National Society

The birth of Theosophy in New Zealand took place when Augustine Les Edgar King became the first New Zealand member, having joined when on a visit to London. His Diploma is dated 3rd April 1879 and on his return to New Zealand he became the first member of the Society in the Southern Hemisphere. Mr Thomas G de Remzy of Dunedin joined in January 1883 and at the end of that year Mr & Mrs James Cox became members in Auckland. Mr E.T. Sturdy whom Col. Olcott referred to as the “Father of Theosophy in New Zealand”, joined the Society in 1885 while living at Woodville in Hawkes Bay. After travelling overseas and meeting Col. Olcott, H.P. Blavatsky and W.Q. Judge he returned to New Zealand and settled in Wellington. Gathering a group of students around him he started the Wellington Lodge which was chartered in 1888. Unfortunately this, the first lodge in New Zealand, ceased to exist when Mr Sturdy returned to England, where he became a student in H.P.B.’s “inner group."

The New Zealand Section received it Charter on 7 April 1896 signed by Henry Steel Olcott, the president-founder of the Theosophical Society. The branches at that time were, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Pahiatua, Woodville and Waitemata. Miss Lilian Edger MA, was appointed General Secretary, to carry out the preliminary business of the organisation.

The New Zealand Section created a vision for a Vasanta Centre in 1916, which was established in Epsom, Auckland and on 19th February 1919, ‘Vasanta Preparatory School’ was officially opened with 26 scholars and 11 boarders. Mr Butler, the first Acting Principal of the school, offered his services for free for the first year. Boarding accommodation was in the house which is now our national headquarters known as ‘Vasanta House’. Vasanta is an Indian rendition of Dr Annie Besant’s surname. The history of the School can be viewed here.

The School which became known as the Vasanta Garden School, however after 43 years of operation it was decided to close the School at the end of the first term 1959, following the resignation of the Principal because of ill-health. At this time the property was handed over to The Theosophical Society in New Zealand Inc. where the National Section Headquarters was established.