Terri Everett (Farmer Terri) Co-owner/Servant to all
Terri has a quiet approach around animals which in turn and time brings any animal to accepting her as their equal. Terri often explains herself as being their servant, dedicating much of her time to improving their lives or working to afford their upkeep Terri's wish is for us all to work in harmony, with a purpose and hopes that some of the animals will give back by offering healing to humans who need it.Terri and her side kick Claire-crow have a crazy bond, which has turned into two funny charactors, with huge imaginations; Farmer Terri and Claire Crow. The first fundraising book is in circulation (Christmas 2023) with the second book poised for print (Easter 2024)
Terri also combines here skills and qualitifcations to host workshops with other therapists and facilitators.
Other Facts: BHS Stages 1, 2/3 National Horse Certificate in Equine Management, General Agricultural Studdies at Bicton College of Agriculture.
Jim Everett Co-owner/Hard Grafter
Jim Everett – The Farm’s Practical Backbone
Every sanctuary needs someone who keeps things running behind the scenes, and that’s where Jim shines. From fencing and water supply to tractor and digger work, Jim is the go-to problem solver.
Balancing farm life with his day job as a Project Manager in the Water Treatment Industry, Jim ensures the sanctuary has what it needs to thrive. He’s happiest in the hidden valley, watching the wild pigs, deer, and goats roam freely, while making sure the water pump keeps every animal hydrated year-round. Other facts: Engeneer Dagree and Marine Science Masters Adoption possible LOL!
Every sanctuary needs someone who keeps things running behind the scenes, and that’s where Jim shines. From fencing and water supply to tractor and digger work, Jim is the go-to problem solver.
Balancing farm life with his day job as a Project Manager in the Water Treatment Industry, Jim ensures the sanctuary has what it needs to thrive. He’s happiest in the hidden valley, watching the wild pigs, deer, and goats roam freely, while making sure the water pump keeps every animal hydrated year-round. Other facts: Engeneer Dagree and Marine Science Masters Adoption possible LOL!
Claire Hutt (Claire Crow) Assistant of all kinds
Clairecrow (Claire Hutt) – Volunteer, Sponsor & Co-Author
Claire is both a regular volunteer and a much-loved sponsor at Hidden Valley Farm. She shares a unique, joyful bond with Terri, which blossomed into their storybook alter egos—Farmer Terri and Clairecrow.
Together, they write the Adventures at Hidden Valley Farm children’s series, blending imagination and humour inspired by the real-life adventures of the animals. Their first book, Derek the Hungry Sheep, was published in Christmas 2023, followed by Babs Goes to the Fair waiting to be published, once sponsorship is found. Other facts: Our Town Motueka Coordinator & Motueka Community Board (# terms 2025)
Claire is both a regular volunteer and a much-loved sponsor at Hidden Valley Farm. She shares a unique, joyful bond with Terri, which blossomed into their storybook alter egos—Farmer Terri and Clairecrow.
Together, they write the Adventures at Hidden Valley Farm children’s series, blending imagination and humour inspired by the real-life adventures of the animals. Their first book, Derek the Hungry Sheep, was published in Christmas 2023, followed by Babs Goes to the Fair waiting to be published, once sponsorship is found. Other facts: Our Town Motueka Coordinator & Motueka Community Board (# terms 2025)
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Renee Keenan Workshop facilitator
About Renée
Terri and Renée first met at a workshop and discovered a shared passion for creating meaningful, transformative experiences. Together, they now offer a unique equine-assisted therapeutic approach — an eclectic blend of experiential learning, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
Renée brings a wealth of qualifications and practical experience, built over many years in the field. Her calm presence, clear guidance, and strong sense of boundaries help people shift their approach to life in deeply positive ways.
We’re thrilled to have Renée as part of our team at Hidden Valley Farm Sanctuary, where her skills, our serene landscape, and our gentle animals come together for mutual healing and growth. Workshops A true Haven for All Hearts
Terri and Renée first met at a workshop and discovered a shared passion for creating meaningful, transformative experiences. Together, they now offer a unique equine-assisted therapeutic approach — an eclectic blend of experiential learning, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
Renée brings a wealth of qualifications and practical experience, built over many years in the field. Her calm presence, clear guidance, and strong sense of boundaries help people shift their approach to life in deeply positive ways.
We’re thrilled to have Renée as part of our team at Hidden Valley Farm Sanctuary, where her skills, our serene landscape, and our gentle animals come together for mutual healing and growth. Workshops A true Haven for All Hearts
Nadja Stoger Farm Assistant/Peters girlfriend
Nadja – Volunteer Extraordinaire
All the way from Grafenau, Germany, Nadja first arrived at Hidden Valley Farm in October 2023 while on a working holiday visa. Her original plan was to travel and work her way around New Zealand—but after her first stay with us, she kept bouncing back, again and again!
