Art Group [ART] RUNS ALL YEAR

Calling all people who are interested in art, please come to share your skills and interests with the art group. You will be very welcome as we are a very sociable group. We want to encourage everyone with or without an ability to sketch or paint to come along to give art a go. We have a wide range of equipment available. You may prefer to work on your own project which would be inspiring to the group.

Leader: Margaret Herbert, [email protected] (232 6828 / 027 232 6828)
Co-ordinator: Maggie Showell, [email protected] (04 210 1011)
Every Thursday 10.00am till noon, begins January 15th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Books1 [BK1] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members talk about the books they have been reading. No set book. Books are frequently shared. The discussion about a book often triggers wider discussion on topical issues.

Leader: Faith Delaney (232 6730)
2nd Monday of the month at 10am, begins February 9th
Venue: Member's home

Books2 [BK2] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members talk about the books they have been reading. No set book. Books are often shared. The discussion about a book often triggers wider discussion on topical issues.

Leader: Sally Horan, [email protected] (027 439 2731)
4th Monday of the month at 10am, begins January 26th
Venue: Member's homes

Botany [BOT] RUNS ALL YEAR

The aim is to enable group members to study and learn about the many types of New Zealand and exotic flora, especially trees. The Botany group encompasses people with a wide variety of botanical skills and a wish to identify new specimens while exploring rich native ecosystems including native bush, swamp areas and coastal zones like estuaries. The Wellington area provides excellent opportunities for botany study both in the field and in imaginative indoor study facilities such as Te Papa. Every effort is made to balance out the more demanding outdoor venues with easier to visit ones.

Leader: Richard Herbert [email protected] (027 445 5942)
Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (027 696 3150)
2nd Monday of the month at 9:30am, begins February 9th
Venue: Meet at Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park, Tawa

Choir [CHR] (U3A Singers) RUNS ALL YEAR

Over 25 voices sing a wide variety of music. Some popular songs arranged for mixed choir, some serious choral works like Opera Choruses or Oratorios. Some Folk Songs, songs from Musicals and Films and some popular songs. Some are challenging, others are really simple. There's always going to be a good selection that you will enjoy.

Leader: Kassandra Wang, [email protected] (021 087 23541)
Co-ordinator: Gail Milner, [email protected] (027 417 4422)
Every Monday at 1:30pm, begins February 2nd
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Computer Chatter [CMP] RUNS ALL YEAR

If you are interested in computer technology and related topics, you are welcome to join this discussion group. You don’t need to be a technology expert to join this group! It is an opportunity for you to learn from others in the group. There is a discussion subject for each meeting. At the start of the meeting a presentation takes place followed by a group discussion on the subject matter. There is usually time to discuss other matters and help each other with problems we may be having with our computing devices.

Leader: [email protected]. (027 622 8066)
4th Thursday of the month at 10am, begins February 26th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Cryptic Crossword Solving (CRS) RUNS ALL YEAR

Have more fun and exercise your brain with cryptic clues! Easy to learn how to work them out as they follow patterns. Bring a pen! Experienced puzzlers welcome!

Co-ordinator: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126 / 021 264 0941)
2nd Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm, begins February 11th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Current Affairs [CAF] RUNS ALL YEAR

This group examines and reflects on political events and social trends in NZ and around the world. Topics are chosen by the group and the leader then promotes discussion on each of those topics. Everyone who wishes to speak is always accorded the opportunity. Coffee and tea are served both before and after the session.

Leader: Various
Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (027 696 3150)
1st Wednesday of the month at 10am, begins February 4th
Venue: Tawa Union Church hall

Discussion Group [DIS] RUNS ALL YEAR

A small group, meeting to have a discussion on proposed topics of community interest after enjoying a simple morning tea.

Leader: Digby Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
Co-ordinator: Lola Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
2nd Wednesday of the month at 10am, begins 11th February
Venue: Member's home

Environmental Discussion Group (EDG)

This group meets once per semester to discuss matters relating to the environment. The focus will be on the major environmental challenges that we face today and what we can do to mitigate them.

