Our People
Meet the team behind Hidden Valley Farm and Sanctuary.
The family and the friends
who keep the farm and sanctuary going
Terri Everett
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, Babs Goes to the Fair, waiting to be published once sponsorship has been found.
Terri also combines here skills and qualifcations 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
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: Engineer Degree and Marine Science Masters. Adoption possible LOL!
Claire Hutt
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)
Renée Keenan
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.
Marit de Ridder
Marit was born in the Netherlands and moved to New Zealand with her family when she was 12 years old. After studying when she was 21, in New Zealand, she returned to the Netherlands, where she spent many years working in Government Governance.
Eventually, the pressures and expectations of that life left Marit feeling burnt out, and she made the bold decision to leave it behind. She packed up her life, took her beloved dogs, Moran & Mika, and set off to travel through Europe. Her journey inspired her to write a book (called Onherbergzame Wegen — Far Away Roads) reflecting on her changing views of society, expectations, and what it means to live a fulfilling life. The book was subsequently published in the Netherlands.
Returning to New Zealand with her dogs to be closer to her brother and Mum in Nelson, Marit continued to embrace a more nomadic lifestyle. After years of travelling, she felt it was time to slow down and put down roots, at least for a while.
That journey eventually brought her to Hidden Valley Farm, where she asked to join the team as a volunteer.
A self-confessed city girl, Marit had very little experience with farm animals and has been learning the ropes from scratch, from handling animals and helping with their daily care to discovering the unexpected realities of farm life; she has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and is doing a wonderful job.
Marit has no set departure date and, for now, is happily enjoying life at Hidden Valley Farm, discovering where this next chapter might take her.
Nadja Stoger
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.
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.
Nellie Lattman
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 as 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. Nellie isn't just a visitor anymore, she's family.
Natalie Ferguson
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.
Natalie will be sadly missed as she embarks on new adventures.
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.
Jobs include daily care of the sanctuary animals and projects on the farm and in the Hidden Valley Hamlet.
The people who help us keep going
and the shops where you’ll find our books.
Agripathics, Natural Pet
Our Thanks goes to the team at Agripathics who support the work that we do with our sanctuary animals. It’s wonderful to be able to treat our pets in such a symathetic way with natural homeopathic remedies for animals, supporting the health of your pets, livestock, horses and chickens without the harmful side effects of conventional treatments.
Motueka i-SITE
StockistWe want to thank Anita and the team at the Motueka I-Site for giving us an opportunity to sell our book “Derek the Hungry Sheep” to the general public and visitors to our region. The team also welcome and support us with exposure to our Hidden Valley farm Holidays, even creating a short video reel on face book
The Beached Whale, Kaiteriteri
We want to thank The Beached Whale Resturant for keeping their food scraps for our farm sanctuary animals. Its a huge contribution that saves us costs. The pigs love it too!
Sprig & Fern, Motueka
We want to acknowledge the huge generosity of Motueka Sprig & Fern Pub, for sharing their delicious left over pub grub with our pigs and farm birdlife. Not only do the animals love the weekly treat but it saves us money.
Naturesbed, Motueka
We want to thank NaturesBed for their generosity in supporting our farm Animal Sanctuary. Highest quality, 100% NZ Produced Natural Pine Shavings. A family owned business operating out of the beautiful Motueka area in the Tasman region since 2004.
Richmond Saddlery
Winter 2025 has been a particularly difficult winter with very high rainfall and dramatic flooding in our Tasman region. All our horses and ponies wear donated rugs but after the first floods it was clear we needed to replace these. I went to Richmond Saddlery and was so delighted with their help in measurements and kindness. I can highly recommend Clinton Day and his team and thank them for their continued support in holding a donation box at their counter, on our behalf.
Hoddy’s Fruit Company
After the unprecedented flooding in the Nelson & Tasman region in July 2025, Hoddy’s Fruit Company extended help to many damaged properties. Hidden Valley Farm wasn’t flooded, but we did suffer extreme weather and sadly lost one of our animals to it’s deluge. Hoddy’s supplied us with 20 large posts to make some more field shelters. Thank you, Team Hoddy, for your generosity in helping spread sunshine on a rainy day.
Ngatimoti Festival
My two boys, loved their time at Ngatimoti Primary School and as a parent I was involved in running the festival in 2009. It was a bumper year! We love to support the school every year but I am delighted to share that the school, give us special privaleges so we can showcase the Hidden Valley Sanctuary to their 1000’s of visitors. Thanks Guys, you are awesome.
