Singaporean TikToker offered chance to live for free on New Zealand land the size of Toa Payoh

A Singapore TikToker was offered the chance to live and farm on a piece of New Zealand land, which she compared to the size of Toa Payoh, free of charge.

The unexpected offer to place a tiny house on the property came after TikToker Esther, known on social media as risewithaster, said she spent time helping a farming couple she first met through an Airbnb stay.

Esther said that she eventually became part of a community focused on self-sufficient living, according to her post that has been viewed more than 25,000 times since it was uploaded on July 24.

'I was interested in permaculture'

In her video, Esther shared that she initially planned to spend six months in New Zealand but ended up staying for over a year as she travelled, explored permaculture and considered her next steps after leaving her teaching job.

According to her website, Esther had previously taught English and Literature for 14 years.

Recounting her experience in a TikTok video, Esther said one Airbnb listing in New Zealand had caught her attention: a farm owned by a couple named James and Sarah.

While staying there, she surprised the couple with her unusual offer to help with gardening.

"When they found out that I was interested in permaculture, they showed me around the farm, and I went back there to do weeding and some other gardening tasks," said Esther.

Through James and Sarah, she was introduced to a woman in her 80s who owned the large piece of land and dreamed of building a community where people could grow their own food and live more independently.

The woman subsequently offered Esther the opportunity to place a tiny house on the property and live there for free.

The arrangement would have allowed her to experience farm life without having to buy land, while learning from experienced farmers who were already teaching city dwellers how to grow their own food.

Despite being intrigued by the prospect, Esther ultimately decided not to take up the offer.

She said one reason for her decision was that she wanted to return to Singapore to be closer to her family.

She added that she remains in touch with members of the community in New Zealand. 

Netizens applaud her risk-taking decision

Her story has since drawn attention online, with commenters asking how she managed to stay in New Zealand for so long. 

In another TikTok post, Esther revealed that she has been "living off my savings, with no clear career plan", but has nevertheless been feeling at peace.

"You are living my dream," wrote a commenter.

"What an anti[-]climactic ending," one netizen pointed out, to which Esther replied that she was unable to rewrite the ending to a true story.

AsiaOne has reached out to Esther for more information.

[[nid:731718]]

helmy.saat@asiaone.com