A collective voice for Adult and Community Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
The ACE Sector Steering Group brings together national organisations representing Adult and Community Education (ACE) providers across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The group provides a collective voice on issues affecting the ACE sector, contributing to strategic direction, policy development and advocacy. By working collaboratively, members help strengthen the recognition, sustainability and contribution of adult and community education to learners, whānau and communities.
ACE Aotearoa represents the interests and perspectives of smaller ACE organisations and providers within the Steering Group, ensuring their voices are included in national discussions and decision-making. ACE Aotearoa also provides secretarial support to the group.
Our purpose
The ACE Sector Steering Group provides strategic leadership and a collective sector perspective on matters affecting adult and community education.
Its work focuses on:
- Sector leadership and advocacy: Representing collective sector perspectives and advocating for policies and approaches that support a strong and sustainable ACE sector.
- Strategic direction: Contributing sector and stakeholder perspectives to the strategic direction and work of ACE Aotearoa.
- Collaboration and connection: Strengthening relationships, cooperation and the sharing of knowledge between ACE organisations of different sizes and across diverse communities.
- Policy and research: Contributing to policy development, encouraging research and promoting evidence-informed approaches to adult and community education.
- Stakeholder engagement: Building relationships with government agencies, political representatives and other stakeholders to ensure ACE perspectives are considered in decisions affecting the sector.
- Public awareness: Promoting the value of adult and community education and its contribution to lifelong learning, community wellbeing and social participation.
Through these activities, the Steering Group supports a connected, responsive and effective ACE sector that reflects the needs and aspirations of adult learners and their communities.
Member organisations
The ACE Sector Steering Group brings together representatives from national organisations working across different areas of adult and community education.
Member organisations include:
- ACE Aotearoa – representing smaller ACE organisations and providers across Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Centre for Pacific Languages
- English Language Partners NZ
- Literacy Aotearoa
- REAP Aotearoa NZ
- Te Ataarangi Trust
- Workers Education Association (WEA)
- A nominated representative associated with the former Community Learning Association in Secondary Schools (CLASS)
Together, these organisations bring a range of perspectives, experience and knowledge to national discussions about the future of adult and community education.
Policy and sector advocacy
The ACE Sector Steering Group contributes to national policy discussions and consultations on matters affecting adult and community education.
Through submissions, feedback and engagement with government agencies and other stakeholders, the group helps communicate the experiences, challenges and priorities of ACE organisations and the communities they serve.
This collective approach strengthens the sector's voice and supports informed policy and funding decisions that recognise the value of lifelong learning.
Submissions and feedback
The Steering Group contributes to public consultations and policy discussions affecting adult and community education.
The following submissions and feedback documents demonstrate its work in representing sector perspectives.
Funding determinations for 2027
Feedback on proposed funding determinations for 2027, including considerations relating to ACE funding, policy and access to lifelong learning.
Read the Funding Determination Feedback from ACE Aotearoa and ASSG Steering Group 2027
Funding determinations for 2025
Feedback on proposed funding determinations for 2025, reflecting perspectives from ACE organisations on funding arrangements and their implications for the sector.
Read the Funding Determination Feedback from ACE Aotearoa 2025
Funding determinations for 2024
Feedback on proposed funding changes for 2024, including considerations relating to access and delivery of adult and community education.
Read the Funding Determination Feedback from the ACE Sector Steering Group 2024
Redesign of the vocational education and training system
Feedback on proposed changes to the vocational education and training system, highlighting considerations for adult and community education.
Read the Feedback on the Redesign of the Vocation Education and Training System 2024
Connecting with the ACE sector
The Steering Group recognises the importance of hearing from organisations working directly with adult learners and communities.
ACE Aotearoa provides a pathway for smaller ACE organisations and providers to have their perspectives represented in the Steering Group's discussions and advocacy.
Smaller providers are encouraged to share emerging issues, challenges and opportunities with ACE Aotearoa so these can help inform collective sector discussions and policy responses.
For enquiries about the ACE Sector Steering Group or to raise a sector-wide issue, please contact ACE Aotearoa.
Email: admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz
Phone: +64 4 473 6625
