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

Andrew Waa

Ngāti Hine Ngā puhi

Andrew Waa is a public health academic whose research work has focussed on how we can eliminate tobacco-related harm among whānau Māori and achieve a Tupeka Kore vision for Aotearoa.

Neta Smith

Ngati Kuri, Ko Te Aupouri, Ko Ngaitakato, Ko Ngatikahu, Ko Ngati Rehia me Te Rarawa

Ko Neta Smith toku ingoa

Ko Jesse MuruPaenga toku Matua

Ko TePaia tai Puhi roa Maaka toku Whaea

No Oturu / Muriwhenua ahau

Isaac Warbrick

Ngāti Te Ata, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi

Isaac's background lies in exercise physiology and the role of physical activity in improving Māori health and reducing health inequities.

John Tamihere

Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea, Tainui, Irish, Scottish

JT’s vision, leadership and genuine crossover appeal with Pākehā, has become a loss to politics but a major victory for urban Māori.