Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.

After the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 Virus and the disappointment of cancelled events over the past two years many regions have been ready to let their hair down and once again enjoy the annual Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of learners all over Aotearoa and promote the benefits of lifelong learning.

Tararua Region had much to celebrate this year with the local REAP turning 40 and the launch of a custom-made mobile learning cabin which will take learning to learners wherever they are. On the Monday of festival week Claire Chapman and her REAP team brought local learning providers together at The Hub, in Dannevirke from 11am to 7pm and the community got to experience a hands-on learning expo, kapa haka, food and entertainment. The birthday celebration and launch took place late afternoon and were enjoyed by a huge crowd including Mayor Tracey Collis and MP Kieran McNulty. An exhibition of weaving, pounamu, bone carving, Oamaru stone and whakapapa quilts by local learners and tutors was also on display in the main street of Dannevirke all week.

Later in the week Hagley College in Christchurch hosted a Fish and Chip event for local learning providers with Anton Matthews te reo champion and owner of Fush café while Far North REAP held a night market with stalls, games, food and interactive learning.

On Great Barrier Island the locals were treated to a presentation by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser, Juliet Gerrard and all week Gonville Library in Whanganui ran workshops on topics such as accessing digital services and how to be scam savvy. Literacy Aotearoa Clusters focused on open days and community outreach.

The ACE Aotearoa team was out and about enjoying events. Some have been captured on video for the ACE Aotearoa Facebook page. A new, easy-to-navigate event map was added to the festival website and posters, awards certificates and digital badges refreshed.

Congratulations to all our learners who have received awards during our festival week. Your stories continue to inspire us!