Waiheke Montessori Centre

Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott (trained at St. Nicholas Montessori Teacher's College, having formed his first school in Sweden). Waiheke Montessori Centre was formed by Lee, along with the support of his partner Kim, to provide education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method to the local community. But, also to provide a basis for the educational experience they wished for their unborn child.

The early childhood section operated as a licensed playgroup, and the elementary classes as a legal homeschooling group accountable to the NZ Ministry of Education for curriculum monitoring. The grassroots, home-based feel proved popular with a large number of families who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children. Complementing the Wardolf - Steiner programme at Fossil Bay Farm, the Centre gave parents a second option based on an humanist, holistic approach to education.

The Centre existed in a number of locations, once occupying Hekerua Lodge, and needed to continually adapt to the needs of the enrolled body. With limited funding, the Centre relied heavily on parental contributions. The Centre eventually closed its doors at the end of 2006. The opening of a second primary school on the island led to a drop in enrollments. That coupled with poor funding, and the schools founder moving overseas, meant that the Centre was no longer sustainable.