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NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Tangihanga: Stage show by Hastings woman who's been to more than 1000 funerals opens Dying Matters Week in Hawke's Bay
It's called Tangihanga, and opens Hawke's Bay first-ever Dying Matters Week, an international initiative encouraging open conversations about death, grief and end-of-life planning. Neho's 75-minute one-woman show, blending comedy, drama and moments of cultural connection, will be staged in the Bay on August 31 and September 1 at Taikura Rudolf Steiner school. 'I play all 30 characters, and it's basically about a girl whose father passes away, and he asked her to make a promise that she will make sure that it's a happy and joyful farewell,' she said. 'The family come all around to come back to his funeral at the marae, and you see the different way that people respond to hearing about his passing and how people deal with loss.' Kristyl Neho performing Tangihanga, a 75-minute, one-woman show exploring the "chaos, beauty and heartbreak" of one whānau saying goodbye. Photo / Sarah Marshall Neho, who wrote the show, says it's based on the 'chaos, beauty, and heartbreak of one whānau preparing for a funeral', inspired in part by her own father's farewell. As a child, Neho helped prepare bodies and assumed everyone grew up around death. 'I just was raised thinking that was what everybody experienced,' she said. That assumption ended when, at age 11, she casually told classmates she'd seen 'three or four hundred dead bodies'. 'The room went silent,' she recalls. 'I remember looking up and everybody was staring at me, and then the teacher was like, did you say 400 bodies? I was like, 'Yeah, isn't that normal?' And that's when I realised it wasn't normal.' Those formative years taught her empathy, the value of services for people saying goodbye, and a belief she carries to this day. 'Don't wait until it's too late to tell people you love them,' Neho says. While her Tangihanga performance is rooted in Māori experiences, it has resonated with audiences of all backgrounds. 'We've had about 65% non-Māori in the audience. 'Everyone recognises their own Auntie Margaret or the cousin who organises everything. Grief is universal.' The production has been staged before, with Neho winning the best overall performer at Whangārei Fringe Festival 2024. The polished version launching in Hawke's Bay will mark the start of a tour to 14 locations around New Zealand, before heading to Australia. The show in Hawke's Bay will mark the start of a tour to 14 locations around New Zealand, before heading to Australia. Photo / Sarah Marshall Hawke's Bay's Dying Matters Week runs from September 1 to 7 and is in its second year in New Zealand. The national initiative is led by Go with Grace, which invited local end-of-life doula Alysha Macaulay to prepare a team of Hawke's Bay professionals to bring the event to the region. The programme includes free counselling drop-in sessions, youth workshops, a crematorium open day and a 'cocktails and conversations about death' event at a local pub. The only ticketed events are Tangihanga and a screening of the documentary The Last Ecstatic Days. Macaulay says starting conversations before a crisis is key. 'It's about giving people the confidence to know what services exist, how to talk about it, and how to plan,' she says. 'If people write it down and have that conversation, they can ensure their loved one is honoured.' End-of-life doula Alysha Macaulay is helping bring Dying Matters Week to Hawke's Bay for the first time, aiming to open up conversations around death. Macaulay, who lost her husband to oesophageal cancer in 2022, now works with people with life-limiting diagnoses and their families to plan medical care, bucket lists, and funerals. 'It changed my perspective on life and made me determined to create better pathways for others.' More information on the event is available at
Time of India
20-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
From Mirambika to Tridha: 10 Indian schools that offer alternative learning
Over the years of transformation led by the need to adapt to new systems of teaching and learning the education system today stands at crossroads. Traditional classroom methodologies are being replaced with innovative pedagogical approaches. Parents, students and educators are increasingly recognising the need for a system that must broaden its scope beyond the conventional examination-focused techniques to prepare students for the uniquely complex challenges of the rapidly evolving times. This educational revolution has sparked widespread interest in progressive schooling models that prioritise individual development, environmental consciousness, and creative problem-solving abilities. Progressive educational institutions throughout India now offer comprehensive alternatives to mainstream academic frameworks, incorporating diverse philosophies from Montessori methodology to democratic learning principles. These schools emphasise holistic child development, practical skill acquisition, and emotional intelligence cultivation rather than purely academic achievement. Students attending these institutions often demonstrate enhanced critical thinking capabilities, stronger environmental awareness, and improved collaborative skills compared to their traditionally-educated peers. Here are 10 progressive schools leading the education transformation in India 1. Mirambika Free Progress School, New Delhi Founded on Sri Aurobindo's integral education philosophy, this pioneering institution eliminates conventional grade boundaries and standardised testing pressure. Students experience personalised learning journeys through multi-age classrooms where individual interests drive curriculum exploration. The school maintains its commitment to holistic development by avoiding formal examinations until students reach secondary education levels, with students having the choice to receive final certification provided through the National Institute of Open Schooling system. 2. Tridha Waldorf School, Mumbai Operating since 2000 under Rudolf Steiner's educational principles, this institution integrates artistic expression with academic learning through practical activities including woodworking, organic gardening, textile arts, and musical education. What started with just 20 students in a bungalow today stands as an example of adapting to the needs of the new generation of learners. Students develop cognitive abilities alongside creative skills while preparing for internationally recognised Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. The school's approach balances intellectual development with hands-on learning experiences that foster both practical competence and imaginative thinking. 