Home Stays

 

Home Stays

For Abbi, Matt and Serena – No homestay picture, just some cute calves
For Abbi, Matt and Serena – No homestay picture, just some cute calves

Abbi, Matt, and Serena stayed with Brian and Sally. Sally is the manager of the local PGG Wrightson’s and Brian works at the local dairy farm. They lived on a smaller farm that was close to the dairy farm Brian helped out at. Together they had two horses, 15 chickens, three calf’s and a dog named Misty. Sally has a loom and wool spinner, so she buys raw wool and makes blankets to give as gifts. We talked about our different governments, sports, and the dairy industry. They had a beautiful garden and high tunnel. We ate lamb shoulder, sweet potatoes, peas, and parsnips for dinner. Our breakfast we were served toast, eggs, and tea.  We had a great night and then in the morning Brian took us to see the dairy farm that he works at and showed us all of the things that go into running it.

Grace, Lily, Brook and homestay host, Jean
Grace, Lily, Brook and homestay host, Jean

Lily, Grace, and Brook stayed with a Dick and Jean. Dick and Jean live on their family farm that has been in Dicks family for three generations. The family farm consists of dairy cattle and sheep. Dick took the students out for a drive to see the family farm and the beautiful views of their property. Overall, the students really enjoyed having conversations with the couple over a delicious supper.

 




Kallista, homestay host, Janice, Aubrina and Tasha
Kallista, homestay host, Janice, Aubrina and Tasha

Kallista, Tasha, and Aubrina stayed with Janice. Janice lives in her home that has been in her family for many generations. Janice lived in town on a 3-acre plot and has a beautiful yard. We enjoyed the night around the fireplace talking about our backgrounds. We also spend some time looking at a map of New Zealand showing her where we have been and where we will be going.

 

Brennen, Grant, Matt, homestay host, June
Brennen, Grant, Matt, homestay host, June 

Matt, Grant, and Brennen stayed with Barry and June. They live right outside Hunterville on 3 acres where they have a dozen chickens, 5 sheep, and some steer to come in and graze on the grass. We talked about life, covid and politics while they served us some cheese and crackers. The dinner they made was smoked lamb, potatoes, and vegetables from June’s garden. In the morning we had some toast and coffee.

 


Jean, Kylie, homestay hosts, Claire and Alan

Jean, Kylie, homestay hosts, Claire and Alan 


Kylie, Julie, and Jean stayed with Alan and Claire. They live near Hunterville on several hundred acres where they run beef cattle and sheep. They farm alongside their son who lives right down the road from them. For dinner they served roast, peas and carrots, roasted potatoes, and pumpkin. Following dinner, they were able to have a raspberry pie served with cream and ice cream. In the morning, we got to tour a local veterinary clinic and get a glance at their farm. They were able to see some of the steers and some of the dogs working sheep. They also showed them a quick view of the family’s wool shed.

 

Katy, Makenzie and Mackenzie along with Rodger and Pia their homestay hosts plus the next generation
Katy, Makenzie and Mackenzie along with Rodger and Pia their homestay hosts plus the next generation 

Katy, Makenzie, and Mackenzie stayed with Rodger and Pia. We got to tour their 400-acre farm that they have sheep that are a cross of Romney and Cheviots. They also grow maize which they are very proud of. Rodger and Pia have given the farm to the children to utilize. After the tour of the farm, we went inside where we got to meet the daughter, her husband, and their children. We ate a lamb and vegetable roast as well as finishing off our dinner with apple crumble.

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