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.

Click on this link: info@taruna.ac.nz
or phone 0064+6+877 71 74
to arrange a visit to Taruna College to see courses in action and to talk with Programme Directors about your learning prospects.

Rationale for the Programme

Throughout New Zealand there is a demand for complementary medical practice and therapeutic work, and there are opportunities for registered nurses to gain employment as specialist anthroposophical nurses. Anthroposophical nursing knowledge and expertise also enhances clinical work when integrated into current nursing practice. The programme meets the need for speciality training.

Anthroposophical medicine and therapy aims to widen the parameters of conventional medical practice. Anthroposophical medicine has a holistic therapeutic approach to health and illness that takes into account not only the physical body, but also the vital, psychological and spiritual condition of the patient. Anthroposophical medical care and therapy focuses on supporting and strengthening the capacity of the individual for self-healing. Anthroposophical doctors and nurses, who all have state registration, work within the mainstream of medical and nursing practice, but are able to complement conventional medical and nursing approaches.

The anthroposophical therapeutic team is made up of a doctor and nurse as well as a range of other therapeutic practitioners, including art, massage, speech, music and eurythmy therapists. Specifically anthroposophical therapies are prescribed to restore balance and promote well being. Care and support offered by the nurses involve a particular nursing attitude, the use of natural plant materials, rhythmical body oiling, hydrotherapy and external applications.

There is a large community of people in New Zealand for whom Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy provides a way of life. This community sends their children to integrated Rudolf Steiner Schools and kindergartens, which flourish in many parts of the country. Members of this community, together with an increasing number of people in New Zealand and world-wide, choose to buy biodynamic and organic food products and use homeopathic/natural remedies and anthroposophical medicine and therapies.

There is a concentration of anthroposophical initiatives in Hawkes Bay, including the Anthroposophical Society of New Zealand, the Anthroposophical Nurses Association, the Christian Community and Prometheus Finance. Taikura Rudolf Steiner School in Hastings and five kindergartens are a focus for the community and for many, the entry point to a relationship to other anthroposophical endeavours. The international natural pharmaceutical company, Weleda, has a manufacturing plant and distribution base in Havelock North, which is also where Taruna College, a private tertiary facility for anthroposophical adult education, is situated.  Hohepa Homes, offering curative care and education based on Rudolf Steiner’s indications, has two sites in the area. Biodynamic agriculture is also practised throughout the region.

Weleda New Zealand reports an increasing interest amongst the wider general public in complementary or alternative medical products. This corresponds with an increasing demand world-wide for a more holistic approach to the treatment of illnesses. As interest in medicinal plant products grows, so does the need for medical practitioners and nurses to have an in-depth knowledge of their uses and parameters.

There is a need to build on existing research in all aspects of anthroposophical medical and nursing practice. This programme provides the knowledge base and initial research experience for further research.