Tinui Station Homestead covers an overall area of 59ha. One hectare of this land is cultivated garden consisting of an orchard, vegetable patch, flowers and shrubs; 28ha consists of exotic trees, New Zealand and Australian native planting areas, a rhododendron patch, animal pasture paddocks, a dam, and seasonal stream runoff area with native plantings.

The property at Tinui Homestead is a work in progress:  a pesticide/herbicide and as chemical free as possible growing project, with the goal of providing not only a place of beauty for visitors, but primarily a safe, thriving and biodiverse habitat for birds, bees and insect populations. We are working to establish populations of any native species we can, including frogs, birds, bees, New Zealand eels, and of course the food sources for all of these.

We also aim to establish a model of ecological enhancement of soil health and vitality and sustainable pasture land. We are not experts but we are learning as we tackle new areas and projects on the property.  All land work on the property is dedicated to mitigating the effects of chemical damage, climate change and the extreme weather effects that are having extensive and destructive outcomes on the whole ecological environment.

To develop and grow this protective and self-supporting haven requires a lot of physical labour. Many people do not want the everyday work and responsibility of a garden, but still have a love and desire to do gardening. Most people do not have the opportunity or land to experience the joy involved in creating a sustainable and ecologically sound garden and property. Tinui Homestead is able to offer an opportunity to these gardeners or would-be gardeners to contribute to our work in developing a healthy and thriving ecosystem here at Tinui Homestead,  which has the potential to become not only an organic sustainable example to the wider population of the Wairapapa and New Zealand but as a beacon of hope for how these environmental practises can combat the major ecological issues which our planet faces.

To this end we are able to offer 100% discount on any 7 night block rental of a bunk berth in Schoolhouse, or 50% discount on 7 nights block rental in  either Rose or Poplar Cottage for persons willing to work in the gardens and land for a 25 hour week, e.g. working  5 hours a day  for 5 days out of a 7 day week, where you would get the opportunity to contribute to the achievement of this ecological goal.

Previous knowledge and experience of permaculture or permaculture in syntropy, food forests, growing from seed, growing vegetables, orchard work, composting, pruning, would be wonderful, but a willingness and pitch-in attitude to work alongside us, learning with us as we go is equally important. We only ask that anyone interested in pursuing this opportunity agree to the property's ethical principles and work in line with our chemical free and ecological values.

Please note this is not a work for income or a WOOFing offer, as you will still be cooking and providing for yourself in your self-contained accommodation. You will be able to use produce from the gardens and eggs from the hens (as available).  In addition to the use of the spa pool attached to your cottage, you will also have access to the Homestead's heated, salt water swimming pool.

Your Gardening Holiday Benefits will be many: you will get stronger and fitter, learn new skills, get a great tan and hopefully establish life-long friendships with like-minded people. You will be able to take pride in becoming part of the environment's solution in establishing a natural haven and healthy eco-system free of chemical poisoning, and you will learn the importance of soil vitality,  and experience and understand the intricate interdependence of the organisms of the natural world. You might discover a new joy of bird life and song.  Whichever of these benefits has impressed itself upon you, I can guarantee one sure thing - you will forever have a link to this land and the eco-paradise that you will be helping to create here at Tinui Homestead.

Please contact  Virginia if you would like to discuss further or take up this wonderful opportunity to participate in this work. Please bring your enthusiasm and passion, gardening boots and/or gumboots - all other gardening equipment will be provided.