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Waiheke Montessori Centre

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Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott and Kim Ngawhika. They established Waiheke Montessori Centre, which first opened it's doors to the public at the beginning of 1997. The Centre provided education, based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method, up until 2007.

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.

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.