photosAbout
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.
Taruna is a centre for transpersonal adult education. We provide professional and personal development courses inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner.
We have a range of inspiring formal and informal courses across many subjects.
Taruna is the home of courses that can change the course of your life…
The Manager at Taruna College is Lesley Waite.“I am enjoying being back in the Bay after 25 years of living and working in other parts of New Zealand and overseas. My background includes education – teaching in Steiner schools and leading courses for adults – as well as administrative work in the NZQA.
I have also been active in anthroposophy for over 30 years and appreciate the opportunity to participate in the growth and development of Taruna College.” I may be contacted at lesley.w@taruna.ac.nz
The Taruna Office Administrator is Rachel Chapman, 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 Conny Hesse, you can contact Conny at conny.h@taruna.ac.nz.
“My background is 25 years of accounting and administration including managing a Travel Agency, mostly in Germany. I moved to New Zealand in January 2006. Since commencing my employment with Taruna in September 2006, I have obtained my New Zealand residency.
I enjoy the relaxed environment of Taruna. Highlights for me are the interaction between the staff and sharing an office, meeting students from all over the world and from various cultures.
Currently at Taruna
We have multiple courses running at Taruna this week with both the Certificate in Applied…
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Call or Visit Us
33 Te Mata Peak Road,
Havelock North,
New Zealand
info@taruna.ac.nz
Freephone
0508 TARUNA (827862)
06 877 7174 (local)
+64 6 877 7174 (international)