3. Rishi Valley School , Andhra Pradesh Established in 1926 by philosopher J. Krishnamurti, Rishi Valley is one of India's most renowned residential schools. Set in a vast, serene valley, it fosters a non-competitive environment, encouraging self-awareness, deep inquiry, and understanding over rote learning. The school emphasises a holistic approach, integrating academics with arts, crafts, music, and a profound connection with nature, aiming for a complete human development. 4. The School – KFI, Chennai Operating under Krishnamurti Foundation guidance, this institution postpones conventional examination pressure until grade 10 while emphasising contemplative learning practices. Students engage in regular dialogue sessions, mindfulness exercises, and reflective inquiry that develops both intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity. The school's approach priorities understanding over memorisation, encouraging students to question assumptions and develop independent thinking capabilities. 5. SECMOL (Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), Ladakh Founded by renowned educator Sonam Wangchuk , this innovative institution combines academic learning with sustainable living practices through hands-on environmental projects. Students maintain solar-powered laboratories, engage in ecological restoration activities, and develop practical skills for high-altitude rural living. The school demonstrates how education can address local community needs while preparing students for global challenges through culturally relevant, environmentally conscious learning approaches. 6. The Valley School , Bengaluru Another distinguished institution under the Krishnamurti Foundation India, The Valley School provides a tranquil learning environment focused on deep inquiry, self-understanding, and fostering intelligence free from fear. It integrates a rich academic curriculum with extensive outdoor experiences, arts, and crafts, nurturing students' intellectual and emotional growth through a non-prescriptive, exploratory approach. 7. The Mother's International School, New Delhi Associated with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, this large and well-established institution embodies the principles of Integral Education, aiming for the harmonious development of the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual aspects of the child. While offering a comprehensive academic curriculum, it deeply integrates value education, arts, sports, and a spiritual ethos, providing a balanced and purposeful learning journey. 8. Prakriya Green Wisdom School , Bengaluru This environmentally-focused institution focuses on climate change education, while de-emphasising traditional grading systems. Students engage in sustainability projects, develop environmental stewardship skills, and learn to approach global challenges through collaborative problem-solving approaches. The school prepares students to become environmentally conscious leaders capable of addressing contemporary ecological challenges. 9. Sarang School , Kerala Located in Kerala's scenic hill regions, this forest-based educational community in Attappady, Kerala, was founded in 1982 by a teacher couple, Gopalakrishnan and Vijayalakshmi , with the intention of introducing an alternative way of education that discarded a regular curriculum, textbooks, syllabus, and examinations. Students participate in sustainable farming activities, environmental conservation projects, and artistic pursuits while developing deep connections with natural ecosystems. The school demonstrates how education can foster both intellectual growth and environmental responsibility through direct engagement with natural systems. 10. The Levelfield School, West Bengal This innovative institution replaces traditional rote learning methodologies with engaging intellectual activities including structured debates, international cinema analysis, strategic games, and multimedia projects. Students develop critical thinking abilities through diverse learning experiences that emphasise curiosity, creativity, and analytical reasoning rather than memorisation and repetition. Why choose a progressive school instead of a traditional? These educational institutions share several transformative characteristics that distinguish them from conventional schooling approaches: Student-directed learning : Children actively participate in designing their educational experiences, developing self-motivation and personal responsibility for their intellectual growth. Experiential education : Direct engagement with practical activities, from agricultural work to craftsmanship, provides concrete learning experiences that complement theoretical knowledge. Comprehensive development : Schools prioritise emotional intelligence, social skills, and environmental awareness alongside traditional academic subjects, producing well-rounded individuals. Community integration : Many institutions incorporate local resources, cultural traditions, and community partnerships that connect students with their broader social environments. These approaches consistently produce graduates who demonstrate enhanced creativity, stronger problem-solving abilities, and greater adaptability compared to traditionally-educated students. Key factors to consider Families and stakeholders exploring progressive educational options should evaluate several important factors: Educational philosophy alignment : Consider whether the institution's, Montessori independence, democratic self-governance, or environmental focus best matches your child's personality and learning style. Accreditation and recognition : Research how alternative schools handle standardised testing requirements, university admission preparation, and official certification processes. Institutional values : Examine whether the school's approach to spirituality, environmental consciousness, or social responsibility aligns with your family's beliefs and priorities. Location : Evaluate location accessibility, residential versus day-school options, and financial requirements when making educational decisions. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time Business News
01-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Waldorf School: Educating the Whole Child in a Modern World
