Dan and Edith Hansen first started cultivating Wilderland in 1964 as a place to practice growing organic food - now one of Aotearoa's first and longest-serving organic farms!
The opportunity to learn about ourselves through relationships with each other, and through humble occupation was another key factor in the development of Wilderland, Krishnamurti's philosophies and teachings had a big influence on Dan from a young age and and contributed to Wilderland being a non-intentional community. It is also the connecting point that brought Dan and Edith together. In a note from 1994, Dan wrote "My part in bringing about the development which has come to be known as Wilderland has lain in attempt to live in a manner which is not constrained by any limiting concept or determined by any particular tradition, ideology or goal... my underlying concern is to simply live intelligently; to learn from whatever occurs, to be open to experimentation and exploration and in a way that is not bound by a conclusion... a particular concern of mine has been the needs of children and developing young adults".
Throughout the years Wilderland has been the home and pseudo-university to thousands of people seeking a "whole education". We deepen authenticity while cultivating skills and connection with the earth, trees and gardens or through a craft; watching things grow; pioneering projects that strengthen qualities such as leadership and humility; exploring ideas openly and participating in a legacy of abundance for the generations of people that are yet to step on the land.
Here at Wilderland, we offer a unique experience of learning by living; through relationship with the land, each other, and ourselves. Initiative and creativity go a long way in this environment. Self-reliance was one of Dan's core beliefs and he was a terrific example of that.
We are so grateful for this gesture of longevity that Dan and Edith left behind for all who are looking to learn and benefit from it; we are glad to see its continuity flourishing as an Educational Trust.
See how we've grown
There is something very special and unique about the notion of a non-intentional community, By striving not to define something, one gains the opportunity of organic growth, and natural cycles to come into play. Wilderland experiences and stories from over 60 years are always reaching us.
1973 - To Friends of Wilderland
Those people who have had any close acquaintance with Wilderland will know that for several years people in need of a new or different environment have been coming there. Most - though not all - of these people are young, have a background of city life, with which they have become dissatisfied, and are interested in a return to closer contact with the land and nature. The common factor one observes among them is that of the questioning of the static values and a search in their lives inwardly to find a true relationship with others.
Read the rest...
The number here varies greatly. Sometimes there are just a few of us, at other times there have been 40 or more.
The provision of suitable - even minimum - accommodation costantly confronts us. So steps have been taken to erect a buildino which will provide basic facilities: washing and cooking, eating and gathering, along with a craft-work area.
PRESENT PLANS ADE FOR THE ERECTION OF A DURABLE ROOF STRUCTURE, approx. 60 x 24 feet, SUPPORTED ON TANALISED POLES, THEN FOR WALLS, FLOOR AND FITTINGS TO BE ADDED.
The walls will be various, as different young people interested will do sections in such materials as split stone, mud brick, old windows or natural timber. Most of the work will be done by learner-helpers living here.
The question remains as to how the costs are to be met! A donation of $500, to start the work, has been received from a friend who has taken an interest in what he has seen going on here. From this season's return at our roadside stall we can also allocate $500 to the project. But as the building area will be approx. 2,000 so. feet - part of it having two floors - the total cost will be considerably more than $1,000.
We are therefore open to receive further donations (large or small) or help in any way. Some of it is already forthcoming, in fact this note has been written at the suggestion of a helpful visitor.
Dan & Edith Hassen
11 . 3 . 73 .
2000 - Film about Wilderland
In 2000 the show National Land Country Calendar, came by to make a 20 min documentary.
Comparative analysis of
intentional communities
in New Zealand
2011 - Thesis
Through acomparative analysis of four long-establishedintentional communities in New Zealand,this thesis examinesthe extent to which each onehas sustained, adapted or abandoned its original ideals and aspirationsover time. Analysis of in-depth interviews with current and former participants revealsways thatideological beliefs, organisational processes,and foundation structures have shapedthe distinctive cultures that have developedin each community. Therelevance of the assertion that long-lived intentional communities share acommon purposeanda desire to live beyond mainstream society, and the assumption that longevity and survival can be considered to bethe same thing, are challenged. It is concluded that ownership structuresfor holding land are significant tothe longevityof intentional communities, and that the distinctions that once existed between these long-established communities and the larger society that they are situated within have become less clear over time.
2017 - Fire
The fire was a very unfortunate moment in Wilderland, resulting in us losing our bee equipment, hives and some buildings. A lot of people left after the fire and it's unsure how the fire started. The silver lining however was an injection of new energy for rebuilding and starting many things afresh.