A very special Volunteer Experience

Written by Maddie Stanley, Learning Environment Kaimahi

We often host longer-term volunteers over the summer months who spend a few days a week experiencing different aspects of our kaupapa on the farm, building meaningful relationships with the team, and sharing their unique skills and passions with us. They also have the chance to stay in our beautiful off-grid tiny house on the farm if they wish while they are here.

Alan and Branwyn were a great example of a couple who spent a month with us over Summer 2024/25.  Hailing from the UK, they were midway through a six-month journey in Aotearoa, where Branwyn had lived previously. I chatted with them before they departed to find out more about their time at Pīwaiwaka Farm. 

Branwyn and Alan

They described their stay as “very special”. They loved staying in the tiny house, being close to nature, and spending so much time outside. Branwyn spent much of her time in the māra kai, partly alone doing simple tasks like weeding, which she described as “a wonderful meditative experience”, and partly with our two kaimahi from our Thriving Kai team whose company she thoroughly enjoyed. 

The māra kai

Alan dedicated his time here to the native plant nursery, finding deep satisfaction in propagating hundreds of tiny seedlings, knowing they would one day take root and grow into magnificent rākau [trees].

Kahikatea seedlings

Branwyn and Alan were here during our Rongoā and Wellbeing Retreat and were very helpful in preparing the space, assisting with kai preparation and maintaining the facilities.  Branwyn joined in some of the sessions, bringing her unique energy and wisdom.

“It’s been a very lovely experience working with a group of people who are using the land to heal themselves and help others heal.” Alan

Our off-grid tiny house

They loved being here long enough to touch in with opportunities beyond the farm as well, for example, they joined the team at the monthly community dinner at Te Ao Hou Marae and made connections with the wider community in Whanganui.

Branwyn helping to prepare for the retreat

Thank you Alan and Branwyn, you were utterly delightful to host and we really appreciated your willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and great company.

“We leave with a feeling of immense gratitude to you all. Thanks for allowing us to spend this time with you. The work in the māra kai was quite profound for me. I couldn’t have wished for better companions than Harmony and Chiro whilst harvesting, weeding and just being. The chats, knowledge & wisdom you shared with me was so appreciated.” Branwyn