English Language Partners Nelson

09/10/2026

On Wednesday 16 September, learners from the Hawke's Bay centre went on a trip to visit Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre 💧

The trip was part of an additional two-week spring intensive programme for learners in the Hawke's Bay General English class.

The class had a tour of the facility followed by a scavenger hunt in the discovery centre.

Overall, the visit to Waiaroha was both educational and enjoyable, as well as providing an excellent opportunity for learners to build their vocabulary in a real-life context.

Learning a blend of te reo Māori and English is extremely valuable for understanding New Zealand culture and participating in community life.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/waiaroha-litres-of-learning-in-hastings

A special thank you to Janka for organising and documenting this excursion, and to the Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga for hosting the group.

07/10/2026

From a church venue in Queenstown, teacher Kelsey is helping workers from migrant backgrounds build their English skills, confidence and connections.

Rusna, a housekeeping supervisor originally from Indonesia, says her English has improved a lot since joining a class three years ago.

"The first time I started English Language Partners class, it was very fun and I learned a lot of new words that I never knew before. I am getting better with my English. Also, at work I felt more comfortable to talk with my general manager. I wish to improve more in the future so I can get a good position at work."

For Miriam, a holiday park assistant from Argentina, the benefits extend beyond the workplace.

"Personally, attending classes helps me feel more confident in social settings, which motivates me to continue improving my language skills so I can become more involved in the community."

Visit our website to read the full story on how our free English for Employees classes are helping NZ resident workers in Queenstown. ⛰️

🔗 https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/learning-english-helps-workers-connect-in-queenstown

05/10/2026

New Zealand's General Election is coming up on 7 November 2026. The last day to enrol is 25 October. 📋

We've developed teaching resources for teachers and volunteers to help learners understand the language and process of voting.

You can find these on our website:
https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/teaching-resources-worksheets

Learning English to understand voting and democratic processes in Aotearoa is an important part of settling here. 🗳

Below are some useful links from the Electoral Commission NZ:

Educating adults and communities: https://elections.nz/getting-involved/educating-adults-and-communities

Enrolment info in multiple languages: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/resources/information-in-multiple-languages

Enrolment info in accessible formats: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/resources/information-in-accessible-formats

Info about the unpublished roll: https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/can-you-go-on-the-unpublished-roll

01/10/2026

Learners in the Hobsonville ESOL programme received a very special surprise this spring! 🐑💐

Three fluffy lambs came to visit, each with their own unique name and backstory.

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for learners to expand their vocabulary and practise their English conversation skills in a real-life context. They also strengthened their listening skills and their ability to follow instructions in a fun and engaging environment.

Learners even had the special opportunity to bottle-feed the lambs! It was a memorable and unique experience, offering a glimpse into Kiwi farm life while creating lasting memories.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/a-fluffy-spring-surprise-for-hobsonville-learners

A special thank you to Renata (Bee) Kang and the Hobsonville Connected Network for making this wonderful experience possible for Hobsonville learners.

30/09/2026

Meet Dana, one of our fantastic English teachers based at English Language Partners Horowhenua-Kāpiti in Levin. Dana is also one of our online English for Employees teachers.

These classes give workers the opportunity to learn practical English, connect with others and feel more confident communicating at work. 💼

“As an ESOL teacher, I see how quickly learners grow in confidence when they can communicate clearly at work and in their communities", says Dana.

"English for Employees gives migrants the practical English, cultural understanding, and real-world skills they need to succeed in New Zealand workplaces and feel like they are truly making Aotearoa their home.”

The final English for Employees classes for 2026 are now getting underway. We have evening and weekend options available online, so it's not too late to join from anywhere in New Zealand at a time that fits around your work schedule.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/landing-pages/english-for-employees

21/09/2026

We love celebrating learner success and recently we had the opportunity to shine a light on some impressive learning journeys.

Inspired by Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga, English Language Partners Dunedin organised a competition for Dunedin learners to recognise and celebrate excellence in adult learning.

