New Ground Festival: A Fresh Start for the NZ Youth Section.

It’s been a while since the Anthroposophical Youth Section in New Zealand was active, and we’re here to change that!

Introducing New Ground – a festival created by young people, for young people, to connect, grow, and dive into the fascinating world of anthroposophy.

So, what’s anthroposophy?

It can typically be thought of in two different ways.

A Treasure Trove of Ideas: Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, left us a vast collection of books, lectures, and insights on life, death, and everything in between. He was also an extremely practical man and ensured that Anthroposophy could be expressed in practical ways. As a result, we now have Waldorf Schools (also known as Steiner Schools), Biodynamics (anthroposophical agriculture), and Anthroposophical Medicine (in Germany, there are entire hospitals that practice Anthroposophical medicine), among many other practical applications of Anthroposophy. The centre of Anthroposophy is in Dornach, Switzerland, where all the different sections of the movement are based. You can read more about these various sections here.

A Personal Growth Journey: Anthroposophy isn’t just about reading—it’s about doing. Steiner laid out practical steps for self-discovery and connecting with your spiritual self. It’s a way to understand yourself, find your purpose, and explore your relationship with the universe. Over the course of the weekend, we aim to do jus this, to engage with Anthroposophy in ways that create meaning in our lives.

What’s Happening at New Ground?

We’ve packed the weekend with a mix of learning, creating, and good vibes. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Creative workshops: Try your hand at art, explore biodynamics, and discover new passions.

Shared meals: Enjoy delicious food and great conversations.

Big ideas, small groups: Dive into anthroposophy in a way that makes sense for you.

We’re keeping the vibe relaxed with plenty of downtime to chill and connect with others.

Your Voice Matters

This isn’t just an event—it’s the start of something bigger. Toward the end of the weekend, we’ll come together to shape the future of the Youth Section. What do you want it to look like? What do we want to build together? Please bring these questions with you and share your thoughts.

Who’s Invited?

If you’re between 16 and 35 and curious about anthroposophy, you’re in. No experience necessary—just bring yourself.

Event Details

Where: Tauranga Waldorf School (yes, we are camping!)

When: 7 - 9 March 2025

Arrive: Friday from 3 PM

Wrap up: Sunday lunchtime

Food: We’ve got you covered—all meals are included in the price of the ticket. Just pack snacks if you’d like!

We’ll send a full schedule closer to the date.

Ticketing

We believe everyone should have the chance to join, so if money’s a problem, please email us—we’ll make it work.

Let’s Do This

New Ground is about connection, curiosity, and fun. It’s a chance to start fresh, meet amazing people, and explore what it means to live with purpose.

Grab your ticket, pack your tent, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend. We can’t wait to see you there!