2769 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.

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5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1631 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?
  • 75% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
    75% Complete
  • 25% Please, give me some peace
    25% Complete
  • 0% I escape the region during summer
    0% Complete
4 votes
14 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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