vision

The Children’s Imagination Academy is a heart-centered learning realm for growing self-knowledge and
exploring our inner and outer world.

We see Children discovering how
COOL / CALM / COLLECTED / CREATIVE / COMPASSIONATE / CAPABLE / CONFIDENT / COURAGEOUS

they really are

A SCREEN-FREE, DREAM-POWERED SPACE.

WINNER of 2026 matarki TAONGA: EDUCATION/ MaTAURANGA

‘TUPU a NUKU’ AWARD

Reimagining Education

Lou has been awarded the 2026 Matariki Taonga Award for Tupu a Nuku – Mātauranga / Education, recognising her excellence and pioneering contribution to children, young people and whānau across Whakaraupō.

Through the Children’s Imagination Academy and Wildhearts, Lou is challenging the way we think about education. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: wellbeing must be at the heart of education — not an optional extra.

As a qualified children’s yoga, meditation and creative movement teacher, Lou creates spaces where children can learn fundamental wellbeing practices to help them feel calmer, clearer and more balanced. Through mindfulness, movement, breath, nature and stillness, children develop tools they can carry throughout their lives.

But these spaces are also about freedom — freedom to imagine, create, explore and discover who they are without judgement. Lou believes children should not have to fit themselves into a system that was never designed for everyone. Instead, education should make space for the whole child.

Founder / Director of the Children’s Imagination Academy, Lou Buckingham is the winner of the
2026 Matariki Taonga Award 'TUPU A NUKU’ for Matauranga / Education in Lyttelton, New Zealand.

He taonga te tamaiti~every child is precious 

For neurodiverse children and those who struggle in traditional environments, this approach can be transformative. Children are given the opportunity to build confidence, emotional resilience, self-awareness and connection — to themselves, to others, to nature and to their community.

The impact reaches far beyond the individual. When children feel safe, understood and connected, families strengthen and communities become more resilient.

While Lou’s work is deeply rooted in Whakaraupō, her vision speaks to a much bigger global challenge. In a rapidly changing world, children need more than academic knowledge. They need the tools to navigate emotions, manage stress, think creatively, build relationships and remain connected to themselves and the world around them.

The Tupu a Nuku award is recognition of that vision — and a powerful reminder that this work must continue.

Lou calls you to join the mission!  Make contact and be part of changing the future of education in this community — and our world.

MISSION

To empower the most vital developmental years, with a deep sense of individual uniqueness, worldly belonging, self-care practices, purpose and peace.

WHAT WE DO

  • CREATIVE THINKING & VISUALISATION

  • WELLBEING PRACTICES
    incl. Yoga, Movement and Mindfulness

  • SELF-EXPRESSION & CONFIDENCE ACTIVITIES

  • SOCIAL - EMOTIONAL LEARNING

  • INDIVIDUAL & COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

  • WORDLY DISCUSSIONS

  • ARTS, CRAFTS, CONSTRUCTION

  • ECO-GUARDIANSHIP

  • FRIENDSHIP & CONNECTION GAMES

  • JOY, PEACE & NEXT LEVEL FUN

  • LOTS OF IMAGINING!!!

  • A SAFE SPACE

    We are honoured to hold space for every being that walks through the door and ensure we always give our best. All Workshops & Programmes weave in Children’s interests, curiosities & initiatives and we trust they will always come out shining.

FOUNDER

Lou’s pioneering path began in Australia, working as a Primary Teacher Aide, where she experienced first-hand how many children were struggling at school— emotionally, mentally, socially - and observed there was little curriculum space for wellbeing education, self-expression or knowing thyself. A noticeable void.

Shortly after, she was appointed as the Director of Kid’s Club, which soon became a thriving after-school hive of 80+ happy, creative kids.

From there, urged by the need to create change for All Kid Kind - and curious to forge the link between arts and mind-body health, Lou took action.

In 2008, Lou launched her own unique venture: Solar Rewind – Wellbeing Workshops for Kids of the Milky Way, presented by her cosmic alter ego, the supernatural and whimsical Siouxie Solar ( imagine a cosmic Mary Poppins-meets-Tinkerbell ) leading creative workshops with a beam shining on mind-body care.

Lou’ trained and a Shiatsu bodywork therapist(ASC) and Rainbow Kids’ yoga teacher, and in 2010 developed Imagination Yoga, followed by Imagination Dance (Creative Dance) in 2015.

‍ ‍MOver / shaker / DREAMER / MAKER

In 2016, in response to reported rising levels of anxiety and depression in children — particularly after the Christchurch earthquakes — Lou founded the Children’s Imagination Academy (CiA) in New Zealand. The CiA is a heart-led learning space designed to nurture children’s inner spark, champion their unique creativity, and support their emotional wellbeing through holistic education. Lou also worked for 7 years as a Drama Teacher, under the direction of Mike Friend at the Lyttelton Arts Factory, and created original plays with the kids.

Lou’s professional training includes:

  • Psychology BA (University of Otago)

  • Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapeutics (ASC)

  • Dietary Therapeutic/ Five Elements (ASC)

  • Diploma of Children & Community Programme Management

  • NZ Youth Mentorship

  • Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher - International Cert.

  • Meditation / Qi Gong

  • Creative Dance Training (Over the Moon Studios)

  • Body Aware Movement (Helen Beresford Private Training)

  • Drama Teaching & Performing Arts Facilitation (Lyttelton Arts Factory)

  • Classical Voice (Lucio Coceani, Margaret Orr, Sole Academy

  • Safeguarding and Protecting Children (Tiakina Nga Tamariki)

  • Living Values Education Facilitator (Commenced 2026)

  • First Aid Cert.

“Children must know, that like a star, we are multi-dimensional and whole, at the same time. We start by knowing our centre and exploring out from there. Everyone is extraordinary in their own unique way and deserves to feel happy, powerful, purposeful. Keep shining bright!

MAKE CHANGE REAL

We welcome your support and donations or to share your unique offerings, skills and talents, so we all grow together, drop us a line!