Nadja quickly became a valuable part of the team, learning new skills, growing in confidence with both animals and people, and sharing her joyful energy with everyone at the sanctuary. One of her more recent responsibilities was caring for Edwin, our yard kitten—who quickly became our house cat. She can be seen cuddling him while gently introducing him to Pixy and Milly.
Although her visa ended in August 2024, Nadja has left an unforgettable mark on the sanctuary. She often says Hidden Valley is her “happy place”—and we know she’ll be back, especially now that she’s in a relationship with Peter, Terri’s eldest son. 💕
All the way from Grafenau, Germany, Nadja first arrived at Hidden Valley Farm in October 2023 while on a working holiday visa. Her original plan was to travel and work her way around New Zealand—but after her first stay with us, she kept bouncing back, again and again!
Nadja quickly became a valuable part of the team, learning new skills, growing in confidence with both animals and people, and sharing her joyful energy with everyone at the sanctuary. One of her more recent responsibilities was caring for Edwin, our yard kitten—who quickly became our house cat. She can be seen cuddling him while gently introducing him to Pixy and Milly.
Although her visa ended in August 2024, Nadja has left an unforgettable mark on the sanctuary. She often says Hidden Valley is her “happy place”—and we know she’ll be back, especially now that she’s in a relationship with Peter, Terri’s eldest son. 💕
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Nellie Lattman Volunteer/ HVF family
Nellie – Volunteer, Caretaker & Friend
From Sweden to New Zealand, Nellie’s connection with Hidden Valley Farm began in 2023. What was meant to be a short two-week work exchange quickly turned into a four-month stay—and countless visits since.
Her bond with the sanctuary grew even deeper when she stepped in to look after the animals while the Everett family travelled to England for a bereavement. It was a huge responsibility, and Nellie carried it with love and dedication, proving herself not just aa a volunteer, but a true member of the Hidden Valley family.
We never say “goodbye” to Nellie—only “see you later.” She is pictured here with our little foal, named in her honor: Nellie the pony. In a full-circle moment, Nellie (the human) has now taken on sponsorship of her namesake foal, further cementing her place in the story of Hidden Valley Farm.
💚 Nellie isn’t just a visitor anymore—she’s family.
From Sweden to New Zealand, Nellie’s connection with Hidden Valley Farm began in 2023. What was meant to be a short two-week work exchange quickly turned into a four-month stay—and countless visits since.
Her bond with the sanctuary grew even deeper when she stepped in to look after the animals while the Everett family travelled to England for a bereavement. It was a huge responsibility, and Nellie carried it with love and dedication, proving herself not just aa a volunteer, but a true member of the Hidden Valley family.
We never say “goodbye” to Nellie—only “see you later.” She is pictured here with our little foal, named in her honor: Nellie the pony. In a full-circle moment, Nellie (the human) has now taken on sponsorship of her namesake foal, further cementing her place in the story of Hidden Valley Farm.
💚 Nellie isn’t just a visitor anymore—she’s family.
Natalie Ferguson Local Volunteer/ HVF family
Natalie – Volunteer & Friend of the Animals & Farm
In 2024, Natalie made her way up the drive to Hidden Valley Farm and introduced herself with a simple wish: to volunteer. From the very beginning, it was clear she was someone who welcomed challenges with courage and honesty.
Like many who come to the sanctuary, Natalie wasn’t just offering her help—she was also seeking support herself, having faced challenges in her own life. What blossomed from this meeting has been a mutually supportive relationship, where Natalie’s time and energy benefit the animals, while the sanctuary gives back through companionship, healing, and purpose.
Her presence has been a gift not only to the people here, but to all the lovely farm pets in our care.
In 2024, Natalie made her way up the drive to Hidden Valley Farm and introduced herself with a simple wish: to volunteer. From the very beginning, it was clear she was someone who welcomed challenges with courage and honesty.
Like many who come to the sanctuary, Natalie wasn’t just offering her help—she was also seeking support herself, having faced challenges in her own life. What blossomed from this meeting has been a mutually supportive relationship, where Natalie’s time and energy benefit the animals, while the sanctuary gives back through companionship, healing, and purpose.
Her presence has been a gift not only to the people here, but to all the lovely farm pets in our care.
Volunteers
We have a constant run of volunteers from all over the world, who find us via sites like the Willing Workers, HelpXchange and Facebook. We welcome local volunteers when they can spare the time and homestay volunteers for a minimum of two weeks and encourage longer stays, some have stayed for 6 months. Those who bring their camper-vans can be flexible but again we prefer a minimum of two weeks to make training time worth our while.
Jobs include daily care of the sanctuary animals and projects on the farm and in the Hidden Valley Hamlet.
Get in touch if you are interested.