Kia ora!
Here’s a launchpad designed to kickstart your homeschooling in New Zealand. Why a launchpad, you ask? Well, because it’s here to launch you in the directions you need to go, in order to set you up for success. Think of it like a rocket preparing to launch, or a frog springing from one pad to the next, and you get the idea.
The goal? To get you started with ideas and information that is specific to New Zealand. With the support of the wider homeschooling community, I’ve collated what you see here. Because community is key – it really is!
Now before we go any further, I’m assuming you’ve already read Starting Homeschooling – so if you haven’t yet, grab that coffee and make sure that you do.
Read it? Great! Let’s jump on in.
As always, remember that I’m here for you. Contact me directly if you’d like 1-1 help, support, suggestions, or even just a chat about how to make homeschooling work for your family.
In New Zealand, we have some brilliant support systems and spokespeople to help with the process of homeschooling. You’ll find here an assortment of articles, resources, links and directions to launch you into your homeschooling. I’ve limited each of the sections below to a hand-picked selection of links that will give you a starting point and make this whole process a little easier for you to navigate. In other words, whether it’s connection or information you’re after – you’ve come to the right place!
So, how does this work?
With your coffee in hand, take your time reading through the range of recommendations below at your own pace. Bookmark the page so that you can bounce around among the many links that are here at your fingertips. And use it your very own launching pad as you embark on your own homeschooling journey here in New Zealand!
Recommended NZ articles on starting homeschooling:
Want to Homeschool? Where to Start? : A series of FAQ related to homeschooling in New Zealand, By Cynthia Hancox
Getting Started : An excellent starting point for homeschooling, written by NCHENZ.
NZ Exemption Support : Not sure where to find the exemption application form, or how to go about filling it in? Head to this section for step-by-step help and direction.
Recommended pages for up-to-date info:
NCHENZ stands for National Council of Home Educators New Zealand. They are the only national body of Home Educators in NZ and are recognised as such by the MOE. Run by passionate volunteers, they provide a wealth of information and articles – and information sessions – to support homeschoolers. The Member’s Area of their website (which is free to join) has some incredible offers that help to make some aspects of homeschooling more affordable. You can also join them on Facebook here – and once you’re a member, you can also join their thriving private discussion group.
Cynthia is known as our ‘exemption guru’ and brings a depth and breadth of information and experience to the NZ homeschooling community, as well as offering extensive guides that are available to purchase. She is also a government liaison who – along with NCHENZ – works tirelessly to support homeschoolers here in New Zealand in a variety of ways. You can also follow her on Facebook, here.
Homeschool Pick n Mix with Lisa McKenzie – Facebook Page
Lisa is a friend and fellow kiwi homeschooling mum who has played a significant role in the formation of Homeschool Haven as you see it today. She’s a fountain of knowledge, wisdom, inspiration and support to all who know her and has worked hard behind the scenes in homeschool communities for many years. Check out the resources and videos on her page and, if you’re new to all this, head over to her New to Homeschool 2022 NZ private group for added support and information.
Sarah is a fellow homeschooling mum and kiwi who I’ve enjoyed navigating the world of websites with, learning curves and all! She has six children and her gorgeous blog full of ideas, tips and practical pointers for homeschooling is always an inspiring read across a vast range of topics. Go have a browse and check out what she has to say!
Homeschool Haven with Kristy – Facebook Page
If you’re looking for regular encouragement, ideas, humour and solidarity throughout your homeschool days, join me and our community over here, as well as on Instagram. I post most weekdays from my own spot here in the trenches, where I’m homeschooling my own kids. You’ll find more real, down-to-earth inspiration, supportive videos, advice and frequent reminders to slow down and sip that coffee along the way!
Recommended communities:
Homeschool New Zealand – Facebook
A private homeschool group on Facebook with active admin and a thriving community who support each other and are very responsive when it comes to answering questions.
National Online Networking Groups
Looking for connection? Try here! See NCHENZ’s comprehensive list of groups for discussion and networking throughout New Zealand. Many of these are on Facebook, and full of lively discussion.
For those in Auckland, AHE is a regional organisation that advocates for homeschoolers and offers support and connection in a variety of ways. Browse their website to find out more, and become a member to receive up-to-date information and support.
Christian Homeschool Inspiration and Support NZ – Facebook
Looking for a faith-based perspective? This is a private Facebook group that I co-admin with Larisa (creator of Larisa Hockey – Faith and Health and Patience in Affliction) with a passion for supporting homeschoolers. Purposefully designed to be politics-free, this is a safe place where we tackle topics like mental health, organisational ideas and more. You don’t have to be a Christian to join, provided you are open to the content you’ll find here. It has quietly blossomed into a beautiful community of real and genuine families who encourage one another in their homeschooling journeys.
Recommended nationwide hubs for classes & activities:
Homeschool HQ – Facebook page
Kate Dunn is an experienced homeschooler who has worked hard over the years to gather together a variety of passionate, talented people to offer classes for homeschoolers on topics that capture their attention. Due to the pandemic, this has morphed and exploded into a vast array of classes offered online throughout every day of the week. There’s something for everyone, and then some! For those who are in Auckland, you can tap into their selection of in-person options, too.
Participating in drama activities builds self-confidence, creative thinking, and imaginative problem-solving. Drama South sessions are devised for homeschoolers and taught by a team of tutors, including myself. Theatre skills are learned through fun activities, creative challenges, devising of scenes and dialogues, improvisation, and focussed skills development over each term. Currently with both online and in-person options. For up-to-date info jump over to our Facebook page: Drama South
Parkinson Online Classes – Facebook page
Erin Parkinson is an experienced homeschooler whose passion for all things history is contagious. Mixing history, current events, and geography and throwing in other interesting and relevant stuff (art, music etc), she offers an assortment of classes in any given term, via Zoom. Most (although not all) classes are aimed at that early teen/intermediate age, where they are discovering more about the world and starting to question and debate and give opinions on issues around them.
Recommended NZ businesses/marketplaces:
A New Zealand store full of resources, curriculum and a wealth of wisdom and advice. Run by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers, they are constantly adding to their range and importing new material to help with ease of access for the NZ market.
A New Zealand store built by an unschooling family who is passionate about supplying quality art resources. This has recently changed hands, but the research and expertise poured into each item in their store, remains.
New Zealand Homeschool Curriculum Buy/Sell/Swap – Facebook group
A private Facebook group dedicated to buying and selling secondhand homeschool resources in New Zealand. This is an excellent starting point if you’re feeling “stuck” because it enables you to see firsthand what others have used and recommend. It also makes purchasing curriculum and resources a little more affordable, depending on what you’re after.
Recommended reading:
In addition to the resources and links on this page, I’ve create a personal list of some of my favourite reading recommendations, just for you. Plus you’ll find a bonus top tip from me around researching resources and curriculum. To check them out, head over here:
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Stay awesome!
Kristy x
What next?
Now, join me for help with cultivating your homeschool headspace. Because THAT is where homeschooling freedom begins!