Families worldwide are searching for learning environments that balance intellectual growth with emotional well-being, creativity, and practical skill. One approach that has quietly thrived for more than a century is the Waldorf School model. Founded on the insights of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education cultivates head, heart, and hands equally—helping students develop academic mastery, artistic expression, and moral purpose in harmony. Steiner proposed that childhood unfolds in distinct seven-year stages. Each stage calls for teaching methods and subject matter that resonate with a child's evolving inner life. In the early years, rich storytelling and imaginative play nurture wonder; in the middle grades, hands-on projects ground emerging logical thinking; and in adolescence, abstract reasoning, debate, and social projects meet the teenager's quest for truth and responsibility. Instead of teaching math, science, and literature in isolation, Waldorf educators weave them into cross-disciplinary 'main lesson' blocks. A study of ancient China, for instance, may blend calligraphy (art), the Pythagorean concept of harmony (math and music), silk-road geography (social studies), and Taoist poetry (language arts). Students experience knowledge as an interconnected whole rather than a set of disconnected facts. Each morning begins with a two-hour lesson focusing on a single subject for three to four weeks. Deep immersion allows students to experiment, revise, illustrate, and ultimately create their own hand-written, hand-drawn textbooks. Because they make the material their own, retention and personal investment soar. Painting, music, drama, and handwork are not electives; they are primary vehicles for learning. Geometry emerges through compass-drawn mandalas; neuroscience appears in clay modeling of the human brain; fractions come alive while cutting and baking bread. This artistic framing engages multiple senses, appealing to diverse learning styles and strengthening neural pathways. Research suggesting potential downsides of heavy digital exposure in early childhood has long informed Waldorf practice. Classes emphasize real-world interaction, outdoor exploration, and imaginative play. Devices arrive only in middle school, framed as creative tools—coding robots, editing documentaries, designing digital art—rather than passive entertainment. Robust Cognitive Skills By approaching abstract concepts through concrete, experiential steps, Waldorf students often display strong critical-thinking abilities and deep conceptual understanding once formal assessments begin in later grades. Creative Confidence Daily practice in visual and performing arts fosters divergent thinking—the capacity to generate original ideas and solutions—highly prized in business, science, and the arts alike. Emotional Intelligence Class groups typically stay with the same primary teacher for up to eight years, creating a secure community where children practice empathy, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving. Practical Resilience Carpentry, gardening, sewing, and community service projects cultivate perseverance, patience, and a sense of real-world competence—qualities that support mental health and adaptability in adulthood. Myth Reality Waldorf is 'soft' on academics. Graduates consistently gain admission to competitive universities and excel once there, thanks to strong research and presentation skills. Technology avoidance leaves students behind. Delayed, purposeful tech use actually strengthens later digital literacy by grounding students first in logic, creativity, and self-discipline. Only artistic children thrive in Waldorf. The arts serve as learning pathways for every child; mathematically gifted students, for example, deepen understanding through geometric drawing and music theory. Seek schools recognized by reputable bodies such as the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) or the International Waldorf Federation. Faculty should hold specialized certificates in Waldorf pedagogy, ensuring they are versed in child development, arts integration, and Steiner's educational philosophy. Nature is considered a co-teacher. Classrooms often feature natural wood furniture, soft lighting, and student artwork. Outdoor spaces—gardens, wooded play areas, and hand-built structures—support exploration and seasonal festivals. Parent involvement is integral. Festivals, class plays, and parent education evenings build a supportive network around each child. Before enrolling, attend an open house or fair to gauge whether the school's culture fits your family's rhythm and values. Establish Rhythms: Predictable bedtimes, shared meals, and screen-free evenings mirror classroom structure and provide emotional security. Encourage Open-Ended Play: Offer simple, natural toys—blocks, silks, clay—that ignite imagination without prescriptive rules. Celebrate Seasonal Traditions: Candle-lit lantern walks in autumn or spring garden days help children feel connected to natural cycles, reinforcing classroom themes. Model Lifelong Learning: Read widely, take up crafts, or learn an instrument alongside your child to demonstrate that growth never ends. Will my child struggle to adapt to mainstream schools later? Transitions generally proceed smoothly. Waldorf students have strong study habits, presentation skills, and intrinsic motivation, which translate well across educational systems. How does the school handle special educational needs? Many Waldorf schools collaborate with remedial educators and therapists, integrating supportive strategies—such as extra movement or speech work—directly into the student's day. Is Waldorf education religious? While it celebrates universal human values and seasonal festivals, Waldorf pedagogy is non-sectarian. Respect for diverse faiths and cultures is woven into stories and celebrations. In a rapidly shifting world that prizes innovation, empathy, and adaptability, Waldorf education offers a time-tested yet forward-looking path. By harmonizing rigorous academics with artistic practice and hands-on experience, the Waldorf School model cultivates learners who can think critically, feel deeply, and act purposefully. For families seeking an education that honors the full spectrum of human potential, Waldorf may well be the most compelling choice—an invitation to nurture not just a career-ready mind, but a whole, balanced human being. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