Leader: Ray Walker [email protected]. (027 622 8066)
Wednesday, April 15th and September 16th 2026 at 10am
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

FILMS ON DVD (FSD) RUNS ALL YEAR

Watch and discuss a wide range of films, old and new. Limit of 6 people plus coordinator.

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404 )
Tuesdays fortnightly @ 2pm, begins February 3th
Venue: Member's home

FLAX WEAVING (FLW)

A beginner and intermediate class teaching techniques of Raranga (flax weaving). For those who attended last year Clare will give you extension projects or you can practise the same projects with other beginners.

Leader: Clare Smith, [email protected]
Co-ordinator: Judith Havill, [email protected] (027 319 8235)
Tuesdays, time and start to be advised
Venue: Tawa Union Church hall

Health Issues [HLT] TWO SESSIONS

Topical health issues, followed by your questions. Two talks per semester

Co-ordinator: Gillian George 021 231 4240 and Sally Horan 232 6006 or 027 439 2731 ([email protected] or [email protected])
Date in March to be advised at 10.30 am
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

How the EU Works … and sometimes doesn’t (EUW)

After WW2 Europe was in ruins with the Cold War looming. Out of the ashes came, first, the EEC and latterly the EU. It is now a gargantuan structure (that some typecast as the United States of Europe), one that is now headed into the choppy waters of Brexit, stagflation and worrying threats from China and the Trump presidency.

We sometimes forget it is now well over 60 years old. It is showing signs of wear and wrong moves. It melds together the external economies of 27 countries, opening them up to frictionless trade along with encouraging a visionary human rights record. It promotes regional development and uses, largely, a single currency. It has a Commission and a Parliament. It has been wasteful, bureaucratic and monolithic. We will look at how it is meant to run and how it actually does run in increasingly demanding times.

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404 )
Thursday 10th, 17th, 24th September at 2 pm in September
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

It’s Election Year (IEY)

This would be a series of speakers held monthly from February to August. The speakers would be experts in their area, and definitely not politicians. The topics would be something like:

Energy: Wow do we get enough at a reasonable price??

Health: What are the priorities towards the goal of good healthcare for all?

Housing:

Jobs and Wages:

How do we adapt to climate change and limit its effects?

What are our responsibilities to our neighbours in the Pacific?

Education: What do we need to do to ensure all our students reach their goals?

There would be a 35 minute speech and then 25 minutes of questions / statements. I have some speakers in mind, but I would welcome any suggestions. At a preliminary meeting in early February, those who wanted could meet and suggest some topics to be changed. I just see that I have not got anything about Te Tiriti or taxation! And we could also have a panel rather than one speaker to ensure different perspectives.

Leader: Marian Hobbs, [email protected]
3rd Wednesday of the month at 1.30-2:30 pm, begins 18th February
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Knitting Together [KNT] RUNS ALL YEAR

A friendly group who get together each month to knit, share knitting skills and patterns, and have a good chat!

Co-ordinator: Gillian George, [email protected] (021 231 4240)
1st Tuesday of the month at 2.00-3:30 pm, begins February 3rd
Venue: Members' homes

Literature (LIT) SEMESTER TWO

New Zealand writers between the wars.

Leader: Mary-Lynn Boyes (232 2815 / 022 465 6433)
Co-ordinator: Valerie Saxton, [email protected] (232 7303 or 021 166 3373 )
One session Wednesday 14th October at 1.30 pm
Venue: Tawa Library

Movie Group [MOV] RUNS ALL YEAR

Come along and see some good films and enjoy a free cuppa courtesy of the cinema. Suggestions of upcoming films you would like to see are welcomed. We rideshare to the venue if you wish to do so.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am, begins February 18th
Venue: Lighthouse Cinema, Pauatahanui

Music Appreciation Group (MAG) RUNS ALL YEAR

Each meeting a member will present music on a topic chosen by them. Presentation is voluntary - and it is not necessary to know lots about music, but to enjoy it and present it. We’ll have a very brief history of music at the first session, then listen to one of Bruch’s pieces.

