Home Schoolers Group

Calling Creative Explorers

We warmly invite homeschooling whānau to a unique arts-based programme designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and connection to the world around us.

Join us for one, several, or all sessions—whatever best suits your family's rhythm.

Each session offers a thoughtfully guided experience that encourages:

Art Appreciation – Explore captivating exhibitions and reflect on powerful, thought-provoking artworks
Child-Led Dialogue – Share ideas, ask big questions, and engage in rich conversations about artistic themes
Hands-On Creativity – Create original works inspired by Hundertwasser and other artists according to the exhibition
Connection to Nature – Discover the relationship between art, environment, and sustainability

This welcoming and supportive environment fosters curiosity, self-expression, and a deeper engagement with art and culture.

Due to this programmes popularity, we are now offering an afternoon session in term 4 on a trial basis. The afternoon session will offer the same programme as the morning session.

Where: Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
When: Mondays during term time and not including public holidays
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm or 2:00pm - 3:30pm (on a trial basis for term 4)
Who: Homeschooled tamariki aged 7–12 (flexible)
Cost: $7 per session, per child

Let your child's creativity and imagination flourish in a space that celebrates exploration, inspiration, and joy.

For any inquiries, or to be added to the Home Schoolers Mailing List email: learning@hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz

Dates for term 4: 6 October, 13 October, 20 October, No Class for Labour Day, 3 November, 10 November, 17 November, 24 November, 1 December, 8 December.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to pay for myself (the guardian) of my child? I also have children too young to participate. Will I be charged for them?

There is no charge for parents or guardians to attend with children. Usually you can participate in the art making if you wish, making sure there's enough for every child first.

I can't make every session. Do you do long projects which are completed over multiple sessions?

Our sessions are short activities and we start a new project every week. Many homeschooling parents tell us that they are able to continue the project at home, or use the learning in the session to springboard other learning throughout the week.

What can I expect in a session?

Our sessions usually start with an engagement with an artwork or artworks in an exhibition, or a learning conversation around some big ideas. Students are then presented with an art making or creative challenge to build on and solidify that learning while also allowing processing and reflection time. Our activities are never reductive or replicative, but open and adaptable. Children are never discouraged from going their own way in a project or following an intuition which is different from the group.

My child is a bit outside the age range? Is this a problem?

We are flexible with ages and believe you know your child best. Age is not always the best indicator of what will be appropriate but instead an age range is offered as a kind of indication to parents. Our learning is presented in a ‘Low Floor, High Ceiling’ approach, which aims to be accessible for a wide range of learners, with more capable learners being able to raise their point of challenge to meet their needs. That is the beauty of art rich learning!

My child is neurodiverse and needs accommodations. Do you make accommodations for different needs?

We try to create an inclusive environment for all tamariki. We acknowledge that every child needs to feel safe in an environment before they can bring their authentic selves into engagements with their peers. Some children like to share in conversation, other children take longer to be comfortable but enjoy listening. Some children can launch straight into an activity. Some like to see how others approach an activity before they make a start.

While we do everything that we can to create an inclusive space, we are open to change and making accommodations for children, so please have a word if you are aware of changes we could make to meet your child's needs. We will do our best to accommodate this. Learning supports such as head phones, fidget toys, communication aids of all kinds are completely welcome and encouraged.

I would like a schedule of what learning topics I can expect on what week. Is this available?

Unfortunately we don't have the ability to offer this as we sometimes have last minute changes in programming and we also like to be able to adapt and respond to learning and interest in the group. Some people also tell us that they enjoy the element of surprise in each session.

I would like to drop off my child. Is this possible?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer that at this time. However if you have another home schooling parent you are comfortable with you are welcome to have one parent support multiple children. Drop off service would require a lot more administration and therefore increase in price, pre booking etc. This is currently outside of what we have the capacity to offer.

What should I bring to each session?

Our sessions can get a little messy. Old clothes are advised and occasionally hands and skin might become a little stained. Some children bring snacks and water. These are allowed and can be eaten at any time (but not in the exhibition spaces). However there is no schedule break or eating time allocated to the session. Otherwise, only a willingness to learn, curiosity about the world and yourself and the bravery to try something new.

Do I need to book in advance or enroll my child/children?

There is no need to book ahead, however if you would like to be added to the email list for home schoolers send us an email at learning@hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz. We send out occasional feedback surveys to ensure we are meeting your needs and staying relevant to your journey. We also announce updates which are specific to home school whānau this way.