About Us
The WEA (Workers' Educational Association), set up in 1915, is the
longest established provider of adult education in New Zealand.
Southland Education is a non-profit incorporated society, which is a
member of the Federation of WEAs in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The principal objective of the society is the advancement, encouragement and
provision of continuing and community education that promotes a just and
equitable society, in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
On 6 March 1969 the current building at 100 Esk Street, Invercargill, was
officially opened as the home of the organization. Formerly Strangs’ Coffee
House the building was a structure of character and tradition and is now
classified as an Historic building. In 2007 a total interior re-furbishment
was completed, to include a lift for access by elderly and disabled persons.
We cordially invite you to attend our courses, to enjoy our facilities and
the opportunities we offer.
We are dependent for funds on the
goodwill of our benefactors:
The NZ Lottery Grants Board
The Community Trust of Southland
The Invercargill Licensing Trust
The NZFWEA
COGS
The restoration of the historic WEA building
was funded by:
NZ Lottery Grants Board—Heritage
The Community Trust of Southland
The Invercargill Licensing Trust
PH Vickery Trust
SBS
Southland Heritage Building Preservation Trust
Southland Regional Heritage Development Fund
Our thanks to all of these organisations for their support.