Taruna, home of holistic adult education, offers both professional and personal development opportunities across teaching, organic and biodynamic farming, nursing and art.  In addition to the unique courses, world class tutors and beautiful surroundings, we also have a strong community that live and breathe the Taruna philosophy that is based in anthroposophy, the study of human wisdom, developed originally by Rudolf Steiner.

Taruna was established in 1982 among tranquil gardens on the slopes of Te Mata Peak, Hawke’s Bay. The region boasts a vibrant culture of music, drama and visual arts, a mediterranean climate, and some of the best wine and food in New Zealand. Taruna is a place of inspiration, rich experiences and a range of learning opportunities.

Taruna was originally the home of two friends, Ruth Nelson and Edna Burbury, who were both involved in the early development of the Anthroposophical Society in New Zealand from the 1920s.  The homestead was built after the previous house was destroyed during the great earthquake of 3 February 1931.  The ladies were fortunate to be out in the garden at the time.  For many years Taruna was the venue for summer Conferences of the Anthroposophical Society and a centre for study groups.

After the ladies’ deaths in the late 1970s Taruna was bequeathed as a Centre for Anthroposophical Adult Education and Training founded on the work of Rudolf Steiner [1861 - 1925].  There have been full-time programmes running since 1982 starting with the Teachers’ Course, followed by the Biodynamic Agriculture Course in 1990, the Kindergarten and Early Childhood course in 1993 and the Artistic Therapy Course in 1995. The Graduate Diploma in Anthroposophical Nursing and the Advanced Certificate in Anthroposophical Health Studies started in 2002, and the Certificate in Art of Health (Anthroposophical Studies) began in 2004.  In 2005 the seminar based Certificate in Applied Organics and Biodynamics started. In 2009 the Certificate in Rudolf Steiner Education and Certificate in Holistic Healthcare programmes began.

The Taruna College Trust operates Taruna. It is responsible for the governance of all activities at Taruna.

The land and buildings at Taruna are leased from the Ruth Nelson Taruna Charitable Trust. This trust has a long history of involvement with Taruna, and continues to make financial donations to further the development of Taruna. This trust and the Taruna College Trust are registered as Charities and are eligible for donations.

The  Operations Manager at Taruna College is David Noakes. He can be contacted at david.n@taruna.ac.nz.

After a career as a Public Servant working as a Probation Officer, Observer for The Ministry of Fisheries and DoC Ranger in New Zealand where the highlight was a one-year stay on Raoul Island in the Kermedecs, there followed, in 2005 a 7-year learning curve working in higher education in Europe for The University of Liverpool in the UK and Schouten University in The Netherlands. If there’s one thing that these experiences have taught me, its that life is too short for it to fly by in a non-stop blur. You have to slow down and let things take their course; find the time to know who and what you are. I’m quietly confident that the inspirational environment that Taruna College offers will allow me to do this.

Rachel Chapman looks after our office and you can contact Rachel at info@taruna.ac.nz

“I joined Taruna in January 2012, and so far I’m enjoying the peaceful and tranquil setting of Taruna’s campus.

Before coming to work at Taruna, I took some time out for my family.  I have previously worked for the Nelson Arts Festival and in Wellington for the National Children’s Festival as well as for York Theatre Royal in the UK.  I am looking forward to being immersed in the courses and students at Taruna.

The Taruna accounts are managed by Ton Van der Meer, you can contact Ton at accounts@taruna.ac.nz.

We have a beautiful campus with established grounds and a range of rooms that can be hired for talks, conferences, workshops and we have even hosted a wedding.  Please contact Rachel in the office for more information or drop in to see us, we would be happy to give you a tour.