Taruna College New Zealand is a centre for Adult Education offering an exciting range of formal and informal holistic courses and subjects inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner PhD. such as: Waldorf Teacher Education, Biodynamic Organic Agriculture, Anthroposophical Nursing, Art of Health and Coaching and Biography Workshops.

This is Where I Love to Work 

Lizzie Freeman is one of 33 students on the New Zealand Steiner Teacher Certificate (Early Childhood) (NZSTC-EC) at Taruna.   She is also a full time educator at Seven Dwarfs Community Child Care Centre in Hastings, Hawkes Bay and has recently completed her Bachelor of Education (covering the ages birth-8 years).

Having just finished her second of four block seminars on the 2-year course, Lizzie says through the lectures, the practical sessions and the rich discussions, her understanding of the special character of a Waldorf kindergarten has deepened and has helped to uncover an inner knowing of how to be with young children.   “We are really learning why we are doing what we do and carrying that inside.  If you know what it is that you’re trying to give to the children then it’s going to help them a lot more.”
When asked what her favourite part of the course is Lizzie hesitates then says “all of it!”
“The course has been ideal for me as in my job I have to share the co-ordination of the centre.  The lectures have really helped bring things together for me and the crafts are new – all so interesting!”

Through the course and her work as a Waldorf educator, Lizzie has learned the importance of being ‘present’ with what she does.
“The children need your full attention.  They can actually pick up on what you are thinking and feeling,” and therefore says Lizzie, it’s important to leave your own outside world at the door when you come to be with the children each day.  “Once you’re there in the room, you need to hold the thought of the children."

Lizzie worked on and off as a reliever for Seven Dwarfs until 2005 when she became permanent staff.  “I worked there for about 8 months (as a permanent) and then suddenly it clicked and I decided to do my state training.”  Now Lizzie says she wouldn’t be anywhere else.  “It’s really rewarding work.  Every day is different - the children always bring out something different in you.”

It was nine years ago that Lizzie first crossed the threshold of Seven Dwarfs.  She came to New Zealand on a holiday from her home in Gloucester, England and through a mutual friend, met Johanna Morlock, founder of Seven Dwarfs, and was invited to work there as a reliever for a month. It was during this time that she also met her husband, Larnach Freeman.  Having been through a Waldorf school herself and with a father who is a Waldorf teacher, Lizzie says that she didn’t necessarily want to go down the same path.  But somehow destiny had other plans!