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What's your happiest memory riding a bike?

Maybe you were very young - or maybe it was just a few weeks ago...

There is something simple and joyous about the sensation of cycling. It reminds me of being a kid - the freedom, the excitement of exploring new places, the fresh air and exercise.

Don't you feel quite 'virtuous' while you're riding? Clocking up all those health benefits, mile after mile.  That burgeoning sense of wellbeing, with every inflated breath?

Oh yes.....

Overwhelmed?

Want to get off the treadmill but don't know how?

We're all rushing - our days are full and busy. It's a constant juggle to be professionally active, supportive and functional at home, and somehow all through it, stay healthy and sane.

We'd like to invite you to give yourself a mini break -  permission to get off the treadmill for a while and to remember what's really important in life. We all have our own version of what a 'retreat' feels like, and there's no right or wrong answer. For some this will be snuggling into a hammock for 3 days and reading a book, for others it will be walking along the beach or exploring nature and appreciating all its wonder. Or maybe for you it is spending quiet, uninterupted time to re-connect spiritually, with access to a yoga mat and a fire....
 

The finalists for the 2013 Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards have been announced.

Convenor of judges Linda Macpherson, was impressed with the standard of entries.

"The 12 top business minds that make up this year's judging panel have been blown away by the level of commitment entrants have shown to not only their business but the broader Rotorua community.

"The judges are looking forward to the challenge of determining the winners from a strong line-up of finalists.

Published in NZ Business, August 2013: Regular Article - Today, on the Soap Box is Entrepreneur and Founder of 'Look After Me Ltd -NZ's Hospitality Network, Dr Julia Charity:

As a typical hot-blooded entrepreneur, I’m not too proud to admit I strut a few mantras around in my head. ‘Failure is not an option’ is one that clangs with regular gaiety. It was, until now, without thought or question an indoctrinated way of being.

If you’re nodding and thinking ‘what’s the problem?’, you’re probably amongst those who have contributed to New Zealand’s reputation of being less tolerant to failure than other countries.

Bringing insight from outside is Laura Reitel, formerly from @TechStars, Colorado who has recently been assisting ‘Lightening Lab’ and Creative HQ in Wellington. “If an entrepreneur fails in the United States - it’s no big deal because they typically hang out in established Eco-systems with enough support to help them get up again.” Laura thinks one our key differences in New Zealand is that success is more about the individual but as our ecosystems evolve, failure will become more normalised here.

‘Look After Me’  New Zealand's Homestay Network, specialising in Home-hosted accommodation celebrates its second year in business. Attending the birthday celebrations were Homestay accommodation providers from Rotorua, Taupo, Paeroa, New Plymouth and Tauranga. Also in attendance were Mayoral Candidate Steve Chadwick, Work Placement Recruits, suppliers and business associates. 

Look After Me is New Zealand's largest and fastes growing Homestay Network, with home-hosted properties nationwide. 

This photo was published in the Business Edition of Rotorua's Daily Post, 25 July 2013.

As a nation, we are aging, becoming increasingly affluent and technologically aware. How then, are these factors fundamentally changing expectations from travellers demanding experiences that are more enriching, meaningful and memorable?

Are you feeling a little run down? Is it  time for a break? Even one or two nights can be a real pick-me-up to beat the winter blues.

Before you book your flights have you considered a mini kiwi ski holiday? No need for passports or picking up a new language or learning foreign customs. Just head for the hills – actually the mountains! All of the ski fields are now open, so dig out your puffer jacket and thermos and away you go.

'Look After Me' is New Zealand's largest and fastest growing Homestay Network. We have plenty of hosts just busting to share breakfast, give directions and run you a bath after your big day out!

As we start the third winter after the tragic Christchurch earthquakes we take a moment to look reflect on progress so far, look to the future and see what NZ's Homestay Network can do to help with accommodation for the rebuild. 

Many of our Look After Me hosts are keen gardners and are as excited to welcome you into their garden, as they are into their homes!  Considered local experts, they  willingly suggest nearby nature reserves, walks and gardens for you to enjoy.

We warmly welcome you to indulge in one of your favourite past-times and enjoy the sights and smells of your hosts efforts, explore their take on gardening.

No matter the season, there's bound to be fruit, flowers and vegetables for you to enjoy.

Dreaming of a cycling holiday in New Zealand but not sure where to get started?