Leader: Barbara Woods, [email protected] (04 971 5464)
Third Wednesday of month at 11.30 am, begins 18th February

Music Performance Group [MPG] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members perform short items to each other. You don't have to be a virtuoso – just interested in giving yourself a reason to practice something ready to perform for others to enjoy. There is a wide range of abilities and everyone is very supportive of the other performers. Room for more if you'd like to join us.

Co-ordinator: Jay Smith, [email protected] (027 461 2866 (prefers texts))
1st Thursday of the month at 2.00pm, begins February 5th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

New Books in the Library [NBL] RUNS ALL YEAR

Group members choose books from the Wellington City Council library collection, with a focus on books published in the last two years. Members orally review books at the monthly meeting, passing on recommended books (provided they are not on reserve on the library system). Members find others’ recommendations often broaden their reading interests, genres and authors.

Co-ordinator: Rosemary Nourse, [email protected] (027 337 8922)
2nd Thursday of the month at 10am. Begins 12th February
Venue: Tawa Library

Outings with Porirua U3A (OWP) RUNS ALL YEAR

Porirua U3A often organise one-off day trips to events and various places of interest, and Tawa U3A members are always welcome to join them. If you would like to be added to Bill’s contact list please enrol in the usual way so that we can then pass on your contact details to Bill.

When & Where: As advised

Leader: Bill Gebbie, [email protected] (027 677 0180)

Petanque [PET] RUNS ALL YEAR

We play on the petanque court at Aotea Park next to Aotea Lagoon, which is a lovely location. There are weather related notifications each week from our coordinator. Tea, coffee, biscuits and playing equipment are provided.

Co-ordinator: Jane de Waal, [email protected] (027 364 1272)
Every Friday, 10am - 12pm, begins January 9th
Venue: Aotea Lagoon

Piano Recital [PNO]

Jancis and Chris will present another recital of piano music. Solos, duets and works for two pianos. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the recital.

Leader: Jancis Potter, [email protected]
Co-ordinator: Jancis Potter, [email protected] (232 3915 or 027 635 4733)
Tuesday March 17th @ 10am and Tuesday 15th September @ 10am
Venue: Member's home

Play-Reading [PLR] RUNS ALL YEAR

Come and read a part in a variety of plays – we share the roles throughout the plays, so we all have a turn reading! Maximum of eight people.

Co-ordinator: Susan Bultitude, [email protected]
4th Wednesday of the month at 11.00am begins 25th February
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Quiz [QUZ] TWO SESSIONS EACH SEMESTER

Come along and pit your wits against other quiz addicts. Teams of 4 to 6, but if you don’t have a team just come along and join in with an existing team.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
Dates to be advised
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Ramblers [RBS] RUNS ALL YEAR

If you wish to join a friendly walking group, this is it. We enjoy urban and bush walks all over Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti. We carpool (donation to the driver) or use our Gold Cards. Wear suitable clothing, shoes and a hat. Bring lunch and water.

Co-ordinator: Barbara Russell (04 232 5831)
Every Thursday at 10am, begins January 29th
Venue: Meet at Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park

READING SHAKESPEARE (SHA)

We read aloud, discuss and screen works of the Bard; with the accent on rediscovering lesser-known and performed dramatic pieces. "The Winter's Tale" and “Troilus and Cressida” will be read in 2026, with four sessions for each play. The first session will be at Dave’s home to watch the video of the play, and successive sessions will be at Tawa Union Church

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084/021 991 404 )
Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th March, and Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th November at 2pm
Venue: Member’s home and Tawa Union Church Lounge

Reduce Your Electricity Consumption and Pay Less for it (RYE)

This will be a one-off 2-hour class which is designed to help you use less electricity in your home and as a consequence pay less for energy. You will learn many tips and tricks for reducing your power consumption, including some that are not published on the Internet. The amount I pay for electricity has gone up very little in the last 10 years! Sign up for this seminar and find out why this is.

