Kia Ora (hello) from Kia Ora Homestay!
I'm Rachael, the founder of Kia Ora Homestay.
My passion is creating safe, welcoming, and meaningful homestay experiences where international students can truly feel at home, and Kiwi families can enjoy the rewarding experience of cultural exchange.
My journey began in September 2023, when I opened my home to international students. Since then, I've personally welcomed and hosted more than 70 students from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Every student has brought their own story, culture, and perspective, while every host family has shared the warmth and hospitality that New Zealand is known for. I've seen lifelong friendships form, confidence grow, and unforgettable memories created through the homestay experience.
Inspired by these experiences, I founded Kia Ora Homestay in 2025 with a simple mission:
To connect international students with caring Kiwi families, creating a place where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and valued.
Today, I work closely with education agents, schools, students, and host families to provide carefully matched homestay placements built on trust, communication, and genuine care.
I understand that moving to a new country can feel overwhelming. That's why I'm committed to ensuring every student has a safe and supportive environment where they can settle into life in New Zealand with confidence and become part of the whānau (family).
For our host families, I provide guidance and ongoing support to make hosting an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Whether you're an education agent looking for a trusted homestay partner, a family interested in hosting, or a student preparing for your New Zealand journey, I'm here to help every step of the way.
Nau mai, haere mai — welcome to the Kia Ora Homestay family.
"Thank you for letting me feel so welcome and happy inside this house, it's my first time coming to New Zealand and meeting you guys has been one of the best thing's that ever happened. Thank you for making me feel like home."
Tanya, Taiwan
Our Mission
To connect international students with caring Kiwi families, creating a place where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and valued.
Belonging
Every student deserves to feel at home and part of a caring family.
Care
Every student is treated as an individual, with genuine support from arrival to departure.
Cultural Exchange
Hosting is about more than accommodation. It's about sharing cultures, building friendships, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Trust
Strong relationships are built through honesty, reliability, and open communication.