Jude Porteous

Ngāpuhi

Jude Porteous is passionate about supporting those struggling with mental health using therapy supported by nature and animals.

Jude knew growing up that she wanted to become a social worker, however, life took its course.  Jude finally pursued her social work degree at 46 years old and found the experience of studying to be life-changing and fulfilling. After acquiring a farm and realising its healing potential, she decided that working from the farm would be incredible. She then completed her degree, studied Animal-Assisted Therapy, and established Fossil Creek Farm Trust.

As a co-founder, Jude continues to work as a social worker at the trust alongside other qualified social workers. The farm spans 100 acres and is home to 150 animals. It serves as a safe space and healing sanctuary for tangata whenua while also aiming to restore the native whenua, flora, and fauna.

The trust offers well-being wānanga, group therapy, and individual therapy for rangatahi, wahine, and tane. Nature and animal therapy are integrated into the experience, focusing on preventing suicide and providing support.

Links:

The Tasman therapy farm where alpacas, horses and miniature donkeys work their magic

Fossil Creek Farm Trust – profile
 

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Dr Rees Tapsell

Ngāti Whakaue, Raukawa

Dr. Rees Tapsell has been involved in developing several Māori specific approaches to the provision of mental health care for Māori in both government and NGO settings for more than 30 years.

Chas McCarthy

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Haua, Te Ātihaunui a Pāpāranga, Ngati Whitikaupeka

Chas demonstrates integrity each day, and people choose to seek and follow his advice.  A leader is not measured by what they do but by others that choose to follow.

Megan Tahere

Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi

I first came to know Megan as her external peer supervisor when she enrolled to do a Master’s Degree.

Dr Dianne Wepa

Ngāti Kahungunu

He toka tūmoana he ākinga nā ngā tai

A standing rock in the sea, lashed by the tides (Kawharu, 2008)