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a network of off-road cycle ways offering cyclists the chance to experience the very best of New Zealand landscape, culture and world-class hospitality. Cycling through dappled bush, gently bubbling geothermal activity, stunning snow-capped peaks and popular beach and wine trails – a myriad of experience awaits along well-formed cycle paths all around the country.

We are proud to support significant National Events all around New Zealand and this week's blog we feature accommodation suitable for participants in this years National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton.

If you are interested in accommodation for Fieldays for 2014, we suggest you check out our 2014 options here:

Click here for 2014 Accommodation options for Fieldays at Mystery Creek. 

It's about the magic of the moments, not the presents, but if you are thinking about getting something for Mum...please don't get her tea towels or a new vacuum cleaner!

When I was a child my Mum just wanted a nice card and a hot cuppa in bed. I figured that was pretty lame but now I'm a mum I get it, it takes a LOOOOONG time to create a card and a hot cuppa, it meant Dad had to get up and help us, of course taking his sweet time so Mum actually got a sleep-in.

At Look After Me - NZ's Homestay Network, we're getting into the spirit of Easter in a very special way. Meet 'Sharon' - a typical Kiwi girl trying to book somewhere for Easter.

Here's a song to get us all humming: 

Kiwi’s Easter

[To the tune of Snoopy’s Christmas]

The summer was long, temperatures soared

It was coming up Easter holiday once more

The kiwi thought back to her days in the tent

And called on herself to do it again....

Was the week before Easter, dry as bone

When Kiwi went out in search of a home

For a holiday break, something ‘different’ she thought,

With cheer in her heart, carefully she sought...

Taranaki Arts Festival Trust marketing and communications manager Lisa McMullan said it was a fantastic way to warm up for Womad which runs from tomorrow until Sunday.  Womad has sold out in the past and we are doing everything we can to aim for that again."

Ms McMullan said a decent walk-up crowd was also expected and gate sales would be available if the 12,500 tickets did not sell out prior to the festival's opening tomorrow night.

Taranaki Motel Association president Fi Evans said as far as she knew, the region's accommodation was "chock-a-block" and had been for some time. Most accommodation providers had Womad regulars who booked a year in advance, she said. "You've got to be in quick.

"Sometimes we have to send people away to places as close as we can, which is often all the way to Whanganui, because there's nothing here," she said.

To help meet the demand, Kiwi business Look After Me is seeking New Plymouth homeowners with guest rooms or sleepouts to billet paying guests for the weekend.

Hi,
I'm Julia from Look After Me - NZ's Homestay Network. I'm originally from Christchurch and all my family still lives there - so I'm acutely aware of how things are for regular Cantabrians.

We're trying to do our 'bit' by providing a quality website where home owners can list their property and rent out their spare room or sleep out, short-term to guests coming to Christchurch.

If you're a home owner with a spare room, guest wing, sleep-out or self-contained unit - we'd love to have you in our Look After Me Hosting community. It works like Trade Me where guests can browse for in-home hosted accommodation and then contact you directly to book and pay.

Kia Ora! My name is Krystal and I am a publicist for ‘Look After Me Homestay’ as part of my work experience. Recently, I was given an opportunity by Julia Charity to interview our work placement recruits over the course of the work placement programme. To begin, I had the chance to interview Sunil Bishnoi.

Sunil has joined our work placement programme provided by Julia , in the position as a SEO/ Online marketing. Sunil advises Julia on the creation of on-line promotional material (such as designing google adwords campaign, Search Engine Marketing) for our Homestay Network.

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

Read More

A very warm welcome to you all but especially to our new hosts all over New Zealand. Lot of news this time with the launch of our new webite, our refreshed brand and lots of Press Coverage all over New Zealand.

Helen Cunningham had no idea that her response to a tiny add in Rotorua’s Weekender would change her life. Enticed by the ‘Knock Knock, Who’s there?’ headline, the job advert was an ‘opportunity’ to work for free, in exchange for work experience. 

“I had nothing to lose really,” recalls Helen – an effervescent 22 year old Rotorua woman who has been out of regular paid employment for over three years. With a raft of circumstances that limited her ability to work full-time, Helen was keen and ready to work again but lacked the confidence and experience to apply for some of the local jobs on offer.

Click here to read the on-line version at Nevaeh Magazine which features on page 37 - 40 or click below to read the article on this website