Press Room

We love sharing our stories. We are real people, with real places and we love looking after you.

Here are some of the Media outlets who have shared our stories.

Media which has featured Look After Me

Story details

18 October 2021: Writer's hone skills at two day festivalOtago Daily Times logo

Writing can be a solitary business, but this was not so at Olveston Historic Home over the weekend.

The heritage building was the venue for the first Great Write Inn writers festival, a two-day event designed to help aspiring writers on their journey into print.

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14 October 2021: Treasured objects bring life to writing

Otago Daily Times logo

A new writing festival using one of Dunedin’s grandest historical mansions as inspiration is being held this weekend. Rebecca Fox talks to award winning New Zealand author Catherine Chidgey. 

From white cats to antique furniture or evening bags, Catherine Chidgey cannot resist collecting them.

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6 September 2021:First Great Write Inn Writers' Event to be at Olveston

Otago Daily Times logo

Olveston Historic Home has been chosen as the inaugural setting for a new writers’ event in Dunedin.

The Great Write Inn, to be held on October 16 and 17, is a story-telling showcase to help writers and readers connect.

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12 March 2021: International Women's Day - Rotorua honours local women

The Zonta Club of Rotorua has honoured six local women, to celebrate International Women's Day.

On March 8 every year outstanding women are carefully selected and presented with a single yellow rose.

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21 January 2021: Slow is the New Go for Holiday Package Winners

Jemma and Philip McDonald welcomed the Holiday Season with an extra special gift under the Christmas Tree this year.

They were winners of the Major Raffle Prize for The Festival in the Gardens fundraising event presented by the Zonta Club of Rotorua, held at Palmers in late 2020.

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28 August 2020: Frock IT! Wins Whip Around Challenge on The Project, TV3

Roving reporters in Christchurch, Wellington and Christchurch declared Frock It! Rhythm and Rhymes the winner of The Whip Around Challenge. 

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7 June 2020: Tourism stats show promise for Rotorua bed and breakfast owners

Accommodation around New Zealand has taken a major hit in the wake of Covid-19. But revealing new statistics suggest that bed and breakfast providers may stand to benefit from the drop in the market.

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2 June 2020: Carrying on Calmly

The Keep Calm and Carry On event was one of many held around the country yesterday, aimed at bringing support to local tourism operators and cafe owners following the lockdown.

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29 May 2020: Rotorua Queen's Birthday high tea parties to be held, with a twist

A Rotorua event manager is using the power of technology to host a Queen's Birthday high tea party nationwide.

The initiative called Keep Calm and Carry On aims to hold virtual and real tea party events in Dunedin and Rotorua.

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10 October 2019: Debate to Seek Bed Tax Views

Dunedin businesswoman and tourism entrepreneur Julia Anne believes Otago could lead the way in the bed tax debate. 

Dr Anne, who has organised a public debate tonight, hoped the city's homeowners, businesses and local government could present an easy-to-implement fair and transparent system that would work for all other councils.
 
 

5 September 2019: Startup Dunedin Podcast - Creating New Zealand's Premium Homestay Network

Julia Anne was interviewed by Startup Dunedin to chat about how she created New Zealand's Premium Homestay Network, Look After Me. Julia shared her story so far including: Achieving a world record with over 20 billion social media mentions, The Rugby World Cup, how a PR stunt in pyjamas  won Look After Me their first customers. She discussed the importance of the shared access economy in New Zealand and raising capital in New Zealand. 

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29 August 2019: Accommodation Network Gets Set to Introduce Creative Journeys and Educational Festivals

Tourism Ticker talked to Look After Me’s founder and tech entrepreneur, Julia Anne (formerly Charity), on establishing New Zealand’s largest homestay network, expanding the business offering to include Creative Events and Educational Festivals and navigating some of the difficulties involved with pioneering the shared access economy in New Zealand

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12 April 2018: Not A Real Job Podcast 

accommodation, Stay Dunedin, Look After Me, Digital Hotel, not a real job podcast, new zealand bed and breakfast and homestay

Dr Julia Charity was interviewed on the Podcast series, Not A Real Job, and explained how her Digital Hotel Business has become a full time job for her. 

"Not a Real Job is a podcast about digital marketing, social media, website design, growth hacking, and more. It's hosted by Joel Kelly and Chris Van Patten, long-time friends and (self-proclaimed) digital pros.

