High Quality Nominees  Makes Judging Difficult 

Adult Learner’s Week Awards 2016

For Adult Learners’ Week 2016, the team at Community Education BOP once again invited the community to nominate the outstanding  individuals and/or groups who have contributed as learners, educators and providers to the continuation and success of life-long learning in our area.

The high quality and number of nominations once again made the judges’ job a difficult one.  However, at the celebratory awards function in the Council Chambers on September 8th, the following nominees were honoured.

The awards were presented by the Mayor, Stuart Crosby and other esteemed guests.

Life Long Learner
Supreme Winner: Trish Miller

Exceptional Adult Educator
Supreme Winner: Jeannine Dunn
Highly Commended: Donna Huntingdon
Highly Commended: Trish Miller

Outstanding Adult Learner
Supreme Winner: Lyndon Sheehan
Highly Commended: Paul Harris
Highly Commended: Juanita-Louisa Karora

Innovative Provider
Highly Commended: ME/CFS BOP’s Wellness Programme
Highly Commended: Katikati Resource Centre

Sponsored cash prizes and $150 Professional Development Vouchers were won by the recipients and beautiful orchids were given to all nominees. .

Congratulations to all nominees and many thanks to their nominators.
Thanks also go to the Guest Speakers, the organisers of the ceremony and the event crew.

What is Adult Learners’ Week ?

Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) initiative supported by the Tertiary Education Commission, adult and community education providers at a local level and the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. The Week also incorporates International Literacy Day on September 8 each year.

It was established in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1998 with the goal of raising the profile of adult learning. It is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of everyone participating in Adult and Community Education (ACE). It has also become a vehicle for encouraging anyone in the wider community with needs or desires that can be met through learning to consider adult education, whether it be learning to adjust to life in a new country, re-training to find employment, adjusting to life after prison, acquiring parenting skills or just getting out and doing an activity to make life better and meet people.

The Aims of Adult Learners’ Week He Tangata Mātauranga are to:

  • Celebrate the efforts, achievements and contributions of adult learners, educators and providers at both regional and national events
  • Strengthen adult and community education and raise public awareness of the rich variety of learning opportunities for adults
  • Widen access to learning opportunities and encourage more people to seek advice and guidance about returning to learn
  • Foster collaborative and cooperative networks and pathways among those who share an interest in adult learning