Volunteers are the selfless group of people that donate their time and skills to help us in so many ways. Some work directly with Guests through roles like conducting home/face-to-face visits and life coaching, others lend their talents through art therapy, baking and offering caring services to Guests. A third selection of volunteers help us with site maintenance through services such as gardening, construction and cleaning. Each in our own way, we all contribute to making the Retreat the beautiful place that it is, and make sure that our Guests are treated like the bee's knees.
A spotlight on a few members of the team, just to give you an idea of how it works...
He whakaatu i ētahi o te rōpū, kia mārama ai koe e pēhea ana te mahi...
He whakaatu i ētahi o te rōpū, kia mārama ai koe e pēhea ana te mahi...
Belinda
Home Visitor/Manuhiri Kāinga
I have the privilege of being able to support the Retreat in the awesome work they do by carrying out some of the home visits. This means that after someone has contacted the Retreat, I make a time to go and meet with them and hear more about their situation, and maybe some of the factors in their life that has contributed to the hard time they are currently going through. This information then goes back to the Retreat in order to help the team figure out the best way to support this individual or family. I feel really honoured to be able to do this work as everyone's story is immensely important, an integral part of who they are and sometimes sharing this can be the first step on a healing journey.
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LisCleaner/Kaiwhakapaipai
Elisabeth McBride (Lis) is a retired oncology/palliative nurse who is happy to support those who support the depressed and unhappy with life. The little things in housekeeping that we often take for granted –the clean sheets, the washed dishes, the plumped cushions or the tidy living room – are all physical things that she and her friends enjoy doing. Freeing up those with the skills to help with the emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of the Retreat Guests.
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Meet a few more of our awesome volunteers.
Tūtaki ki ētahi atu o ā mātou tino kaitūao.
Tūtaki ki ētahi atu o ā mātou tino kaitūao.
"The Taranaki Retreat is the truest, most powerful manifestation of a community’s love I’ve ever seen.It doesn’t stop with what I’ve described – there’s a whole flock of people constantly giving their time to help others."
The Retreat is a community - living and breathing. On site, throughout the year, we are privileged to host "Workaway" travellers/students. These wonderful people are a bit like woofers - travelling through Aotearoa and bringing their energy and story of their homeland with them. During their stay, they are resident with us on site, and assist with keeping the place looking beautiful and tending to such tasks as care of the Retreat pets - and helping with the preparation/serving /clearup of our shared kai. We have hosted Workaways from places such as India, Germany, Poland, Australia, France and Japan. We love their presence and the way that they draw our focus to the big wide world.
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Annika and Nils
Germany/Hāmene
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Joel
India/Īnia
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...what can we say, except: THANK YOU!!
Spending two weeks with Suzy, Zach, Roxy and Jamie has been a true blessing to us and we enjoyed every single moment of our stay here! We are so grateful for everything they offered us: the cosy caravan, the wonderful, delicious food every night, the warm welcome to their home, some awesome movie & gamenights, and their absolutely beautiful company! We've enjoyed our stay so much and have learned a lot at the Retreat, especially about the power of generosity! |
Two short weeks at the retreat (cake paradise) and I wish I could have stayed longer.
Synopsis of my two weeks: Beautiful picturesque location, peaceful chapel for yoga/meditation, comfortable caravan and living arrangement, fabulous food - everyday is a feast, awesome pets on property showering you with unconditional love, amazing book collection, work suited to your capability and skill level, fun filled evenings with either a movie or table football or dance mats or board games surrounded by just the best people really, even washing up after 'tea' is fun! |
Wow! My time with Suzy, Jamie, Zach, Roxy and Danii was so incredible and I felt right at home as soon as I set foot in the door & until the end of my stay!
Suzy's is so caring, kind hearted and I will really miss her delicious chocolate pudding and hearty home cooked meals. Jamie's warm, caring and welcoming energy was always so pleasant to be around, he is so thoughtful and will go out of his way to make you feel comfortable and happy! I've enjoyed and learnt so much, met some wonderful people and gained so many skills and knowledge. I will miss the dogs, goats, chickens, ducks, piglets, the relaxing atmosphere and even washing the dishes and digging holes! You have created an amazing retreat full of love and it is truly inspiring. You will all be in my heart forever and I can't wait to see you all again soon! :) |
This has been the most inspiring amazing volunteering experience I have had so far. Suzy, Jamie, Zach and Roxy are such a wonderful, loving caring family and make you feel welcome as soon as you arrive. They live in a beautiful part of the country, the food is exquisite and I have enjoyed the numerous board and card evening games together.
It has been a real privilege to be able to volunteer for them, the Retreat is not your ordinary retreat, so I would encourage anyone wanting to stay there to check out their website beforehand, it is important that you understand what they are trying to offer to people who need it. I wish them the best and have made friends for life. |
This was my first workaway experience and I could not have hoped for anything better! Suzy and Jamie are extraordinary people with beautiful hearts and have created something really special. The retreat is surrounded by nature and very quiet and peaceful. As a workawayer you are given your own caravan, plus three meals a day (one of which - the evening meal - is cooked by Suzy and eaten together with all the guests). The work was pretty straightforward and for us mainly involved odd jobs around the garden, and helping out with the animals. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with the guests and family, and hear their stories, and joining in activities with them. As a workawayer you are truly contributing to a wonderful cause. The site is always full of people yet manages to remain very peaceful - the number of locals who donate time, skills and cooked/baked foods is inspiring!
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It was a fantastic experience to join the Retreat Family! This great project is run by absolutely extraordinary people on a beautiful piece of land between Mt Taranaki (always keeping an eye on the Retreat) and the breathtaking coast. Thank you so, so, so much for having me and for making me feel like a part of the family, for the dinners, for the laughs. Thank you!
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