Behind the Gate
Welcome Behind the Gate
Every day, we make connections.
Sometimes they're with an animal that makes us laugh.
Sometimes with a stranger whose kindness stays with us long after we've gone our separate ways.
Sometimes with an old friend, a hidden waterfall, a local café, a talented artist, or a child seeing a lamb for the very first time.
Hidden Valley Farm Sanctuary has introduced me to thousands of these moments over the years. Many happen within the sanctuary itself, but just as many happen beyond the gate—in our wonderful local community and in the beautiful landscapes that surround us.
This blog is my invitation to share those moments with you.
You'll meet the animals who have become part of our family, discover the remarkable people who make this part of New Zealand so special, explore places you may never have known existed, and celebrate the simple connections that remind us how wonderfully small the world can be.
Some stories will make you smile.
Some may make you think.
Others may simply encourage you to slow down and notice the extraordinary gems hidden within everyday life.
Whatever brings you here, I hope you'll feel as though you've pulled up a chair, poured yourself a cup of tea, and joined us around the shed hub kitchen table.
The gate is open. So, come on in. and there's always room for one more around the table.
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Designing Ethics
LoreBefore you begin exploring Behind the Gate, we'd love to introduce you to Hidden Valley in the most joyful way we know.
Enjoy "Hidden Valley Farm", a delightful song written and performed by Kath Bee, one of New Zealand's much-loved children's entertainers.
The song was inspired by the fun and friendship found here at Hidden Valley Farm Sanctuary and features my dear friend Claire Hutt and me. Claire and I are also the co-authors of the children's book Derek the Hungry Sheep, where you'll meet Claire-Crow and Farmer Terri—characters inspired by us both.
We hope this song brings a smile to your face and gives you a little taste of the warmth, laughter and connections that await you Behind the Gate.
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Keith Martinez
Director, My Company
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Peter Schneider
Director, My Company
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