ABOUT US
History
Our history
Our Journey
A small but mighty pillar of Tāmaki Makaurau’s adult learning sector, Literacy Waitākere has been serving the community for 40 years. A great feat for any organisation, let alone a not-for-profit one. So, what’s our story?
1977
Humble beginnings
Established in 1977 as part of the Workers Educational Association, Literacy Waitākere got its start in the middle of someone’s home! Operations remained this way for a decade before moving into a house at 9 Henderson Valley Road in 1987. It was here that the organisation was nurtured and grown for some twenty more years. In 1995, we received honourable mention of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) International Reading Association Award – the hard work was paying off.
2000s
Becoming independent
In 2000, we became an incorporated society of our own right: Waitākere Adult Literacy Inc, fondly known by many as WALI, and continued to flourish. Early 2007 saw the organisation move out of the house and into the John Henry Centre in Henderson (known now as Whānau House) and for the first time there was enough room for learning to take place under one roof.
2010s
Our current space
Finally, in 2010 Literacy Waitakere shifted to our current space on Great North Road in New Lynn, where we continue to operate as a learning hub and safe space. We've since been able to develop our location and grow our services too, publishing student writing books in addition to small group and 1:1 tuition, and professional development workshops we've become known for.
2025
Going forward
Literacy Waitākere has worked with some 22,000 people since our doors first opened 40 years ago: that’s 22,000 lives changed, 22,000 paths forged through a student-centered kaupapa of “sometimes teacher, sometimes learner” that sees results and lasting connections. We look forward to what is in store of us here at Literacy Waitakere, as we continue to create accessible pathways toward literacy and numeracy in our community and beyond. Recently we introduced A.I literacy classes, ensuring our learners and teachers are equipped to navigate the fast-growing tech of the future.
