I can handle big and aggressive dogs and can safely break-up dog fights if required. I have travelled through over 60 countries and have lived in a dozen of them including in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. I have house-sat a wide variety of residences ranging from humble abodes to multi-million-dollar properties. It has involved caring for a wide range of domestic and exotic animals including snakes, ostriches and buffalo. I am non-smoking, clean and tidy, and always conscious of my surroundings. I provide good security wherever I stay as I work from home and don’t like going out at night. I am also a little obsessive/compulsive (OCD) about checking that the place is secure before leaving. I am able-bodied and can mow lawns and do garden maintenance. My main requirement is a good internet connection needed for my business.
Mature, sensible professional (semi retired) with partner, both with love for an…
Mature, sensible professional (semi retired) with partner, both with love for animals. Remko (originally from Holland back in 1972) and Caroline (from China). Both non smokers, enjoy clean living with clean criminal international and local records. We met in Malaysia while working as volunteers with cats and dogs for SPCA in early 2015. After that we did a period of volunteers with tigers in Thailand. Highlight of our lives. Great experience to be so close and intimate with a wild animals. Few scars but lived to tell all the tales. After we worked with them, cats and dogs are so easy. Next, hoping to spend some time with elephants. We have done home sitting in NZ as well as offshore in Europe and China as well as a 4 week stay in Malaysia. Although we like to travel, live clean and appreciate clean houses so your home will be looked after. Although not fantastic green fingers, we will happily mow your grass and pull a few weeds as required. As we both still work part time, appreciate wi-fi so we can still receive emails etc. Sky is not important cause we rather be outside enjoying open air as against watching TV. Also since 2017, a volunteer firefighter originally with Otorohanga but would consider helping any local volunteer brigade. Rem has in the past also looked after NZ Police dogs while their handler has gone on holiday so the average dog should be relatively easy. Happy to walk the dogs and where possible, take them to the beach if possible. Hopefully have secure parking for the BMW as well? Since Feb 2017 we have lived in Otorohanga and have looked after various local and surrounding properties. A 550 acre grazing farm and a very upmarket lifestyle house. Although its been fun here, we are ready for another area from now on. Long term housesits preferred but will consider short options as well.
Hi there, I am a fit and healthy 55 year old female and am currently employed by…
Hi there, I am a fit and healthy 55 year old female and am currently employed by an online agricultural company, so I have the ability to work from anywhere, so long as I have internet access. This gives me plenty of time to spend with your pets and ensure they are well looked after. I have been involved in the farming and horticulture industries for most of my life and am an avid gardener and quite happy to keep your garden tidy while you're away! I hold a Diploma in Agriculture and have studied holistic animal health, and have practical experience with many types of animals including; domestic pets, horses (head coach Wairoa Pony Club for 20 years), chooks, pigs, and moving and looking after all farm livestock (with or without farm dogs). I am clean and tidy and very conscientious as well as being a practical person who can handle most small farm equipment, water supplies etc. I spent 5 years living off-grid so also have experience with solar power systems. I enjoy house sitting as it gives me the opportunity to get to know different areas of New Zealand. I am a responsible and dependable person who will keep your house tidy and well-cared for and will give your animals the time and attention they deserve. I am more than happy to keep you updated with photos, e-mails or phone calls while you are away. Please feel free to check out my references, referees or give me a call! Thanks, Sue.
We are both retired and living in Southland and are both from the North Island o…
We are both retired and living in Southland and are both from the North Island originally, I am from Taranaki and my husband from Hawkes Bay. Love to travel and we would like to house sit outside Southland. Over the last two years we have house sat for our children, looking after their animals and properties. Daryl is a retired Veterinarian, with great expertise in small and large animals. He also has farming experience with sheep, cattle and deer. Caryl is a retired school teacher, a keen Bridge player, walker and gardener. I would not find it difficult to maintain a garden while the owner was away We have always had pet cats and dogs until recently, so caring for and walking your animals would be a pleasure. We are very aware of the responsibility of caring for other peoples beloved pets and their households.
Dear homeowners, We are an entrepreneurial couple, in our early 30s. Our home …
Dear homeowners, We are an entrepreneurial couple, in our early 30s. Our home is in Australia but during the past 8 years we have spent a lot of time in-between New Zealand & Australia. This time we are staying in New Zealand until the end of September 2020. We have joined the house-sitting family because it gives us a great opportunity to explore different parts of New Zealand while spending time with some amazing animals. Also, it feels good to help out busy homeowners who wish to take a break or holiday without having to worry about their pets and home :) We absolutely love animals and for a while we've wanted to get our own dog but due to our lifestyle it's nearly impossible at this stage. Looking after someone elses pet(s) is the second best thing to owning a dog :) So far we have done house sitting in New Zealand as well as looked after our friends houses and pets all around the world - dogs, cats, Guinea pigs, rabbits & various avian species (parrots, chicken etc). We also have experience with looking after rescue dogs and think that there is nothing more rewarding than getting some love back from them :) Growing up our families have owned dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish and even frill necked lizard. Looking after animals comes to us naturally, they truly are humans best mates. By choosing us to look after your home and/or extended family members we can assure you that both of them are well looked after. We would treat your home and pets as they were our own. PS: As we both work from home it doesn't really matter whether your home is - in a city, suburban area or even in the outback. As long as you have internet access we are happy to help you out. Hope to hear from you soon, Simon & Marion The Estralians
We are a retired couple who enjoy travelling and experiencing new areas. We ha…
We are a retired couple who enjoy travelling and experiencing new areas. We have done a little housesitting for friends who have a cat that we love to look after. Brian brings very practical skills as both a retired farmer and former Tasman District Councillor. I like to think I am practical and up-for-anything with retired schoolteacher experience. Both of us love animals and have owned many pets in the past. We both grew up with family pets as well as farm animals; each requiring different care. I have had dogs, cats and birds along with the backyard chooks in the past both as a child growing up and also as my own children were growing up. They have always been much loved family members. Brian grew up in a farming family with sheep, goats, cows and horses featuring strongly in his background. He was a founding member of the Blenheim Polo Club. He has also breed spaniels in the past. Both of us enjoy the outdoors especially hiking, kayaking and swimming. I love to take wildlife and landscape photos wherever our travels have taken us. We are responsible people who will care for and respect both your home and your pets as if they were our own. We have the flexibility that comes with being retired and the enthusiasm to ensure your pets are well loved and cared for.