Frequently Asked Questions

Does SEANZ control the member schools and organisations?
No, all schools and kindergartens are independent.

Are all the schools private schools?

No, eight of the schools are state integrated schools and three are private.

Does SEANZ have plans to open new schools or early childhood centres in my area?

SEANZ is a support body rather than a controlling one and does not have funds to start schools or centres. These are generally initiated by parents or teachers desiring Steiner education,, often starting with a playgroup. Playgroups are the easiest to start from scratch. Sometimes a playgroup’s growing numbers allow a kindergarten to form. Private schools and early childhood centres require Ministry of Education approval. State-integrated schools involve a partnership with the Crown.

Who can teach in Steiner schools and kindergartens in New Zealand?
The New Zealand Teachers Council deals with the registration of school and early childhood teachers. For both, a state tertiary qualification is required involving graduate or post-graduate study. For those with overseas qualifications, transcripts must be submitted to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/) who will assess overseas qualifications for New Zealand equivalency.