Home / WEA Groups
As well as courses the WEA also hosts a number of regular groups. See individual listings below for details and fill out the form at the bottom of the page to get involved.
Craft for a Cause
Let’s Sing Italian!
Painters Space
Knitting: Pod-Cast-On
Mah Mahjong
Armchair Gardening Club
Thursday Conversations: Thriving Together In A Changing World
Northwest Branch
Submission Writing
Edible Garden
Field Club
Outdoor Painting Club
Registration Form
This group meets to put their crafting skills to good use by supporting local causes. We make a variety of items for charities, as well as for sale at the WEA. We work with and are inspired by materials generously donated by WEA members. Donations of fabric, wool, yarn, crafting materials, as well as completed items, can be dropped into the WEA and are most appreciated.
To be contacted by the group organiser with further information, or to register your interest, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Jump to form.
Return to group list at the top.
Does the sound of Volare make you swoon? Does the “Jamme, Jamme” refrain from “Funiculi, Funicula” lift your spirits? Can Bocelli’s version of Con Te Partiro bring you to tears? Then, join our friendly acapella singing group co-ordinated by Sandy and Wendy with administrative support from Margaret. Italian language is unnecessary as members assist with pronunciation and diction. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can pick up basic words. The group is switching to an acapella format though video links will be emailed to all signed up participants for practice or review in your own time. Photocopies of the songs sung and some music [for those who read it] will be issued each term. A folder to keep these in is handy to have and not supplied. Our approach is relaxed and to have fun, none of us have operatic backgrounds, so all you need is a willingness to “have-a-go” and let your heart be transported to Italy for an hour.
Maximum: 16 people Join the painters space group whichever medium you use and whatever stage you are at in your artistic journey. This un-tutored group of friendly, creative people enjoy making art and meet at WEA mostly to paint or draw. Bring your own art supplies with you each week and a project to work on. The group draws its inspiration from each other as well as their favourite artists and exhibitions they view. Group members may share a skill with others from time to time, or a topic like “how to simplify detail in your composition” may be examined. Please note that this group is not a class so, if you require more formal instruction then select a course from those on offer. Note: water, water jars, newspaper and some pencils onsite for your use. Many of us attend the “Art Bite” talk at 12 noon in Christchurch Art Gallery. Where spaces permit casual attendance for $5 is available. Please pay this fee before 10am on the day.
Not just your average knitting circle! Join us as we listen and discuss fascinating podcasts on a range of current issues AND knit woolen items for the Christchurch Neo-natal Unit. Led by experienced and passionate knitter Kazuko, we will provide patterns, wool and teaching for those who need it. Experienced and novice knitters equally welcome. The Neo-natal Unit needs pure wool knitted babywear year-round and we are on a mission to provide it! The donation goes towards the costs including purchasing merino baby wool.
This challenging game runs every Tuesday morning year-round. Beginners are very welcome. Bring a set if you have one, although we have a few sets here. Join a bunch of friendly people having fun learning while you play. Fee $4/week covers the room hire. (pay with eftpos or cash).
A welcoming space for anyone, with or without a green thumb, who loves plants, gardens, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore new ideas, share knowledge, and celebrate our love of nature—without getting our hands dirty!
We meet once a month in a relaxed, friendly setting where everyone is gently encouraged to share their skills, experiences, and inspiration. This is not a course but instead a space for us to learn from and inspire each other. Come grow with us!
Join us for relaxed, meaningful kōrero about what’s on top for you as a WEA participant and/or member. These weekly sessions are about listening, reflecting, and learning together. Sessions will be guided by the “Natter, Notice, Nurture” framework that we developed last term. We natter about ideas that have emerged from within CWEA, or elsewhere, and notice which ideas we want to work on and nurture. We are all aware of how dramatically our world is changing. The “thriving together” theme is about actively supporting each other as we influence the future through our conversations and actions. This is a “pop-in” rōpū which means there is no need to attend all sessions, but some people like to become permanent members of the group.
The NW Branch meets at St Margaret’s Church, 94 Farrington Ave, Bishopdale on Fridays, 10 – 11.30 am. A variety of interesting speakers present on a wide range of topics each term. $5 per session. Plenty of parking available on site.
The format to date has been a short presentation about the issue followed by a discussion about how to submit and key points to include. If you would like to be notified of future events like this please let us know by emailing info@cwea.org.nz . Similarly, if you are passionate about an issue currently being debated either locally or nationally and would like to host a workshop and encourage people to submit, please let us know.
We are a group of WEA members who have developed and now maintain the Edible Gardens at the back of the property. We welcome anyone who enjoys gardening to join us for regular working bees from Spring onwards. For more details contact margaret@cwea.org.nz or call 366-0285.
A group to encourage outdoor activity and the enjoyment of natural history and the beauty of the countryside. Monthly trips on 3rd Saturday.
Meets Saturday mornings from 10am at previously arranged painting places. Programme displayed at WEA. Join our private Facebook page for details of planned trips. We each bring our own supplies.
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