Wwoof & Volunteer Exchange program
For many years now Mana has hosted countless travellers from around the world in a work exchange program that offers simple living with gratifying work and nourishing connections.
The work-exchange program provides an invaluable contribution to the function of the centre, gardens and guest services, while providing a getaway for people from all walks of life to enjoy the ‘Mana experience’.
The aim of the program is;
- To live and work in a caring and supportive environment where everyone can grow in their unique way
- To nourish oneself with wholesome food & living
- To inspire conscious living, self exploration and unity in diversity
- To engage in a family culture and contribute to the community
- To connect to a deep sense of life & human potential with like-minded people
What's Included?
- Wholesome work in exchange for food and accommodation
- 4 weeks of work exchange with pre-determined arrival and departure dates
- 5 days of scheduled work per week with 2 days off (where possible the days off are consecutive)
- 6 hours of work per day, including meal and break times
- A working agreement that is settled following a mutual trial period to allow the opportunity for us to get to know each other to decide if the arrangement is suitable.
- An opportunity for previous volunteers wishing to return to the program to negotiate an extended stay of up to 8 weeks. *
*Â Recent changes to the program have reduced the number of placements for long term stays. This opens the door for more people to experience Mana, and helps us to maintain a structured schedule that is often booked months in advance. We encourage people to experience our 4 week program before applying for anything longer.
The Work
Mana Retreat Centre hosts many workshops and events. The days are busy with kitchen preparation, house-keeping, cleaning and laundering. During the quiet times garden projects, maintenance and deep cleaning help time to pass effortlessly.
Wwoofers need to be able to work under the direct supervision of our staff and senior volunteers and at times do mundane and simple tasks. We view work as a meditation and service, as well as a time to learn and increase skills.
Depending on work experience, wwoofs may be given the opportunity to take on larger projects and responsibilities. Our expectation is for open-mindedness and a willingness to learn. These are the qualities that create the foundation for our work exchange.
The Exchange Experience
- Learn new skills and apply them with hands on experience
- Meet – and find inspiration in – like minded people
- Engage in community life and take part in community activities as they happen
- Enjoy eating wholesome vegetarian cuisine and fresh garden produce
- Reconnect to the soil, get your hands dirty and get grounded
- Gain knowledge in organic and biodynamic growing, harvesting and preserving of produce
- Experience the New Zealand native bush and coastal bays of the Coromandel Peninsula
- Create lots of of memories.Â
Living At mana
- The food… wholesome, nourishing, delicious, vegetarian buffets of goodness, served three times a day!
- The lodging … simple, comfortable, shared rooms with a cosy atmosphere, blankets, bedding and towels and for those colder nights a hot water bottle!
- The Sanctuary … a peaceful place of stillness that welcomes reflection, meditation, yoga, chanting and dancing.
- The Lifestyle… ‘family’ meals, group saunas, bush baths & walks, commuity gardening, breath-taking views, an inspiring library and many more wonderful things to be a part of!
We ask that volunteers do not expect to participate in the scheduled workshops during their stay. Instead we encourage self exploration through personal practice.
Mana is a totally vegetarian, drug and alcohol free venue. Please respect this.
HERE IS WHAT OUR
VOLUNTEERS HAVE TO SAY
Hover your mouse to pause and read quotes. To hear what it’s like to be a volunteer at Mana, click here.
THINGS TO PLAN BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS – WORKING VISAS
It may be necessary for you to obtain an ‘open’ work VISA or a Working Holiday VISA before entering New Zealand.
It is important that you research your eligibility requirements before applying to WWOOF at Mana, and that your VISA is valid for the time that you are visiting. Please visit the Immigration New Zealand website for more information.
For more information about currency, climate, time zones, health & safety please visit 100% New Zealand website by clicking here.
1. Sensible Clothing
Clothing for all weather conditions. Good outdoor shoes, indoor slippers and warm socks.
2. Night Light
A torch will come in handy for walking to and from the wwoof cottage at night.
3 . An Alarm Clock
We ask that you arrive on time to morning shifts, an alarm clock will help you to do this with ease.