Week 22 - Gizzy Gisborne

It finally worked out. Julian caught his first fish. Already on Sunday evening, after the editorial deadline, he was able to reel in the first fish. An angler fishing next to him advised him to release the first catch, as it would bring good luck. A little later, the second and this time larger fish was on the hook. The Kahawai was also big enough to eat, and it was soon fried in the pan. So this topic is settled for now.

On Monday, we initially went for a little hike in the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve. Afterwards, we climbed the Mokotahi Lookout, which offers a beautiful view over the peninsula. We actually planned to casually return to our campsite to relax for the rest of the day. But when we checked our phone, we realized that we had finally received the news that we could start our new job on Tuesday. So we quickly made our way back to Gisborne.

During the drive, we also noticed that the clock on our radio suddenly was an hour behind. We then remembered that there is a time change here, which took place over the weekend. Until then, we hadn't noticed it at all :D So now we have an 11-hour difference to Germany, as our clocks were set forward. At the end of October, when the clock in Germany is set back an hour, there will even be a 12-hour difference.

After another night at our preferred freedom campsite in Gisborne, it was time for the first workday at the kiwi plantation. Upon arrival, we, along with about 50 others, were “trained” for a maximum of two minutes in our new task, had to sign a list, and then we could start working our first hours in our new job.

In our new task, some of the buds of the kiwi plant need to be removed. On one stem, all buds except for the largest primary bud must be removed. This is supposed to encourage a particularly large and high-quality fruit to grow later. The work is less strenuous than the trimming we did in July. However, it is quite boring and definitely monotonous. We don’t mind, as long as the pay is good in the end.

This time, many other backpackers with their vans are also working alongside us. Additionally, we can park our van and sleep directly on one of the plantations. There, besides the camping spot, we have access to toilets, a shower, and a kitchen in a house. But the best part: we don't have to pay anything for it.

Upon entering the house for the first time, we unfortunately found that everything was extremely run-down, dirty, and really disgusting. The previous residents, who also worked for the employer, apparently had no sense of hygiene or anything similar. In the evening, we were sitting together when suddenly a rat crawled out from the corner. Fortunately, we haven’t seen it since :D

The next evening, we decided to team up with the others to at least free the bathroom and kitchen from the worst dirt so that we could feel a little more comfortable. Luckily, the others are super nice, and we get along very well with everyone.

Otherwise, this week was about working. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't too great, and we could only work for a few hours on two days. We are using our free time to get to know the others better. A small group has formed that we get along very well with and we usually sit together.

By now, we have become quite a few people, and we share the kitchen and the bathroom with 16 others. So far, it is still functioning well; let's see how many more will join us and how it will develop.

We definitely hope that we can work here for another 2-3 weeks.