Listen to Podcast


15 March 2018: Accommodation still available 

accommodation, Look After Me, The Star, New Zealand Homestay and Bed and Breakfast


Despite an estimated 60,000 people expected to visit Dunedin during Easter, plenty of accommodation is still available in the city, providers say.

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World's First Digital Hotel Opens in New Zealand providing accommodation in Dunedin for Ed Sheeran concerts. Entrepreneur Julia Charity - Look After Me accommodation network. Alternative to AirBnB Plus in New Zealand

8 February 2018: World's First Digital Hotel Officially Open

The evening of Thursday 8 February will see Dunedin’s heritage listed Penthouse on Stafford street, staging the launch of the world’s first completely digital hotel. 
 
 
Digital Hotel, Look after me, Otago Access Radio, New Zealand homestay and bed and breakfast, accommodation
2 February 2018: Digital Hotel Opens in Dunedin

Dunedin Entrepreneur Dr Julia Charity was interviewed by Jeff Harford on the Oarsome Morning Show about her Digital Hotel business.

Julia tells us about the story behind Look After Me and her latest intitiative in Dunedin.

Listen to the radio show


27 January 2018: Scientist finds her calling in homestay businesses

Dunedin entrepreneur Julia Charity has come up with the novel concept of a  "pop-up" digital 1000-bed hotel in the city to cope with the influx of visitors during major events.

look after me, accommodation, otago daily times, digital hotel, new zealand homestay and bed and breakfast

Dr Charity is now looking for at least 400 homeowners willing to host guests for summer events, such as the Ed Sheeran concerts, and beyond.

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25 January 2018: Digital hotel site seeks rooms in Dunedin houseslook after me, accommodation,The Star digital hotel, new zealand homestay and bed and breakfast

A Dunedin entrepreneur is launching a campaign to increase the city’s accommodation capacity for major concerts and sporting events by giving homeowners a slice of the action.

Dr Julia Charity, a scientist, entrepreneur and recent arrival in the city, is launching a “Sharin’ for Sheeran” campaign, creating a digital hotel under the umbrella of her nationwide Look After Me accommodation network.

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8 November 2017: The People Profiting from the Sharing Economy

The 'sharing economy" is the catchy and aspirational name for a rapidly-expanding form of 
business.


It's also misleading because very few people in the sharing economy are actually sharing. The term usually covers commercial arrangements in which ordinary people earn an income from hiring out assets like spare rooms, baches, cars, camper vans, and bikes to other ordinary people with the deals arranged though online marketplaces.

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August 2017: NZ Business Magazine: Yours to Share

New Zealand's Sharing Economy is growing steadily and is an increasingly tempting option for people wanting to dip their toes into micro-business ownershp. NZBusiness reviews this disruptive model and introduces some its latest players. 
 

Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel22 January 2017: National Radio New Zealand -  Older Entrepreneurs
 
The average aged of an Entrepreneur founding a Start up is 26, but recent research suggests some of our most successful entrepreneurs are older than that.
 
We talk to Jude Benedict, the founder of Kiwi Klips, Paul Spence, found of domain register I want my Name and Julia Charity, the force behind kiwi accommodation network Look After Me - all who demonstrated it's never too late to get started. 
 

 
23 April 2016 : Rotorua Daily Post - Flexible Hours perk of remote works for Entrepreneurs
 
Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
Recent research shows at least 70 per cent of Kiwis want to work remotely or at least telecommute part-time.
 
Some Rotorua residents tell us how they’ve made the shift from corporate life to the world of working from home.
 
 

9 October 2015: Rotorua Daily Post - Impressive pitch wins award

Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
 
Disabled Diving NZ's Hielke Oppers inspired the 100 plus crowd and the judges to win both Best Social Enterprise Pitch and the People's Choice Award at Rotorua X's Start-up Pitch night.
 
Julia Charity's Look After Me won Best Commercial Pitch at the event, held this week. Both took a share of the $8000 prize pool of business support services, mentoring and training.
 

