Supporting and strengthening Adult and Community Education across Aotearoa New Zealand
ACE Aotearoa is the national body supporting and promoting Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We work alongside educators, organisations, communities and government agencies to strengthen the ACE sector, promote quality teaching and learning, and support opportunities for adults to learn throughout their lives.
Our work includes sector advocacy, professional development, quality improvement, research, resources and opportunities for collaboration and connection.
Supporting Adult and Community Education
Adult and Community Education provides accessible learning opportunities that respond to the interests, aspirations and needs of adults and their communities.
ACE includes learning that develops literacy, numeracy, language, employment and everyday life skills, as well as learning for personal development, cultural connection, creativity and community participation.
Learning takes place in many settings, including community centres, schools, marae, rural communities, workplaces and other organisations.
ACE Aotearoa recognises the diversity of this learning and works to support an inclusive, responsive and connected sector.
Advocacy and sector representation
We promote the value of Adult and Community Education and provide a voice for the sector in discussions about education policy, funding and development.
Our work includes engaging with government agencies, contributing to policy discussions, sharing sector perspectives and advocating for the importance of lifelong learning.
We work collaboratively with ACE providers, educators and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and challenges and support the continued development of the sector.
Explore our policy and advocacy work
Professional development and capability building
We support the professional learning and development of people working and volunteering in Adult and Community Education.
Our professional development workshops are designed to strengthen teaching practice, build confidence, develop practical skills and support organisations to provide quality learning experiences.
Opportunities include workshops focused on adult teaching practice, learner engagement, neurodiversity, te reo Māori, artificial intelligence, quality assurance and learner pathways.
Workshops are offered online or face to face, depending on the programme, with opportunities for individuals and organisations to register their interest in future professional development.
Explore our professional development workshops
Quality teaching and organisational improvement
We develop and provide frameworks and tools to support quality teaching, learner-centred practice and continuous organisational improvement.
ACE Teaching Standards
The ACE Teaching Standards describe the knowledge, skills and practices that support effective teaching and learning. They provide a shared foundation for professional development, reflective practice and quality adult education.
Explore the ACE Teaching Standards
ACE Quality Assurance Framework
The ACE Quality Assurance Framework supports organisations to review their practices, recognise good performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Explore the ACE Quality Assurance Framework
ACE Learner Pathways Tool
The ACE Learner Pathways Tool helps organisations review and strengthen how they support learners through enrolment, programme placement and learning planning.
Explore the ACE Learner Pathways Tool
Connecting and recognising the ACE sector
We bring people and organisations together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, celebrate achievements and support collaboration across the sector.
Our national events and initiatives provide opportunities for educators, learners, organisations and communities to connect and learn from one another.
These include:
- ACE Conference and Hui Fono – Opportunities for sector learning, discussion, networking and collaboration.
- Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga – Celebrating adult learning and recognising the achievements of adult learners.
- ACE Aotearoa Awards – Recognising contributions and achievements in Adult and Community Education.
Research, resources and funding
We support sector development by sharing research, information, resources and opportunities for professional learning.
Our resources help educators and organisations stay informed, strengthen their practice and respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.
We also administer Professional Development Grants to support capability building and innovation across the ACE sector.
Explore ACE resources
Explore research
Find out about Professional Development Grants
Find adult learning in your community
Looking for opportunities to learn something new?
Adult and Community Education takes place in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, offering opportunities to develop skills, explore interests and connect with others.
Find adult learning in your community
Get in touch
Whether you are an educator, an ACE organisation, a community group or someone interested in adult learning, we welcome your enquiries.
Contact ACE Aotearoa to learn more about our work, resources and opportunities to connect with the ACE sector.
Email: admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz
Phone: +64 4 473 6625