Owner and Course Director of the Sudbury Leadership Programme
Janine started her career as a broadcast journalist on the wireless for the BBC. She came to New Zealand in 1999 in search of adventure and spent 13 years reporting, news-reading, documentary making and presenting Worldwatch on National Radio.
It was a spur of the moment decision to buy a dilapidated 50 acre farm during an auction in 2004 as a base for her unique leadership programmes using horse whispering. The programmes, including the renowned A Look Within, use horses to help develop leadership presence and provide an arena in which to practise those skills. Janine has worked with All Black Coach, Steve Hanson, Downer’s award winning Maori Leadership Programme and High Performance Sport New Zealand amongst others.
Six years ago Sudbury, the venue, was born. The horses were booted out of the Stables which were converted into a charming reception space with outrageous views in every direction and awash with golden light. The gardens were developed, open fires built, views enhanced, fairy lights strung, Cottage 103 relocated and renovated, vintage bricks laid, a funky vintage caravan transformed into a mobile stage for bands and DJs….the list goes on. All while raising a toddler as a single mum.
Her baby is now ten and her second baby (Sudbury) is now six. The three of them live happily in paradise where they host weddings and Christmas parties, welcome guests to stay at Cottage 103, run teambuilding and corporate incentive events and inspire clients through the flagship Sudbury Leadership Programmes. They live with their dog, Stinky, who makes an appearance at most events, along with their two horses, pony and donkey.
Last year Janine won the Electra Business Award for the best Owner Operator business in the region. She is on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and BKH. She loves to sing, play music, ride horses and most of all, have a good chinwag with her guests and clients who soon become firm friends.
It’s chilly. There’s been a frost on the lower paddock in the mornings. The horses are rugged up.
Before we move into winter proper, just a quick fare thee well and thank you to one of the most amazing summers and amazing wedding seasons.
Pic by Paul Howell Photography.
I bought Sudbury 15 years ago when it was a run-down horse training facility.
Sometimes I hardly recognise the place. Here’s a picture of the Stables.
It’s always great to remember where you’ve been to map your way forward.
It’s always lovely to get a thank you and we have lots of thank yous to share with you this season.
This one came today from top female jockey Rosie Myers and her husband William Fell who tied the knot here a couple of weeks ago.
“Thanks so much for providing the beautiful venue for our wedding – it was amazing. Everybody commented on how great a it was. The staff were absolutely delightful especially Gemma – so please say thank you from us it was so nice not have to worry about anything!
Hope the rest of your weddings have been going well and it was so nice to meet you all.”
It was a pleasure to meet you too Rosie and Will, and thank you for choosing Sudbury for your amazing day!
People often ask me what it’s like hosting weddings. It must be stressful, they say.
Yes it is. But it can be incredibly moving too.
Last Friday when so many people lost their lives, Sarah and Stewart celebrated their love. It was a beautiful and timely reminder about the power of love.
All ten out of ten participants on this week’s Maori Sudbury Leadership programme gave it top marks in post-course feedback. This is what they said:
“Being broken down and rebuilt was a very humbling experience, with so many lessons on offer not only for your work but all facets of your personal life.”
“It was an eye opener. I thought I was leading my team. All this time I have been doing it the wrong way. Now I can lead them with happiness. I loved this course.”
“This will strengthen my relationships, my wiarua and tinana will find balance. To have an animal help me identify who I can be is absolutely life changing. Thank you.”
“This course has so many fundamental life and work skills. It teaches communication, respect, praise, leading by example, following through and never giving up.”
“Thank you for your time and patience with me. I learned so much and feel a more stronger, confident person”
A waiata brings to an end another incredible two day Sudbury Leadership Programme with Maori Leaders.
How to sum up? Thought provoking, fun, emotional, challenging and inspiring.
I’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
Not only do Jenn and Thomas make me go all gooey inside but the farm on a summer’s evening is breathtaking.
Enjoy the film and thanks for sharing Jono Tucker Wedding Films
It’s always lovely to hear how my leadership alumni are doing.
Natasha came to our two day Downer Maori leadership programme in February and says, “I have implemented quite a few things with my team…..already I am starting to see a different team, it’s actually amazing. Thank you so much for running the course…I can’t stop talking to everyone about it.”
Read our brochure by clicking here.
Wet weddings really can be romantic.
Hair on the back of the neck stuff.
Photo by Chris Turner Photography