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30 September 2015: Bay of Plenty Times - Small business heroes show courage and ingenuity
Two Rotorua businesses have been named as national finalists in The David Awards for 2015.
Ros Morshead, of Morshead Law is a finalist in the ‘Most Outstanding Lifestyle Business’ for her work in epitomising the ability to use technology to integrate business and lifestyle.
Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
Dr Julia Charity who founded Look After Me – an online market place for accommodation, is a finalist for ‘The Solo Meo Award’ which recognises a business owner who runs their business single-handedly.
Look After Me is also a finalist for the ‘Most Outstanding Triumph over Adversity’ in recognition for success in spite of challenges beyond the usual.
 

10 September 2015: Rotorua Daily Post - Seven local entries make final cut in Innovation Awards
Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
 
Seven entries from the Bay of Plenty have made it into the finals of the New Zealand Innovation Awards with the winners being named on October 21.
 
The finalists include Ubco, Scion, Rhondium, Roholm, Terax 2013 and Look After Me, with Alistair Scarfe, head of Robotics Plus, named in the Young New Zealand Innovator category.
 

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24 August 2015: Rotorua City News - 'Look After Me or AirBnB in New Zealand? 

 
Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital HotelRotorua City News spoke recently to Julia Charity, Founder of Look After Me, New Zealand's accommodation network.
Julia explains why Look After Me specialy describes how the local council has got behind her and discusses inplications for the tourism industry of New Zealand.
 

Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
 
21 June 2015: NZ Business Herald - Disruptors Ten Apps that will change the world
 
Look After Me, an online marketplace where guests stay with homeowners who have empty rooms. Guests can book accommodation with hosts who have shared interests.
 

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Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
 
10 June 2015: NZ Business Herald - Q&A With Look After Me Founder, Julia Charity 
 

NZ Business Reporter Caitlin Sykes interviews scientist-turned Entrepreneur Dr Julia Charity, who founded an on-line market place where guests can book homely accommodation all over New Zealand.

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Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel9 June 2015:Car sharing business 'part of transport solution'

As a student of transport engineering Oscar Ellison was aware there were lots of cars sitting idle in driveways, but the point was further hit home when he bought his own first car.

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Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel4 June 2015: Few spaces remain as Fieldays near

Accommodation is filling up as farmers and football fans prepare to pour into Hamilton next week.An overlap of Fieldays and the Fifa U-20s World Cup has seen much of the accommodation snapped up, but there are still some rooms remaining in the city's motel sector. 


Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel3 June 2015: Waikato Homeowners opening up hearts and home for fieldays 

Waikato homeowners are being urged to embrace NZ’s farming community as they pour into the city and help bridge the shortfall in beds needed for Fieldays, the Southern hemisphere's largest agricultural showpiece festival coming to Mystery Creek and FIFA U20 World cup this month.

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Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel30 May 2015: 10 questions with Tourism entrepreneur 

This month, NZ Entrepreneur Magazine talks to Dr Julia Charity – Founder of a Peer-to-Peer accommodation platform where guests can book accommodation with like minded hosts.  Now the largest and fastest growing Homestay Network in New Zealand, we ask Julia how she got started, what it’s really like to be an Entrepreneur in New Zealand and her hopes and dreams for the future.

Read More                                                                                                   

   


Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel10 April 2015: Peer-to-Peer - Sharing Economy in New Zealand

Coined as the 21st Century’s ‘Collaboration Revolution’, global indicators point towards the rapid rise of the Sharing Economy.  This translates to both opportunities and warnings for New Zealand. Julia Charity investigates. Just as peer-to-peer businesses like TradeMe have allowed anyone to become a retailer, a new wave of sharing sites lets consumers take their under-utilised resources and recycle them back into the economy, for a profit. Obvious examples are houses, spare rooms and cars.

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19 March 2015: Women shown entrepreneunial path - Women Entrepreneur's Week (2015) 
Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel
 

Scientist-turned-businesswoman says you have to know how long your runway is.

Rotorua scientist-turned-entrepreneur Julia Charity was involved in a panel discussion of seven prominent Kiwi businesswomen to launch a female entrepreneur week. The week, which began on Monday, has been developed by Co. of Women, a membership-based learning and support organisation for female entrepreneurs.

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Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel

12 March 2015: TV Rotorua City News showcases Rotorua Homestays

TV Rotorua City News talks to Dr Julia Charity, about NZ's fastest growing Homestay network. 'Staying with kiwi hosts has gained global exposure via reality television programmes that were aired in China and Korea.

TV Rotorua's report Kiri Danielle visited Althea (a Look After Me Host in Rotorua) at her beautiful B&B 'Pohutu Vista'. Althea explains why she joined the Homestay Network and what she enjoys about hosting guests.

