My name is Mara Schneider and I was born in Germany in 1982. After having worked as a journalist in my home country for almost 10 years I decided it was time for a change. I'd already enjoyed working with kids in summer holiday camps for several years and therefore decided to come to New Zealand as an Au Pair in 2010.
It didn't take me long to fall in love with the country and its people. Neither my friends nor my family were really surprised when I told them I was going to stay. Though I am no longer working as an Au Pair I am still in touch with my host family and other Au Pairs in the area. I know about the joy of having "the perfect match" - but also about the problems that can occur on both sides.
I was blessed with my host family and would like to help others finding the right Au Pair/host family. That's why I created the Au Pair Network Whangarei - to give host families and Au Pairs alike a platform to find each other and get together.
When I'm not involved with Au Pair Network Whangarei I work full-time as an Early Childhood Educator in a lovely centre in Whangarei and am currently studying towards becoming a fully qualified ECE teacher. I am also expecting my first baby so life is never boring!
In our free time my partner and I enjoy growing our own vegetable garden and exploring the beautiful nature of Aotearoa.
