Kindergarten
Receive the child in Reverence, Educate the child with Love, Let each go forth in Freedom
Kia rangatira ai te tamaiti Tohua ki te aroha Tukuna tōna mana, kia rere
Curriculum and Facilities
We follow the Te Whāriki curriculum and surround children with warmth, love and beauty.
We have a beautiful kindergarten house with a wonderful large garden at 165 Robinson Road.
The kindergarten features a carefully planned daily rhythm and the fostering of imaginative and creative play. Our daily rhythm balances periods of free play with times of more directed activity. Playthings are either gathered from the outdoors – such as pine cones, smooth stones and shells; or are hand-made from natural materials. This enables the children to experience directly the truth and beauty inherent in the natural world.
If you'd like to read more about how our Steiner curriculum has developed and how it links in with Te Whariki, our
NZ Early Learning Curriculum, click here: SteinerWaldorf-Early-Childhood-Essentials-for-AotearoaNew-Zealand-2022.pdf
For further information on Steiner Early Childhood Education, a short video on the first 7 years, and links to some interesting research
and stories, click here: Early Childhood — SEANZ | Steiner Education Aotearoa New Zealand
Kindergarten Hours and Fees
Kindergarten: Mon- Thurs 8:45-2:45
For children 3-5
Kakano (Transition Group): Thursdays 9am-12pm
This session is facilitated by one of our teachers, and follows our kindergarten rhythm.
It has been created for children intending on enrolling into the Kindergarten in order to prepare them for their transition.
Parents can attend with their child, until the child is feeling secure enough to be left.
This session is run by a facilitator, and has a gentle rhythm of baking bread, free play then coming together for storytime and shared kai, a little more free play, then home time.
The playgroup is best suited to young children from birth to 4 years, and their caregivers. If you are interested in attending please email or call the kindergarten office.
Fees
For any enquiries or to join our waitlist, please complete our online enquiry form here or contact us at office@mskindergarten.nz or call 03-5286453
ERO- Education Review Office
Meet the Teachers
Sarah Richards
Pihi Classroom
Ko Poroni te whakapaparanga mai, engari:
Ko Osnabrück te whenua tupu.
Ko Aotearoa te kāinga.
Nō Tiamana au.
Kei Motueka au e noho ana.
He kaiako au i Motueka Steiner Kindergarten.
Ko Sarah Richards au.
Tēnā tātou katoa.
My name is Sarah, and I grew up in Germany with Polish roots before making Aotearoa New Zealand my home in 2018. Together with my husband and our three daughters, who are all part of our community, I now live in beautiful Motueka.
I have worked in early childhood education since I was eighteen years old. Along the way, I also worked as a beekeeper and queen bee rearer, spending many years working in natural history museums around the world, and living for extended periods in many countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
My interest in Steiner education began when I was sixteen years old. Later, I studied philosophy, theosophy, biology, and sociology, and have continued to deepen my understanding of Waldorf education throughout my life. One of the things I treasure most is that this journey of learning never truly ends. Every child and every day offers something new to discover.
When I'm not at kindergarten, you'll usually find me growing gardens, tending to plants, folding vast amounts of washing, or happily experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes that my children usually refuse to eat.
It is a great privilege and honour to walk alongside our tamariki during these precious early years. I am deeply grateful to be entrusted with supporting their unique soul journey and helping to create a place where they feel free to grow into themselves.
Aroha mai, aroha atu.
Melissa Van Boekhout
Tupu Classroom
Motueka Steiner Kindergarten from 2008. I loved my time with the Midnight Elves and still
cherish the little set of farm animals we collected. We went on to use the Oak Meadow
Waldorf curriculum and started homeschooling our wee family. Our days were filled with
crafts, time outdoors and stories. As the children grew we opted for a more local school
situation and they attended a local primary school. I love to craft and spend time in the
kitchen and outdoors. You may find me during summer swimming in one of our beautiful
local spots or running and tramping the local trails. I am excited to continue my Waldorf
education and learn alongside your tamariki. Ngā mhih nui.
Ann Rogers
Pihi Classroom
Once upon a time I left the familiar landscape of South Canterbury to travel New Zealand while homeschooling my two young children. As we travelled along the Appleby highway we felt like we had entered another world. One thing led to another and we ended up parking up in the wonderful Marchwiel Park to explore the area. During these last 11 years, we have enjoyed living in Motueka township, in the beautiful Orinoco Valley, a yurt, and we are now near the stunning Motueka river. I was very fortunate
to have experienced a taste of our wonderful philosophy we offer for young children while studying at the Dunedin College of Teachers. This left a lasting impression on me and when I started my job here in 2014, I felt I had come home. My favourite activities currently include, barefoot walking, swimming in the river, the sea and cold plunging. I can sometimes be seen running after a white ball or walking my dog locally. I have a love for
creating and supporting young children to experience a world where they can play and just be, without having to feel the pull of ‘doing’. A wee side note, a good book and keeping my hands busy with crafts is the best medicine around.
Akane Partridge
Tupu Classroom
husband and I live in one of the school cottages with our two furry companions. My journey into Steiner Education began when I met a beautiful Steiner family in Christchurch, soon after arriving in NZ. That encounter planted a seed that quietly grew
over time, and in 2021, after gaining my teaching qualification, I joined Motueka Steiner Kindergarten. I love being around young children and feel deeply grateful to have found my path as a Steiner teacher. When I’m not at kindy, I spend much of my time creating — whether through art, craft, food, or music. Using my hands to make something that warms the heart and soul brings me great joy. I recently started teaching pottery classes and discovered the joy of sharing creative skills with others. I feel fortunate to work alongside the wonderful team at Motueka Steiner Kindergarten and look forward to many more years of enriching both my own life and the lives of others through this meaningful work.
Festivals and Rythms
During the year the kindergartens celebrate many festivals; we celebrate Easter, the Autumn Harvest, Midwinter, Spring and Christmas. There are lanterns in winter and a maypole dance in spring. These festivals are times of magic and wonder for children and adults alike. They are also marker posts for the yearly rhythm.
The strong daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms bring all these activities into a form which the children can experience again and again. These rhythms create a sense of familiarity and security, which helps ease feelings of hesitation and nurtures growing confidence and joy.
Please contact the office for further information or to arrange a time to visit and talk with our teachers. Stepping inside a Steiner kindergarten has won many an adult over and started a journey into something special – not just for their child, but for the whole family.
Waiting List Application Form