Watch Video


Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital Hotel8 March 2015: Potential Economic impact of Free Trade Agreement between NZ and China

Published in NZBusiness Magazine: With strengthening relations between China and New Zealand and evidence for strong economic benefit – we take a closer look at the NZ-China Free-Trade Agreement, the rise of service industries and their possible economic impact. Julia Charity investigates.


1 March 2015: NZ Homestay makes its mark

From humble beginnings, Rotorua business ‘Look After Me’, has grown to become New Julia Charity Entrepreneur Founder Look After Me Accommodation Network New Zealand alternative Homestay AirBnB in New Zealand for Baby Boomer travel World's First Digital HotelZealand’s largest, fastest growing Homestay Network.

It’s an on-line market place where homeowners offer short-term accommodation for paying guests in guest wings, self-contained units and spare rooms. ‘Look After Me’ provides accommodation on 18 of New Zealand’s 23 Cycle Trails and supports major events like Art Deco in Napier and Womad in New Plymouth.

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18 February 2015: Homestay Network supports Cricket World Cup

Homestay Network helps with accommodation for the Cricket World Cup #CWC2015With the Cricket World Cup underway, the seven host cities are expected to reach full capacity. Backpackers, hotels and motels are being snapped up as thousands of supporters from around the world support one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

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7 September 2014: New Zealand to feature in Top Chinese Reality Show 

New Zealand will feature strongly in China's most popular reality series, after the show 

spent the past week filming in the central North Island.

Two hundred minutes of New Zealand's landscapes, people and activities is likely to reach millions of Chinese viewers after New Zealand played host to China's most popular reality TV show, Dad, Where Are We Going? 

New Zealand kiwi families hosted the Chinese families and will play a starring role in the last two episodes of season two, including the season finale. 

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18 August 2014: New Zealand's Homestay Network takes People's Choice and Runner Up at Rotorua's Entrepreneurial Event 

Story: Rachael McGarvie, Rotorua Daily Post.

Tarawera Ultramarathon’s Paul Charteris won Rotorua X’s inaugural start-up pitch night on Friday night. In front of an audience of around 100, NZ Trail Run’s business pitch took out scary aliens, arm wrestlers and mag cleaners to win over $2,500 of business prizes....

...Second place and the People’s Choice award for the inaugural Rotorua Start-Up Pitch Night event went to Dr. Julia Charity, who founded 'Look After Me - New Zealand's Homestay Network. Accepting her award, Charity said she had worked tirelessly for three years to bring an idea from absolutely nothing into something.

Read more here or Watch the Video here

 


28 June 2014: Evolving B&B use still hard to measure

Story: Katie Holland, Rotorua Daily Post

One of the below-the-radar categories for tourism across the country is the bed and breakfast and home stay market, which tourism experts suggest could account for significantly more than the officially monitored visitor bed nights. And new online apps and sites are allowing increasing numbers to access private household accommodation.

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scheme for farmers needing a break

18 June 2014: Scheme for farmers needing a break

Recorded:Radio New Zealand Rural News

A group of homestay venues is putting up prizes of accommodation for farmers in need of a break away.

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June 2014: Holiday Contest for stressed farmers

Rachel Thomas, Waikato Times

"We want people who might be isolated to know that they're not alone". Jo Goodhew, Associate Health Minister.

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May 2014: Homestay Network Editor's Pick

Look After Me Homestay Network Next Magazine 2014 Hot Pick

Story: Sarah Henry, Editor, Next Magazine.

 

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April 2014: Change of Direction Driven by Passion

Story: Caitlyn Sykes, NZ Herald, Business Section. 

Starting new way of life and business doesn't mean checking all the skills you've learned before at the door. 

This weeks Q & A - Julia Charity was a scientist with Scion before launching her own business, New Zealand's Homestay Network -  Look After Me Ltd, in 2011.

Read more

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March 2014: Homestay Business Takes PM's Advise. Story: Maria Slade, Unlimited. 

Julia Charity says she's had a ''pretty typical entrepreneurial journey'. 'I've been burnt out, ripped off and broke. You just learn to never let anything compromise the dream.''

The Rotorua molecular biologist's goal of creating New Zealand's largest homestay network very nearly came to naught when the website design company she had hired turned out to be not all it claimed.

