Whanganui Learning Centre manager Gail Harrison has received a national Tertiary Teaching Excellence award for her contribution to adult education.
Ms Harrison received her sustained excellence award last week at a dinner at Parliament.
She has been an inspirational educator for the past three decades, and an advocate of participatory learning and strength-based approaches to learning and teaching.
As lead educator and manager at the Whanganui Learning Centre, Ms Harrison has had responsibility for up to 500 learners a year, of whom approximately 80 per cent are Maori. Her primary focus has been addressing inequality of education provision for indigenous and low-income groups, helping people transition towards a life of positive and transformational change.
Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa director Colin McGregor said Ms Harrison has made a huge contribution to community education in New Zealand.