Host Families
Share Your Home. Make a Difference.
At Kia Ora Homestay, our host families are at the heart of everything we do.
By opening your home to an international student, you'll provide much more than accommodation, you'll offer a safe place to live, a sense of belonging, and an authentic Kiwi experience.
Hosting is an opportunity to learn about another culture, build lifelong friendships, and help a young person feel at home while studying in New Zealand.
Whether you've hosted before or are considering it for the first time, we'll support you every step of the way.
What Makes a Great Host Family?
We carefully select caring Kiwi households that are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for international students.
Our host families:
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Welcome students as temporary members of the family
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Enjoy learning about different cultures
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Provide a stable and respectful home environment
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Support students as they adjust to life in New Zealand
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Help students build confidence and independence
Every family is different, and we celebrate the diversity of homes that make up our Kia Ora Homestay community.
What You'll Provide
As an approved Kia Ora Homestay host family, you'll provide:
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A private or shared furnished bedroom with a dedicated study space
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Nutritious meals (full board unless otherwise arranged)
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A clean, safe, and comfortable home
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Age-appropriate supervision for students under 18
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Inclusion in everyday family life, helping students feel welcomed and connected
Ongoing Support
You're never on your own.
At Kia Ora Homestay, we maintain regular contact with both students and host families throughout each placement. We're here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help resolve any concerns promptly.
Our goal is to ensure every homestay is a positive and rewarding experience for both students and host families.
The Hosting Journey
Apply
Meet With Us
Complete Safety Checks
Complete our Host Family Application Form to tell us about your family, your home, and why you're interested in hosting.
We'll arrange a short online chat to get to know you, followed by a home visit to ensure your home is ready to welcome a student.
To meet New Zealand's safeguarding and pastoral care requirements, all household members aged 18 and over complete police vetting, and we obtain reference checks.
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Approval
Student Matching
Welcome Your Student
Once approved, you'll become part of the Kia Ora Homestay host family community.
We carefully match students with families based on personalities, preferences, lifestyle, dietary needs, and other important factors to give every placement the best chance of success.
We'll support both you and your student before arrival and throughout the placement, ensuring everyone feels confident and supported.
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Why Families Love Hosting
Hosting offers more than financial support, it creates meaningful experiences for the whole family.
Many of our host families enjoy:
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Learning about new cultures
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Sharing New Zealand traditions and everyday life
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Building lifelong friendships around the world
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Seeing students grow in confidence and independence
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Making a genuine difference in a young person's life
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Become a Host Family?
If you have a welcoming home and would like to make a positive impact on the life of an international student, we'd love to hear from you.