A trend has emerged where a growing number of people seeking house sitting jobs in New Zealand brand themselves as ‘professionals’ and subsequently they take it upon themselves to charge a fee, implying that these are markers of reliability and expertise. This is a fiction. Professionalism is an attitude not a label, and fees have…

When New Zealand homeowners plan to be away for an extended period of time, many opt to hire a house sitter to care for their property. The arrangement often brings peace of mind, knowing that someone will be present to look after the home, water the plants, take care of pets, and maintain security. However,…