On the most basic level, our mission here is two fold: save animals, educate the public. To simplify it even further, our mission is to make a difference!
Animal agriculture is huge in New Zealand, but most kiwis arenβt aware of the scale of the loss of life in these industries. In egg production alone approximately 4 million hens are killed every year at only 18 months old. Many more million baby chicks are killed, most through being minced alive, at only 1 day old. The NZ dairy industry is responsible for the deaths of close to 2 million calves at under a week old every year, and the goat dairy industry is the worst of all.
I aim to show people these facts and allow them to do with those facts what they will. We all deserve the right to make choices which best align with our values. For a more practical, hands on approach, I also then work with farmers to find forever, pet only homes for a lucky few of these βbyproductsβ. These are the literal lives we save, but together we can save so many more by voting with our dollars, and leaving animal products off our plates!
Sally, founder and owner
Rescue
We rescue ‘byproduct’ hens, goat kids, calves and horses from the practices within their respective industries. Additionally, we welcome animals that have been surrendered after having fallen victim to neglect or whose owners have become unable to care for them.
Rehabilitate
Animals are assessed as necessary when they come into our care to understand their care needs. We then work with a wonderful team of vets, equine specialists and volunteers to make sure that all of our animals are in top condition before moving on to their forever home.
Re-home
We are always looking for forever homes for a range of farm animals. Please head over to our Adopt page to see the animals available now, or register your interest for specific animals. I work closely with rescue centres around the country so location is not a limiting factor!

Blog
Looking for an amazing kid friendly pet??? πππ
Of all our animals here at the Farm Sanctuary, the rescue chickens are the happiest to be around the kids with all theirβ¦ affection. At 1, 3 and 5 my kids can learn responsibility through collecting eggs, feeding the chickens and making sure waterers are full. They learn empathy and social responsibility through rescuing hens and witnessing their rehabilitation, and learn how to be gentle and kind around all animals through these beautiful friendly girls…
Residents
The Ginger Ninja
Our ginger ninja Dora is a firm favourite here at the Sanctuary! Saved from slaughter at 4 days old, she was a bobby calf from the NZ dairy industry. Our friends at Paws Awhile Sanctuary saved her, one of our other cows Moana, and a handful of others in 2019 but when her forever home fell through they were left with too many calves and not enough land! The call for an emergency home came only weeks before we moved to this property, and of course I couldnβt say no (I mean look at her!)…