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker joined the ceremony to present the awards.

Hamida, a mother of five who has shown remarkable progress in English language learning, and who is giving back to her community, won our 2026 Dunedin Outstanding Adult Learner Award.

Hamida says she is trying to open the way for other Afghan women, to inspire and encourage them. Her goal is to be a translator using English, Farsi and Dari.

“It's my dream, so I'm trying to improve my English.”

Congratulations to Hamida and all the finalists 👏

The awards ceremony was made possible with a grant from ACE Aotearoa, and we are grateful for their support.

Read the full story: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/inspiring-adults-to-learn-languages

Dunedin City Council

11/09/2026

As part of Welcoming Week 2026, English Language Partners New Zealand Centre Manager Clinton Ashill spoke to Whangarei District Council about the role English Language Partners plays in the community.

“We go beyond just teaching English language. We are a social space and a key navigator into community and life here in Whangārei and New Zealand.

One older learner once asked me if she was too old to join classes. I told her, ‘No, of course not.’ Her reply stayed with me: ‘Thank you, you are my social life and a lifeline.’

She had come to New Zealand to help care for her grandchildren while her daughter worked. As the children grew older, she wanted to connect with people and build a life of her own here."

Thank you, Whangarei District Council, for supporting our mahi and for sharing the stories of newcomers and welcoming organisations in the community.

Read the full story:

Centre Manager Clinton Ashill shares English Language Partners Northland's story with us as part of a series celebrating the contributions of newcomers and welcoming organisations in our community for Welcoming Week 2026.

08/09/2026

Happy Adult Learners’ Week He Tangata Mātauranga 2026!
 
At our Wellington centre, we celebrated Adult Learners’ Week by asking learners a simple question: “How does English help you?”

Their answers are a powerful reminder that language learning is about so much more than words. It helps people build confidence, connect with their communities, support their families, find employment opportunities and achieve their goals.

We are proud of every learner’s journey and grateful that they chose to share their stories with us.

Watch the video to read their inspiring responses.

ACE Aotearoa  

05/09/2026

It's Welcoming Week! Communities across Aotearoa are celebrating the connections that bring people together. Hear what these ladies love about their Whanganui community 👇

03/09/2026

Attending Miharo Murihiku Polyfest 2026 was a fantastic experience for Southland learners 🌺🎶

After learning about haka, poi and waiata in class, learners had the chance to experience these cultural traditions firsthand at the festival. A highlight was recognising songs they had learnt in class and singing along with the performers.

The event gave learners the chance to experience Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich cultural diversity and connect their classroom learning with memorable real-life experiences within the community.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/miharo-murihiku-polyfest-2026

Thank you to our local funders who help make free English classes possible in Southland: Community Trust South Invercargill City Council ILT Catalytic Foundation

09/06/2026

Come and work for us! (Marlborough based Coordinator position)

Love people? Use your superb organisational & administration skills in this fantastic education support role and make a difference!

07/05/2026

Women’s Multicultural Lunch will be back here at VCC next Wednesday. Looking forward to hosting fabulous wāhine eating delicious kai together. We partner with the Nelson Women's Centre on these meals now, alternating hosting each month. For details of the venue for each lunch through the year click on the image or fb event link… https://www.facebook.com/events/969024436037420/969024456037418

These meals are a shared group lunch for women to share kai (food) they enjoy and meet new people. Bring some food you love to share with the group but please don’t worry if you’re unable to take anything along, just join us! You are welcome!

Cultural Conversations Nelson Whakatū Nelson Chinese Culture & Arts Multicultural Nelson Tasman English Language Partners Nelson

07/05/2026

We love hosting our friends from Nelson Bays Primary Health and English Language Partners Nelson for their free Wellness @ VCC programme. Odette and the crew will be back in term two on Wednesdays. These sessions help improve health, to connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging in a supportive community. The programme will run from the 6th May to the 24th of June. Interpreters will be available. Phone 0800 731 317 for more info. Enrol here: [email protected] Everyone is welcome!