Changes in the Administration of Adult Education in New Zealand, 1946–62

Abstract

Since 1915 adult education in New Zealand has been chiefly the responsibility of the Workers' Educational Association. The Workers' Educational Association enjoyed a virtual monopoly in the area until 1946 when National and Regional Councils of Adult Education were established in association with the University of New Zealand. Although the National Council held the purse‐strings, control of adult education rested chiefly with the University—related Regional Councils. Problems arising from the finance, control and stalling of adult education culminated in the passing of the 19G3 Act which eliminated the Regional Councils and established a reformed National Council. The implications of the Act are university acceptance of responsibility for adult education, financial support from the University Grants Committee and a decline of local influence on programmes. A crucial issue with the growth of university interest is whether there is likely to be a disproportionate growth of professional courses at the expense of liberal studies.

Citation

POWER, H.M. (1968), "Changes in the Administration of Adult Education in New Zealand, 1946–62", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 52-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb009620