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  3. Hi, we’re the Kirkpatricks—John, Tiff, + our two boys (7 + 10). We’re a reliable + respectful house-sitting family with experience caring for homes, farms, + beloved animals :)

Hi, we’re the Kirkpatricks—John, Tiff, + our two boys (7 + 10). We’re a reliable + respectful house-sitting family with experience caring for homes, farms, + beloved animals :)

About

Our journey into house and pet sitting began unexpectedly after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed our home in 2023. With two toddlers and Gisborne’s housing options, we were incredibly grateful when a client offered us the opportunity to care for their farm while they travelled overseas. That first sit led to glowing reviews and ongoing referrals through word of mouth—and what began as a one-off quickly became a valued service and a lifestyle that truly suits our family.

While we waited for our rebuild, we cared for a variety of homes across our local region Te Tairāwhiti, including houses, lifestyle blocks, farms, gardens, and a wide range of animals – including all kinds of cats + dogs, a tantrum throwing goat, a violent chicken and a sulking guinea. Most sits involve attentive pet care, along with general home and garden maintenance, though we’re also happy to assist with any additional tasks where appropriate—such as light farm work, vehicle maintenance, welding, administration, or organising spaces like home offices.

We still own our business in Tairāwhiti and work remotely as consultants, Dad in engineering and Mum in social enterprise + economic development, which means your pets benefit from consistent company and supervision. (Reliable internet is essential for our house sits please).

We’re spending a year living and working remotely while travelling New Zealand, as preparation for a longer family trip through South America and South-East Asia.

We understand that welcoming someone into your home requires trust. We take that responsibility seriously, treating every home and every animal as if they were our own—keeping properties secure, well maintained, and ensuring pets receive consistent, loving care.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing how much our boys have grown through house sitting. They have grown up on farms and have always enjoyed helping with the animals, chores and cooking. House-sitting has grown a stronger sense of responsibility, empathy, and respect that comes from lived experience.

We value clear communication, reliability, and mutual respect, and we take pride in helping homeowners travel with confidence, knowing their home and pets are in safe hands.

We’d love to chat about how we can support you while you’re away—please feel free to get in touch. 😊

We provide:

– Regular updates and photos throughout your time away—shared as often as you’d like—so you can relax knowing everything at home is running smoothly.

– As a family we go on daily walks or bike/scooter rides and we’re comfortable including the dogs. Even at 7 years of age our youngest is competent helping walk dogs on a lead. On bike rides the boys can easily accommodate longer walks of up to 5-15km. Naturally, we adapt depending on what your dog is used to.

– While you’re away, your pets will receive the same love, attention, and care they’re accustomed to. We make a point of following your pets’ usual routines as closely as possible, helping them feel safe, settled, and secure in your absence, ie the first day is usually a “chill day” so we can acquaint ourselves to the home and so the animals can get to know us.

– We’re experienced in building trust with animals and take the time to meet each pet where they’re at—whether that’s playing your dog’s favourite game, sharing quiet evening cuddles with your cat, gently comforting an anxious animal during a storm, or recognising when a pet needs space and patiently allowing them to approach us in their own time. We often find pets snuggled up in bed with our youngest lol

– We take great care to respect your privacy and personal belongings, while keeping your home secure, clean, and well maintained throughout the sit.

– As a family, we spend a chunk of time at the home, and with the animals in our care. We’re natural homebodies who genuinely enjoy being present with our kids, learning and growing along with them. During the week, we co-ordinate roles between homeschooling our 7- and 10-year-old boys and remotely based work.

We are also happy to discuss any roles or requirements outside of these ^^ please feel free to send a message.

 

  • Family
  • Age Group: 45-55
  • Business Owners + Consultants

Availability

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