Meet the Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ) Team
Rural Exchange New Zealand 2023 Ltd (RENZ) is owned and operated by Amanda and Daniel Schat from their base at Darfield near Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand.
Amanda and her husband, Daniel, are the company's directors. Both have a long history of working in the agricultural industry, owning their own Dairy farm and milking 385 cows. Owning Rural Exchange compliments the dairy farm very well, and they are both very experienced in dealing with trainees, having hosted them for over ten years. Amanda and Daniel have both travelled and worked abroad and both have a good understanding of the emotions of travelling and working abroad. Amanda and Daniel have two children and are actively involved in the local community.
What is Rural Exchange NZ (RENZ)?
Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ) is an independent organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for young people from overseas to live and work in New Zealand in agricultural and horticultural industries.
RENZ also provides Kiwis the opportunity to work abroad in agriculture, viticulture, hospitality and even the building trade! We work with trusted partners in America, Canada and Europe.
RENZ has been operating since 1995 and has been how thousands of young people from many different countries have enjoyed a rural working adventure across the world.
We bring young overseas workers into New Zealand, send young Kiwis workers abroad, and work with overseas partners and hosts to ensure safety and comfort.
RENZ works with a large network of cooperating partners in many countries, through Grow Abroad, all engaged in a similar activity - that of making it possible for young people to broaden their horizons through overseas experiences.
We work closely with our partners to:
Screen suitable trainees and hosts,
Find and organise work placements
Provide access to Government-approved work permits
Assist with documentation for the issue of visas
Ensure Government-required medical insurance regulations comply with
Co-ordinate airport arrival pickups, initial accommodation if necessary, and internal transport to host farms
Liaise with hosts and trainees during placements
Provide counselling and backup in case of problems
Organise social opportunities for trainees to socialise and encourage interaction and relationship building between trainees to foster international friendships.
Want to chat about what your options are?
If you live in New Zealand and want to experience a working holiday with RENZ - Contact Us for a chat.
Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ) Philosophy
The RENZ Philosophy is to provide young people with the opportunity to experience life in another country while allowing them the freedom to develop interpersonal skills and independence. The RENZ team provides trainees with a safe haven while allowing them to learn and grow as travelling individuals.
