New Zealand January April 2013 C Alma

New Zealand January – April 2013 C Alma Baker Trust

History • Charles Alma Baker was a remarkable New Zealander and entrepreneur who travelled the world. • He made his fortune in surveying, tin mining and rubber. • In 1920 s he purchased an 8000 acre farm which he called Limestone. • In 1941 Charles Died and the farm was left to his daughter Judy. • In the 1950 s under new management limestone went through amazing transformations such as aerial top dressing, scrub cleared and fences renewed to mention a few. • Limestone is now trust run and part of Massey University – Research projects are carried out at Limestone

What is Working Scholarship at Limestone Downs • Three-month working placement with the option to stay on in New Zealand for additional month at the end to travel. • On a farm in New Zealand, North Island on the west coast. • The C Alma Baker Trust makes the arrangements for the trip, and also pays for the flight. • You get paid for the work you do. • Applicants must have a full driving licence.

So what happens and how did I get to have the time of my life…? • Well you need to apply for this trip like any of the NFYFC Discovery trips, interviews are normally at the beginning of December. • If you are lucky enough to be selected on the day you will be asked to hand over contact information to Sue the sectary for the C Alma Baker Trust. • Six months before your trip Sue will be in contact with confirmation of flight dates and once that’s in place, the few months before leaving you will have a few forms to fill in, all very easy as Sue helps you and answers any questions. • The day comes and you hop on that plane at Heathrow airport and say good bye. . you are about to begin one of the best journeys of your life 19, 313 km from England. • Stop off at Hong Kong for 1 hour • And Pam is at the end to meet you, she is like your “New Zealand mum” • Then about 1 hour 40 mins you will be at Limestone be prepared for going to the middle of no where!!

What to take? ? (January – April) • Shorts • Don’t take wellie boots, if you need this sort of thing you can buy them • Work Boots (New to rules of entering nz) • Layers, often mornings can seem a bit chilly but it soon warms up! • Don’t expect to be in vests in the summer, you will actually want to have a loose shirt protect you from the sun.

Home for 3 Months • Fully Furnished Unit • Bedroom • Bathroom • Washing Machine • Fully Equipped Kitchen/ Living area including TV and DVD player • Buy and cook own food (Supermarket is 1 hr away so make a shopping list) • Fantastic Views • Amazing Beaches (3 Farm beaches)

Communication with Home • There is a phone in your unit and you can ring any landline in the UK for FREE • Pam will take $10 (£ 5 approx) out of your wages a month for the phone • Internet you may use the Internet either at Pam and Crackers house or in the Farm office. (This I believe has changed since I left and there is communal use of internet down at the single units) • Mobile phone signal is poor or you may not receive any at all at limestone but when I was there I used Telecom Network and it was hit and miss.

Tips • Take clothes that you can throw away when finished at Limestone • Plan your travelling trip – Kiwi Experience is a good way to get round but do your own research for hostels, activities might save a few dollars • Keep a record of your expenses!! Good way to plan what you want to spend money on • Say “YES” to everything you never know what you will learn or who you will meet!! • Any don’t forget to try out Pineapple Lumps and L&P juice they are typical New Zealand favourites!

The Last month – Travelling? !? ! • Travel light • Plan your trip wisely • Stray is a great way to travel the whole of the north and south island • There is different packages you can choose – ranging in places you can go to. • There a lot of other travel companies such as Kiwi Experience, and Magic just see who has the best deal for what you want to see

Highlights • Limestone itself –amazing farming style, views and friendly people • Fishing • Franz Joseph – Glacier Hike • Bungee Swing • Rugby Games at Eden Park • Galloping along Pakiri Beach! • New Friends • New Zealand's amazing scenery

Questions!? !? ! If you have any questions at all about this amazing lifetime experience please get in contact I am willing to answer anything even if it does sound ridiculous it wont be E-mail : helbags 99@hotmail. com Thank you C Alma Baker for a fantastic trip GO FOR IT AND HAVE A SAFE AND FAB TRIP!!