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2362 days ago

Homestay hosts sought for international students

Manager from NorthTec (Northland Polytechnic)

Welcoming homestay hosts who can provide a room, full board and a “Kiwi experience” are being sought for NorthTec International students.

Hosts are paid $230 per week for providing the student’s own fully-furnished bedroom, three meals a day and internet access.

Homestay students are mainly from China, mostly 17-18 year-old boys with a few female or older students. They plan to study at NorthTec for two to three years on average, but mostly only stay in homestay for the first six to 12 months.

Transport support is provided by NorthTec International within suburban Whangarei to and from the Raumanga campus, but students still need their homestay’s help with rides to any after school activities or their weekend social life.

Homestay hosts are expected to provide all meals daily with students preparing their own breakfast and lunch if preferred.

Under the NZQA Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, all international students under the age of 18 must live in approved homestays with fully police vetted and checked hosts.

NorthTec also recommends that all international students begin their stay in New Zealand with local people who can help them adjust to the local culture, practise their English, introduce them to the local area and provide them with some guidance.

To apply to become a homestay host, contact NorthTec International on 09-470 3605, or via homestay@northtec.ac.nz.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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18 hours ago

Your Daily Brain Workout: Ready to Riddle?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is 3/7 chicken, 2/3 cat, and 1/2 goat?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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15 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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