Our Humble Beginnings

In April 2027, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of our opening in 1977. But the history of our charitable trust, which operates Tauhara Centre, goes back much earlier to 1912.

A group of far-sighted Founders in Havelock North, Hawkes Bay got together to meditate and explore…

the mystical traditions within many of the mainstream religions and spiritual traditions. They included in their enquiry a wide range of teachings from quite alternative sources and ways of seeing the world we all inhabit.
This all-encompassing vision of tolerance, inclusivity, community, sustainability, service and the right of every person to reach their own conclusions in matters of faith and belief, or none, led to the establishment of a charitable trust in 1938.
Soon after, they purchased land in Taupo on the Mt Tauhara side of the town. They envisaged the eventual building of a Centre in Taupo, which would host activities reflecting these values. It was not until 1977, however, after the purchase of land at the present site a few years earlier, that their vision was to take visible form.
Sadly, none of the Founders lived to see their dreams fulfilled. Nevertheless, the values they espoused continue to inspire the present members of the Tauhara Centre Trust Board, today.

Anyone wishing to explore these origins more deeply will find the following books useful:

➢ Ellwood, Robert S Islands of the dawn: the story of alternative spirituality in New Zealand. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii Press, 1993

➢ Isaac, Skye Tauhara: the growing of an educational and spiritual centre. Hastings: Cliff Press, 2002

➢ Wright, Matthew Havelock North: the history of a village. Hastings: Hastings District Council, 1996

Founder - J von D

1913–1988

Founder - R Gardiner

1872 - 1959

Founder - C McDowell

Visionary - R Felkin

1853 - 1926

Founder - H Felkin

1873 - 1959

Founder - E Felkin1

1883 - 1962

Our Vision

“Kotahi tonu te Wairua o nga mea katoa There is one Spirit that flows through all”

Tauhara is the expression of an unfolding vision.

It was founded to create a spiritual and educational centre which would draw together people of differing viewpoints and methods of working, but united in their search for truth and the establishment of goodwill and understanding in the world.

Tauhara is a free association of people from throughout New Zealand and beyond, who come from all walks of life, all faiths, and who hold many diverse views.

Through coming together to share and learn, to give and receive, working physically, mentally and spiritually, they extend and add richness to the expression of Tauhara

Our Team and Volunteers

Our team here at Tauhara Centre is made up of long-term staff and volunteers.

Join our team of residential volunteers to enjoy Tauhara’s beautiful environment and be part of our community by making an application by email or through Workaway or WWOOF NZ. As part of this work and cultural exchange opportunity, you will be helping out around the Centre in the kitchen, housekeeping or grounds and gardens departments.

“It is a wonderful place to meet other volunteers and travellers. I definitely recommend it to anyone, especially if you wish to settle down for a bit after travelling.”

Michael, Volunteer from France

“Everyone was incredibly friendly and kind, and the food was delicious! The variety of tasks made work very interesting and I learned a lot!”

Maria, Volunteer

“The tasks were very clear and fair. The morning meetings, tea and dinners was a lovely way to connect with everyone. The team and other volunteers have fostered a lovely space that we hope to revisit.”

Silvia and Niamh, Volunteers from Spain and Ireland