Taikura Rudolf Steiner School - Taikura Rudolf Steiner School 505 Nelson Street North

History

Miss Edna Burbury and Miss Ruth Nelson had been inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s educational writings, and by what they had seen on a visit to the Waldorf School in Stuttgart. They determined that New Zealand children should have the benefit of a Waldorf education. However, it was not until 1950 that the opportunity arose to establish a private primary school in Hastings.

In 1949 Miss Erica Hoby, who had been the Head Mistress of ‘Queenswood’, decided to sell the school and retire. Miss Burbury and Miss Nelson saw this as an opportunity to be grasped. At the time it was not possible to establish an alternative education system in New Zealand, although it was possible (upon approval) to alter the curriculum.

By this time there was a well-established group of anthroposophists in Havelock North and members were supportive of the idea of taking on ‘Queenswood’ for the future, and with generous gifts by Ruth Nelson, Edna Burbury and others, the money was raised for its purchase.

It was realised that the change from the existing school to a Rudolf Steiner School would need to be made gradually. One of the early problems was how to introduce boys into what had been a girls’ school. It was decided that boys should be introduced into the new class one each year. However, it was to be many years before the number of boys and girls were equal in the school.

Gradually, teachers interested in Waldorf education were sought out, such was it that between 1951 and 1955 there were many additions to the staff.  Gradually changes were brought about.

In 1962 Karl Ege, one of the original teachers at the very first Rudolf Steiner School in Stuttgart, visited the school. He gave invaluable advice to teachers and brought significant changes to the administration.

The impact of Edwin Ayre on Waldorf Education in Hawke’s Bay is not to be underestimated. An architect by profession, his initiative and drive was to not only expand the Rudolf Steiner School to include High School students, but also he recognized the need to start a preparation course for new teachers at the School.