Homestay hosts sought for international students
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.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Sunday Christmas Market @ Reyburn House Town Basin
Sunday 14 December · 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
Get ready for a festive day out at our Sunday Christmas Market!
Wander through a wonderland of arts, crafts, handmade gifts, delicious food, and unique local shopping—perfect for those last-minute Christmas presents or a special treat for yourself!
- Dog Friendly – Bring your furry friends along
- Free Parking
- Free Entry – Everyone welcome!
Whether you're supporting local makers, enjoying the holiday atmosphere, or just looking for a relaxing Sunday outing by the water, this is the place to be.
Location: 17–30 Reyburn House Lane, Town Basin, Whangārei
Come and celebrate the magic of the season with us! ✨
See you there!
Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?
When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?
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85.7% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
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14.3% Please, give me some peace
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0% I escape the region during summer
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