This community centre is near my house so we have frequented it a lot. It is a wonderful resource…read morefor our community! They offer a huge range of adult education classes, such as ante natal classes, first aid courses, language and music tuition, and a variety of hobby activities. Well worth checking out - it's important to support our local community. The rooms are also available to hire for your own events, and the price is really inexpensive. There is also a childcare service, which even picks up kids from kindy and school. Great service!

I went to the first We Can Create as part of work training. I literally had my mind blown. It was…read morefilled with the most amazing speakers who are so creative, talented and literally kicking ass at life. There was a great range of speakers from traditional arts like illustration to the more technological side of things like moving images and flash websites. It was great having speakers from around the world and also New Zealand because it was good to see what the rest of our country is up to in the world of creativity. They gave out awesome gift bags too that were packed with information about the speakers and also other creative services around the country.

Spurned on by the delights of collecting some mid-70s NZ pottery, I though I might turn my hand to…read morelearning it. Well, turns out Demi Moore must have been a pretty hot potter to keep things going whilst making out with Patrick Swayze, because getting stuff looking good on the wheel is hard work. Mostly I just made some lovely misshapen lumps of clay that were slightly related to bowls. My tutor was endlessly patient and tried to teach me, so I can't blame him for my uselessness, and there were some people in my class who were pretty good so I have to conclude it was just me. Anyway, this place is a good place to study pottery (potting?), and also has a wee gallery and shop if you're like me and should just stick to using other people's work. Obviously they are a real hub for potters and have a variety of kilns and equipment for use. If you're a member you can come and use the facilities any time classes aren't on.

This organization has a presence on Hobsonville Road, very modern offices and friendly welcoming…read morestaff. They are doing great work for a lot of New Zealanders who for whatever reason haven't been able to get the qualifications they would have wanted. They fall under Te Wananga o Aotearoa. Open Wananga offer courses men and women of all ages who want to study from their home, and there is also a support person if needed. You enroll in a course and receive the course material, DVDs and the support and mentoring to help you succeed. Now I don't speak Maori myself, but when I quizzed the office staff they said this was for all New Zealanders not just Maori but yes, there was a strong Maori focus. Courses meet certificate level qualifications so it would have to be worth checking out if you fall into this category. Did I mention this programme is fee free.