Journeying theme for adult learning week in Whanganui

Waka made by St John's Hill School pupils will be part of the Ngā Hekenga/Journeying exhibition at Whanganui Regional Museum. Photo / Bevan Conley

The theme of identity in this year's Adult Learning Festival will glide into place with an exhibition of hundreds of waka.

Waka is the Māori word for a boat or vehicle. The Ngā Hekenga/Journeying exhibition that's part of Whanganui's festival opens at Whanganui Regional Museum on September 3.

It will consist of hundreds of waka, the vehicles that have brought families/whānau to Whanganui or to Aotearoa/New Zealand. They could be canoes, sailing ships, cars, boats or planes.

Some people have chosen to be here in their lifetime, for others the journey was by their ancestors.

"Everybody has a story to tell. We are looking for creative ways to get people talking in the community," Whanganui Learning Centre community educator Jen McDonald said.

Photographer Gail Imhoff and museum educator Margie Beautrais were pulled in to help with the show.

It's already got people talking and there could be 1000 waka ready by August 29.

The adult learners festival is an annual event. The Whanganui Learning Centre is organising a bigger one than usual this year.

Its Changemakers group has organised a programme of talks, workshops and events. As well as identity they focus on eco-living and spreading education wide.

They run from September 3-7 and include hearing from permaculture teacher Nelson Lebo and self-sufficient Lydia Harris, making your own cosmetics, cooking healthy food, parenting and finding out about your legal entitlements. One event asks for a koha, the rest are free.

They take place at the learning centre, 232 Wicksteed St, and other venues. The list of events will be on the Whanganui Learning Centre Trust's Facebook page.

People can register by texting 021 292 6879, ringing 348 4950 or calling in at the centre.

The Whanganui Learning Centre aims to make education available to all, McDonald said, including people who were unsuccessful at school and people who just want to fill in some gaps.