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Our History

The Hōhepa Homes Trust Board was founded in 1956 by the joint initiative of Marjorie Allen, educator, and Sir Lewis Harris, local farmer and benefactor. Hōhepa Hawkes Bay opened in May 1957.

When Roderick Donald Stronach was born with Down Syndrome in Dunedin on the 27th of October 1947, the seed of what was to become Hōhepa was sown.

1947

Ms Marjorie Allan, his adored aunt, was determined to seek out a more purposeful way of life for Roderick away from mental institutions.

Ms Allan traveled across Europe in the early 1950s to learn about the success of Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s approach to education, health, and community, and his innovative inclusive approach to supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Ms Allan visited initiatives in England, Germany, and Switzerland.

1950s

Ms Allan returned to New Zealand to spark a gentle revolution, focusing on developing a community of belonging, celebrating diversity, health and wellbeing support, and creating educational and meaningful work opportunities so that everyone would be nurtured and supported holistically.

Ms Allan toured New Zealand sharing her European experiences seeking support for this new anthroposophical impulse. In 1955 she met Hawke’s Bay entrepreneur Sir Lewis Harris and Lady Myra Harris.

1955

The Harris’ wholeheartedly embraced the concept of an inclusive anthroposophical community to ensure their disabled daughter Ruby and many other people would one day enjoy a life fully lived.

Sir Lew and Myra Harris

With the Harris' support and full financial backing, including gifts of land at Poraiti and later at Clive, the Hōhepa impulse, inspired by the birth of Roderick (also known as Roddy) began in Hawke's Bay in 1957.

1957

The present day Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay Community is vibrant across the region supporting many people on their life journey.

Today

Hōhepa Hawke's Bay Inclusive Social Development

Hōhepa is the Te Reo Māori translation of Joseph, honouring Sir Lewis Harris’s father Joseph Harris.

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