Welcome to Kapiti Coast WEA
Exciting learning opportunities, open to everyone
The WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) setup in 1915, is the longest established provider of adult education in New Zealand. This Kapiti Coast branch of the WEA was started in 1978, and is a non-profit making incorporated society registered with the Charities Commission (CC28153), and a member of the Federation of WEAs in Aotearoa New Zealand. We promote ideals of a just, equitable and sustainable society through the medium of education.
We run courses, seminars and bus trips throughout the year. Details are on this site under ‘Seminars’.
Our activities cover a wide variety of relevant and stimulating subjects, led by experts in their field.
We welcome suggestions for new courses. Please contact us with your ideas.
Become A Member
We have 3 options to join us for seminars, bus trips, courses and workshops.
Season Member - $125 per calendar year
Free Saturday seminars
Additional cost for bus trips, courses and workshopsMember - $25 per calendar year
$20 for Saturday seminars
Additional cost for bus trips, courses and workshopsCasual - Free
$30 for Saturday seminars
Additional cost for bus trips, courses and workshops
Next Event
#2606 Kapiti Island: a human history focus
Speaker John Barrett
Date Saturday 18th April 2026 10am-1pm
Venue Waikanae Presbyterian Church Hall, 43 Ngaio Road, Waikanae
John Barrett is the Chairman and founder of Kāpiti Island Nature Tours and Nature Lodge; a Māori family-operated, multi-award-winning tourism business, located on one of New Zealand’s premier nature reserves. The business is strongly focused on developing whanau, hapu and Iwi members into tourism and conservation work that is meaningful financially, culturally, environmentally and socially. In recent years more focus has been on regional and national historical narrative associated with Kāpiti Island. John is active within his tribes; Ngati Raukawa, Te Ati Awa and Ngati Toarangatira. He has 40+ years of management and governance experience in a range of private and public organisations and enterprises. John is a foundation member of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance Leadership Council.
In this seminar, John will give a version of events that have shaped the historical importance of Kāpiti Island; from the time of the New Zealand Company settlements and interaction with Ngatitoa chief Te Rauparaha. He will discuss settlement patterns around the Wellington region and “top o the south”, the impact of whaling, trading, farming and eventually conservation activity leading to the development of one of our finest nature reserves.
Click below to view all upcoming Saturday Seminars.
Seminars are free for season members, $20 for members and $30 for non-members or casuals
View all upcoming seminars
How to pay
You can pay by bank transfer or cash on the day
Kapiti Coast Workers Educational Association Incorporated
12-3157-0138300-00
© 2024 Kapiti WEA