You’re invited to celebrate:100 Years of Early Childhood
100 Years of Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education: Come and See for Yourself
This year marks a very special milestone. It is 100 years since the first Steiner Waldorf early childhood settings were offered to communities around the world, and here in Aotearoa our kindergartens and early childhood centres are opening their doors to celebrate.
For a century, Steiner Waldorf early childhood education has held to a simple but profound belief: that the early years are not a race, and not a preparation for something else, but a precious time of life to be honoured in their own right. Through rhythm, imaginative play, natural materials, and loving relationships between tamariki, whānau and kaiako, these spaces nurture the whole child, body, soul and spirit.
To mark this anniversary, kindergartens and early childhood centres across the motu are inviting anyone curious about Steiner Waldorf education to come and experience the wonder and beauty of these spaces for themselves. Whether you are a prospective whānau, an educator, or simply curious, you are warmly welcome to visit, wander, and feel the atmosphere that has drawn families to this kaupapa for one hundred years.
We would also love to welcome back those who spent their own early years being nurtured in one of these spaces. If you were once a tamaiti in a Steiner Waldorf kindergarten yourself, this is a beautiful opportunity to return, walk through the gardens and playrooms that shaped your earliest memories, and see the same spirit of wonder still being carried forward for the tamariki of today.
Details for each open day are being shared as centres confirm them, so keep checking back for updates. Here is what has been confirmed so far.
Taikura Kindergarten, Hastings
Saturday 5 September, 9am–11am
Nestled in Hawke's Bay, Taikura Kindergarten offers a homely, garden-filled environment where tamariki are free to unfold at their own pace through creative, unhurried play. Come along and see the rhythm of the seasons woven through daily life.
Find out more: Taikura website
Willowsong Tairāwhiti
Saturday 5 September, 9am–11am
A small, heart-centred Steiner community nestled among the fields and skies of Pātūtahi, Gisborne. Willowsong weaves te ao Māori and the rhythms of Tairāwhiti into a gentle, home-like early childhood experience.
Find out more: willowsongtairawhiti.co.nz
Kōwhai Tui, Hamilton
Saturday 5 September, 9am–1pm
Part of the Waikato Waldorf community in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Kōwhai Tui offers a nurturing, home-like setting where children's physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing is carefully protected and fostered.
Find out more: kowhaitui.co.nz
More centres to come
More kindergartens and early childhood centres from around Aotearoa will be adding their open days as details are confirmed, so watch this space. If your local centre isn't listed yet, reach out to them directly to ask about visiting.
Wherever you are in the motu, this is a wonderful opportunity to step inside a Steiner Waldorf space, see tamariki at play, and experience a century-old kaupapa still very much alive today.
Ngā mihi nui to all the centres opening their doors this September to share their world with you.