Homestay

Homestay Manager


Ko Donna Oates Taku Ingoa, 

I am proud and excited to be your Homestay Manager at Gisborne Boys High School.


I grew up in the Tairawhiti region with a stint in Australia and the USA.  While growing up on the East Coast my parents owned and managed a backpacker lodge.  Being surrounded by international guests has sparked a deep curiosity within me about different cultures. Giving me a glimpse into the tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs that make our world so diverse and fascinating. 


I am truly passionate about bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections. Whether it's connecting friends, colleagues, or even strangers who share common interests, the joys of seeing relationships blossom and thrive is what drives me.


My free time is spent with my two boys and partner, water Skiing, fishing, and camping in the summer months. Wintertime is focused on their sports, Hockey, Touch Rugby, Football, and Clay Bird Shooting. We enjoy spending time with family and friends to enrich our lives with laughter, love, and shared experiences which create lasting memories. 


I am excited about the families we have selected for your son’s stay.  Each one brings something special to the table, and I have full confidence that they will provide a nurturing and enriching environment for him. Our families will help shape his experiences and create lasting memories of your son's stay here in Tairawhiti.



Homestay Family

We hope that you will find living with the family rewarding and happy. Your welfare and care are very important to us. Each of our host families has been interviewed, visited, and carefully chosen by the school. As part of the Code of Practice for International Students, (see below) you must live in our school-approved homestay accommodation, or with a parent, or a designated caregiver (a relative). 

 Many of our homestay families have a long relationship with the school, having hosted students before you. So they know very well what it is like to provide excellent pastoral care and have a student living with them. You will be treated as part of the family and this makes living with a welcoming Kiwi family a vital part of your experience here.


For a successful relationship between you and your family, it is essential that both parties have an understanding of each other’s needs. This may take some time, especially in the first couple of weeks to get used to. Be patient. You will receive Homestay Guidelines for International Students to help you settle in. This covers all aspects of living with your host family.


Living in a foreign country can mean a different kind of house, food, customs, attitudes, and new ways of doing things. At times you will feel homesick and may find the people, school, and living here strange. These are normal feelings that you will have and they will pass. Remember that you are here to experience a different culture. Living with your host family is the best way to immerse yourself in your new country and learn about the Kiwi lifestyle. Try to do as many new things as you can with your family.

Homestay Booklet International Students - Donna Oates Homestay Manager 2023 - Google Docs.pdf

Homestay Student Info

For all your information about homestays for students!

_Homestay guidelines for host families 2022.pdf

Homestay Host Family Info

For all your information about homestays for host families!


NZQA_Pastoral-Care-Code-of-Practice_English.pdf

Code of Practice NZQA

NZQA's Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners

Code of Practice