About us

Giovana started Host Families NZ Limited in 2010. After learning more about her market, she created a strategy to improve and grow the market of homestay families in New Zealand. Giovana personally does the homestay inspection, meets with schools and agents, and takes pride in overseeing the whole operation.

A Brazilian native, Giovana now lives in rural Auckland with her family. Giovana’s goal is to offer the memorable and rewarding experience of hosting an international student to all types of families in New Zealand.

Hui Li is passionate about education and celebrating diverse cultures. With nearly 10 years of experience in the international education sector, she understands both the life-changing opportunities that come with studying abroad and the challenges students may encounter along the way.

Since joining Host Families NZ in 2018, Hui has felt privileged to support students, interns, and visitors in finding a welcoming place to call home. In her current role, she oversees business operations while also driving growth strategies for the organisation.

Deeply proud of the caring and dedicated homestay families in the network, Hui is always excited to introduce them to every applicant and ensure each placement is a safe, supportive, and enriching experience.

Bringing a vibrant energy and a curious mind to our team, Luiz is committed to ensuring flawless matches and outstanding support for students and host families. Drawing from personal experiences studying abroad in Canada and New Zealand, Luiz is on a mission to create cultural experiences that transcend conventional boundaries, making a lasting positive impact.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Wendy Park brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role as Team Lead for the Auckland Region. She has worked across language schools and tertiary providers, giving her a deep understanding of the student journey and the unique challenges international students may face.

Wendy is known for her professionalism, compassion, and fair approach. She creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students, while upholding high standards in the selection and care of homestay families. Organised and detail-oriented, she ensures every placement provides a safe, comfortable, and positive living experience.

Beyond her professional life, Wendy enjoys playing golf and spending time with her family. Her balance of dedication, fairness, and warmth makes her a trusted guide for both students and host families alike.

Nicole Han brings a wealth of experience from the accommodation sector and is a familiar face to many families who have hosted students for ACG College and UP Education. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation for her warm-hearted approach, professionalism, and dedication to supporting both students and host families.

Her commitment and expertise have recently led to her promotion as Team Lead for Schools and Agents, where she continues to strengthen partnerships, provide guidance, and ensure high-quality support across all placements. Nicole’s caring nature, combined with her strong leadership, helps create welcoming, safe, and positive experiences for international students and the communities that host them.

Jingying Peng is a caring and hardworking Homestay Coordinator who understands firsthand the challenges and excitement of living in a new country. Having moved to New Zealand herself, she deeply relates to the cultural differences international students experience and is passionate about helping them feel supported and at home.

With a strong background in cross-cultural coordination and student support, Jingying brings both professional expertise and personal empathy to her role. Fluent in Mandarin and English, she builds strong connections with students, host families, and schools, ensuring clear communication and positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Jingying is dedicated to finding safe, welcoming, and suitable homestays where students can thrive. She takes pride in creating supportive experiences that balance student wellbeing, family harmony, and cultural understanding.

Her commitment, attention to detail, and genuine care help make every homestay placement a positive and enriching journey.

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