The Farm

‘The Farm’ Short Synopsis 

Hidden in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island, Kahunui Village was founded in the 1970s by twelve Aucklanders. Kahunui, also known as the Youth Development Centre and The Farm, was a charitable trust established to support troubled youth. Residents were healed with community, spirit, therapy, love, and a connection to the land of Aotearoa. The initiative was spearheaded by Mildred Coursey. The Farm is an intimate recollection of Kahunui’s history through three interviews with a co-founder, former resident, and former staff members. The interviews are supported by captivating shots of the original location and buildings, authentic archives, with narration by the filmmaker – the great-granddaughter of Mildred Coursey. 

The Farm is a short, participatory documentary centered on the topics of family, spirituality, national history, and mental health. 

Our Team 

As well as generous members of our friends and families, the core team behind The Farm consists of six talented AUT Screen Production students: 

Charlotte Newman – Director/Writer 

Johnny Sutherland – Producer  

Harriette Taylor – Assistant Director 

Kyle MacArthur – Director of Photography/1st Camera Operator 

Bradley Nauck – 2nd Camera Operator/Gaffer 

Zak McNeil – Sound Recordist/Mixer 

Just as the ‘Kahunuians’ still are, we are not just a crew or classmates, we are a close family that have been brought together by passion, selflessness, and the natural pressures of university. 

Ross Brannigan, one of our AUT Screen Production lecturers, has also joined our project as Executive Producer, focused on and dedicated to ensuring The Farm is everything we want it to be. 

Our Goal 

Charlotte and Johnny both value using their creative platforms to encourage better mental health awareness, support, and resources. We aim for The Farm to generate new questions and discussions pertaining to this aspect of society’s younger demographics. 

Finally, The Farm will be a long overdue celebration of the Kahunui Village Trust and provide a positive sense of closure. 

Our Drive 

The Farm is primarily driven by Charlotte’s emotional and personal connection to Kahunui’s history. The teachings and influences of The Farm have shaped her own life and values.  

Secondly, the stories and memories of Kahunui’s history-rich land are slowly fading away. Wider society can learn a lot from what those who were a part of Kahunui learnt 50 years ago.  

We look forward to sharing The Farm’s magic with you,  

Charlotte & Johnny.