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March 2014: Thriving Business Bold move for Rotorua Entrepreneur. Story Jill Nicholas, Daily Post

Our People: The Multi-faceted faces of a self-styled Rotorua Entrepreneur. If Julia Charity was a doll she'd be one of the double-faceted kind. On one side she'd appear as the consummate scientist, turn it around and she'd be seen as an entrepreneur.

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March 2014: New Plymouth opens hearts and homes for accommodation for Womad. 

NZ's Homestay Network, Look After Me Ltd has recruited new hosts in New Plymouth to cope with accommodation demands for Womad. 

 

Read more

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January 2014: New Rotorua's Cycle Trail Partnership celebrates cycling and hospitality. Story Destination Rotorua Marketing, 'In Essence', Summer 2014

'Look After Me - New Zealand's Homestay Network is proud to be an Official Accommodation Partner for Thermal By Bike, Te Ara Ahi

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December 2013: Rotorua's Essential 50 - Thermal by Bike, Te Ara Ahi, Rotorua's Cycle Trail. Story Alison King, Daily Post

'Look After Me - New Zealand's Homestay Network is proud to be an Official Accommodation Partner for Thermal By Bike, Te Ara Ahi

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November 2013: 20 million Korean's view Rotorua Homestays Story Katie Holland, Daily Post

 

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October 2013: Julia launches first pitch to Angels. Story Katie Holland, Daily Post

 

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October 2013: NZ Business Magazine - The Changing Face of Tourism. Story: Julia Charity

 

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August 2013: Rotorua Business Excellence Awards - Look After Me Ltd - New Zealand's Homestay Network announced as finalist. Story: Katie Holland, Daily Post

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August 2013: Failure is not an option. NZ Business magazine.   Story: Julia Charity

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July 2013: Look After Me Homestay Network celebrates second birthday in style. Photograph: Rona Lau

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March 2013: Warm Womad Welcome. Look After Me Homestay Network is seeking New Plymouth homeowners with guest rooms or sleepouts to billet paying guests for the weekend. Taranaki Daily News.

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January 2013: Rotorua filling up fast for Raggamuffin. Look After Me Homestay helps accommodation seekers. Story: Alison King

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November 2012: Feature Article - The Work Placement that changed my life. Nevaeh Magazine.  Story: Dr Julia Charity

Read More   (Article features on Page 37 - 40)

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 October 2012: Feature Article - Women in Work. Meet Rotorua Scientist turned Entrepreneur Dr Julia Charity. Nevaeh Magazine. Story: Louise Parker

Read More   (Article features on Page 16 - 19)


 

11 August 2012: Work Experience paying off for Rotorua Job Seekers. Daily Post, Rotorua. Story: Katie Holland.

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4 July 2012: Look After Me Looks After Locals. Rotorua TV's Carlie Jackson interviews Dr Julia Charity

Watch video

 


15 June 2012: Look After Me  helps rebuild Christchurch. Breakfast TV's Holly Carran takes a look at homestays for the rebuild

Watch video

 


14 June 2012: Employers asked to give trainees a helping hand. Daily Post, Rotorua. Story: Katie Holland.

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18 May 2012: Middle-earth mania pure gold for NZ Tourism. Daily Post, Rotorua. Story: Julie Taylor

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9 May 2012. A Virtual Hotel for Christchurch. Homestays and the rebuild. Canterbury TV News Bulletin. Story: Marcus Gibbs

Watch video

 

 


2 April 2012: Search on for Short-term beds. The Christchurch Press, Story: Liz McDonald.

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2 April 2012: Victorious Angler thanks ‘secret weapon’ for win. Daily Post, Rotorua. Story: Cherie Taylor

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30 January 2012: Holidays for the Baby Boomers, Dominion Post. Story: Jenny Keown

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14 October 2011: Charity Concept. Story: Rotorua Weekender, Story: Cherie Taylor

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1 August 2011: Rent-a-room website hopes for kick-start from Cup. Story: Claire Rogers

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9 July 2011: 'Travellers find private home away from home'. Rotorua Daily Post. Story: Julie Taylor

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June 2011: WebFund advises Look After Me

Wellington seed investment company WebFund Ltd have come on board to offer Business advice to Rotorua-based Start Up - Look After Me Limited, a boutique hospitality online accommodation provider.   Read more