The Hawke’s Bay community was the beginning of the Hōhepa Homes Trust in New Zealand, and is a thriving community.
Residential life at the Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay community usually begins at the school. The school maintains a curative education programme, inspired by the ideas of Rudolf Steiner. The adult community life involves the residents in daily vocational programmes, ranging from craft skills for weaving, feltmaking, woodwork, candlemaking, farming and gardening. Life Plans include plans for personal development and achievement in these vocational areas, and are linked to NZQA accredited courses and certificates. Products from the farm and craft studios are sold through the on-site shop.
The emphasis is on giving a sense of worth through contributing and being a part of ‘real work’. They also consider applications from people not in Hōhepa Residential Service, to be a part of the Day Service programmes and facilities. A critical part of their approach in developing people are the therapies which are woven through regular life – in nursing, medical and dietary care, in arts, speech, social therapy and movement and expression (eurithmy). Volunteering opportunities and lovely products are also available. Check out the dairy products, wooden toys, textiles and candles.