Leader: Ray Walker [email protected] (027 622 8066)
Wednesday 8th April at 1.30 pm
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Science, Technology & Us (SCI) RUNS ALL YEAR

This course will help you understand more about the science and technology affecting our lives. Each monthly session will address the science or technology behind a specific topic, through a presentation with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Co-ordinator: David Wratt, [email protected] & Peter Woods, [email protected] (David - 232 9950 & Peter - 029 462 2408)
4th Wednesday of the month at 10.00am, begins March 25th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Scrabble (jointly with Mana U3A) RUNS ALL YEAR

We have been invited to join Mana U3A members in their Scrabble games. It’s good for keeping the brain active! Contact John for more details and to enroll. Fridays, fortnightly at 10am

Co-ordinator: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126 / 021 264 0941)
Fortnightly on Friday mornings at 10.00am, begins January 16th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Scrap-Booking / Cards [SCB] RUNS ALL YEAR

Join our friendly group to learn techniques to display your photos in an interesting and lasting way.

Co-ordinator: Barbara Russell, [email protected] & Shirley Taylor (Barbara 232 5831 / 021 049 3599 & Shirley 027 611 9373)
Every Friday, 10.00am to noon, begins February 6th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

So you want to write the 2027 Budget (WTB)

In which we become Ministers and write a budget, ensuring that we get what we need! This is a role-playing exercise! In this we would bring in an economist or two who has been involved in this exercise.

Session One: The economist would explain and answer questions about how budgets have been built, like factoring in the money that has already been committed, as in big projects like the ferries!!!! 2025 Budget documents would be provided.

Session Two: Depending on our numbers we would divide into spending ministries like Health, Police, Education, Conservation, etc., and working from the 2025 budget, work out what we wanted to include for 2027, plus new projects. We would try to have small groups of two or three U3A-ers, using some of the retired public servants amongst us plus others, to help in each small group. We might not have enough participants to cover all ministries.

Session Three: We would meet in groups of like-minded departments, such as all those with natural resources: conservation, environment, biosecurity, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, and review each of our budgets, and which “new “ projects won support. And you might have police, courts, prisons ......

Session Four: Another exercise in supporting or cutting, although this time each small group presents their budget to the whole group. And we settle on what we can, or should, support.

Session Five: So how do we pay for this? Taxes? Dividends? Specialist charges? We would bring in a tax expert or two to explain the different ways of a government raising money and we would divide into groups, depending on size.

Either in Session Five or a final session we would review the pros and cons of our decisions and whether there was a better way of building a budget.

The sessions would last 75 minutes at most. We would have them once a fortnight, say in April/May.

This should be a fun exercise, as well as a sobering one. But the emphasis will be on fun and we will get some “experts” to help us. The shape of the different exercises will depend on the numbers who want to try this out: it is an experiment!!!!

Leader: Marian Hobbs, [email protected]
Five sessions fortnightly at 1.30-2:45 pm, begins on Tuesday 7th April.
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Spiritual Discussions (SPD) RUNS ALL YEAR

Open to discussions on Christian views on many issues and your questions. Variety of Biblical topics. Encouragement and exploration. The importance of a spiritual perspective.

Leader: Digby Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
Third Tuesday, starting 17th February
Venue: Member's home

Table Tennis [TTN] RUNS ALL YEAR

Friendly group running during school terms. No experience necessary - beginners are welcome: you will be given instruction to help you learn to play.

Leader: John Bolland, [email protected] or Tim Davin, [email protected] (JB 232 6126/021 264 0941; or TD 027 204 9536)
Every Thursday at 9:30am, began Jan 15th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre Hall

Tai Chi [TCM] Jointly with Mana U3A

Mercedes teaches contemporary forms using the Yang style. All exercise movements done in a session have health benefits. Repetitions are normal in Tai Chi to improve movement. These are relaxed, controlled movements which help improve fitness and flexibility and reduce the risk of joint injury.

