About TMET
Since 2002, Tauranga Montessori Education Trust (TMET) has been helping Montessori education thrive in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.
We established Montessori@Bellevue in 2002 and, in response to growing demand from local families, partnered with Arataki School to establish Montessori@Arataki in 2016.
Today, we work alongside schools, teachers, and families to support high-quality Montessori education and ensure it remains available for future generations of learners.
Montessori education nurtures curiosity, independence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning. Our programmes combine Montessori philosophy with the New Zealand Curriculum, giving children the opportunity to learn in a rich, child-centred environment while remaining connected to their wider school community.
As Montessori units within state schools, Montessori@Bellevue and Montessori@Arataki offer the best of both worlds: a distinctive Montessori learning environment combined with access to the facilities, opportunities, activities, and friendships that come with being part of a larger school.
Through fundraising, community support, teacher development, classroom resources, and advocacy, TMET helps strengthen Montessori education across our region.
What Does TMET Do?
TMET is a charitable trust governed by volunteer trustees and supported by an administrator. We act as kaitiaki of Montessori education in Tauranga, working alongside our partner schools to support strong and sustainable Montessori programmes.
Our role includes:
- Supporting the long-term sustainability of Montessori education.
- Managing funds and fundraising that benefit Montessori learners.
- Supporting Montessori teacher training and professional development.
- Funding and providing Montessori resources and materials.
- Supporting families with Montessori enrolment information and processes, in partnership with our schools.
- Promoting understanding of Montessori education within the wider community.
- Working alongside schools and Boards to strengthen Montessori programmes.
- Advocating for the ongoing growth and success of Montessori education in our region.
TMET and Our Partner Schools
TMET provides stewardship, support and advocacy for the Montessori programme.
Responsibility for teaching and learning, student wellbeing, behaviour management, school policies and employment matters sits with each school’s leadership team and Board.
Feedback and concerns
TMET welcomes feedback and values open communication with families.
For concerns relating to your child’s experience at school, classroom matters, or the day-to-day operation of the school, the school’s concerns and complaints process is the best place to start.
As kaitiaki of the Montessori programme, TMET also welcomes feedback from families about their experience of Montessori. This helps us understand how the programme is working across our community and identify opportunities to support and strengthen it. Where appropriate, TMET may share relevant information, programme-level feedback or themes with school leadership.
Responsibility for school operations, staffing and individual student matters sits with the school.
TMET’s role is focused on supporting and strengthening the Montessori programme, helping ensure Montessori education remains accessible, sustainable and true to its principles for current and future generations of learners.
Contact TMET
For Montessori programme enquiries, feedback or questions, please contact us at trustadmin@tmet.org.nz.
Our Purpose
We believe every child has the potential to flourish when they are supported to be curious, capable, and confident learners.
TMET exists to promote and support Montessori education in Tauranga, helping create learning environments where children develop independence, confidence, respect for others, and a lifelong love of learning.