Suzy Cato
Suzy Cato is one of New Zealand leading children’s entertainer and TV personality. We were delighted when Suzy included our first book “Derek the Hungry Sheep” in her programme “Suzys Book Corner” show. Now we have been invited to have the book reviewed on here “Kids Talk About Books” show, which is coming soon.
We are now looking for a sponsor to have our 2nd book printed.
Motueka A & P Show
For the past few years Hidden Valley Farm Sanctuary has been involved in the Farm Yard Expo at the Motueka A&P Show. It’s always a fun but exhausting day, giving pony rides but the highlight is the Cocka-Doodle-Poo Bingo. Its become such a popular activity that we have to do pre-sales. $2 per number. Want to join in, get in touch
Claire Hutt, Clairecrow
Claire Hutt and son Roman have been with us on the journey to create a sanctuary since the start. Claire, also known as Clairecrow is often the star of the show. Clairecrow is one of the characters in the “Adventures at Hidden Valley Farm” book series, and can often be seen all dressed up at the local library or other local events to promote our book sales which contributes to the sanctuary funds.
Joolz Art
Julie from Joolzart has been a friend of Terri since their children went to Ngatimoti School in the Motueka Valley. Julie was invited to join our vision for the book series The Adventures of Hidden Valley Farm. Julie specialises mainly in water colour art. The first book took 18 months to come to the publishing stage and we were not disaponted with the results.
Frasers Orchard
StockistFrasers Orchard is a small Family Orchard that grows Watermelons, Strawberries, Tomatoes Apples and Pears for their roadside stall in Riwaka. The orchard has supported the sanctuary since early 2023 by supplying us with apples and pears. You will pass by when visiting Hidden valley farm. Featured in Book one, Derek the Hungry Sheep.
Sturgeons Amusements
Another lovely local company who has supported our efforts and are featured ini the second book “Babs goes to the Fair. George is one of the charectors in the books, check it out and support us by purchasing our book series. When you visit many of our local events, you will find the Sturgeon family hard at work manning the amusements. Say Hi from us!
Nelson Classic Car Museum
StockistThe Nelson Classic Car Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars. The Museum has a wonderful shop full of local art and local books. They have been wonderful in supporting us by show casing our Adventures at Hidden Valley Farm book series. When you visit please do say Hi from Hidden valley farm.
Motueka Floral Studio
StockistThe Motueka Floral Studio was one of the first businesses to promote our books in their gift shop. Check them out next time you are in our town Motueka and say Hi from Hidden valley farm.
159 High Street, Motueka · 03 528 4747
Rural Services Centre
StockistThe Rural Service Centre in Takaka is the first business to showcase our books and was founded in 1952 by local farming families to provide veterinary services for Golden Bay. The Rural Service Centre is now a modern Vet Clinic and Retail Store complete with a small Garden Centre. You will find our books at the main desk.
Kath Bee
StockistWatch this space for exciting collaborations. Kath’s songs are on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Tune in to Kath’s radio show & podcast ‘The Kids’ Mix’ on Saturdays & Sundays to hear songs, stories, fun facts, jokes and ‘What’s THAT Noise?’
Demon Pen
Demon Pen is a profesional illustrator specilising in charecature and he has really captured our personalities here. This wonderful gift will certainly brighten up The Shed, where we meet and greet our guests. If you live in the UK he can be booked for private and corporate functions.
Nelson City Framers
I went into the Nelson gallery to ask about prices and types of framing options for Joolzart original illustrations, with the idea of making them available for auction to fund raise. I was so beautifully recieved and I ended up walking out with an offer to present the illustrations at the gallery and to hold a launch there. What an opportunity. I have the venue, now I need to find the funding!
Take a look around
Our Song
Hidden Valley Caves
Book Review
Sophie from “Kids Talk About Books” gives us her views on “Derek the Hungry Sheep” with Suzie Cato.
Suzy Cato Reads
Suzy Cato from Suzy’s Book Corner reads “Derek the Hungry Sheep” to make learning fun. It is an honour to have Suzy read one of our books.
Join Our Hidden Valley Farm
Adventures
There’s always something new happening at Hidden Valley Farm, and we’d love to welcome your visit. By appointment only: 027 526 8771
The wonderful family and farm caricature painting featured here is by the talented Demonpen.