The attendance fee is $2, and a weekly koha toward the teacher’s travel expenses is suggested

Leader: Mercedes Godinez
Co-ordinator: Jeanette Satterthwaite,[email protected] & Michael Lynch, [email protected] (Jeanette 027 348 7475 & Michael - 022 606 8066)
Every Friday, 10 - 11am, begins February 13th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Tawa Hikers (THS) RUNS ALL YEAR

This friendly group who enjoy bush walking is suitable for people whose fitness level is moderate to fit. We have weekly walks in the Wellington region ranging from 9-14kms. You will need to bring your lunch for all our walks. We carpool with a koha for the driver. Wear suitable clothes for hiking, hiking shoes or boots, walking poles if required and a jacket for all walks.

Co-ordinator: Allan Johnson, [email protected] (021 138 1233)
Every Thursday at 9.00am for a 9.15am departure, begins 8th January
Venue: Tawa Rugby Club, Lyndhurst Road

Tawa History [TWH] ONE SESSION

Topic TBA

Leader: David Parsons, Tawa Historical Society (TBA)
Co-ordinator: TBA
TBA
Venue: TBA

Tawa- Linden Walkers [TLW] RUNS ALL YEAR

We are a friendly walking group who enjoy urban and bush walking. You will receive our programme of weekly walks in the Wellington region when you join the group. We meet on a Tuesday at Tawa Junction, Wellington Beds end of the car park, 9.00am for a 9.15am departure. We carpool, and a koha to the driver is indicated in the programme. You need to bring a drink (preferably water) and something to eat for morning tea and lunch on the lunch days which are indicated in the programme. Wear suitable clothing e.g. walking shoes or hiking boots, walking poles if required and a jacket for all walks.

Co-ordinator: Allan Johnson, [email protected] (021 138 1233)
Every Tuesday at 9:00 am, begins January 6th
Venue: Meet at Tawa Junction, Wellington Beds end of car park

The French Revolution (TFR) FIRST SEMESTER

There have been many revolutions in history. The Glorious Revolution, the American revolution and the Russian insurrection of 1917 are especially memorable but the French Revolution has it all.

It was an unheralded "big bang" in history that was outrageously messy and violent, while encapsulating some solid philosophical concepts briefly summarised in the eternal promise of "liberty, equality and fraternity".

It is always talked of alongside human rights. Like the universal big bang in space, its effects continue to be felt. It did not preclude further royal houses in France nor the imperial dictatorship of Napoleon Bonaparte. However, it is endlessly fascinating, relevant and a joy to study.

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404 )
Thursday 14th, 21st, 28th May at 2 pm
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Theatre Visits [THV] RUNS ALL YEAR

Our local theatres offer a brilliant range of productions. Most months I’ll email you with suggestions and ask for expressions of interest. After I've made a provisional booking I will ask you to pay into the U3A theatre account, which is then transferred to the appropriate theatre: Circa, Mana Little Theatre, Gryphon, Khandallah Arts Theatre, Kapiti Playhouse or Hutt Repertory.

Co-ordinator: TBA
Monthly, to be advised
Venue: Various

Travel Adventures [TRA] RUNS ALL YEAR

Each month a member shares a ’slide show’ of their holiday.

Co-ordinator: Carole Naylor, [email protected] & Geoff Marshall [email protected] (Carole 021 0861 6626 )
2nd Friday of the month at 10am, begins February 13th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Ukulele Strum [UKU] RUNS ALL YEAR

More songs with another chord to add to your repertoire. This is an immensely popular group who find it a most enjoyable way to make music together without needing a great deal of study.

Co-ordinator: Malcolm Haddon, [email protected] (021 114 8852 )
Every Friday, 1.00 to 2.30pm, begins February 13th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Write It! (WIT) RUNS ALL YEAR

A meeting to share your writing with others. Be inspired to continue your Family History, Memoir, Short Story, Novel or Poem. Usually one of the members suggests a theme for the following meeting for those willing to accept the challenge. Writing is limited to 500 words to allow reading time to be shared.

Co-ordinator: Lola Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110 / 021 147 0133)
Tuesdays fortnightly @ 1.00pm, continues from 3rd February
Venue: Tawa Community Centre, Boardroom entrance