English Language Partners Auckland South

09/10/2026

On Wednesday 16 September, learners from the Hawke's Bay centre went on a trip to visit Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre 💧

The trip was part of an additional two-week spring intensive programme for learners in the Hawke's Bay General English class.

The class had a tour of the facility followed by a scavenger hunt in the discovery centre.

Overall, the visit to Waiaroha was both educational and enjoyable, as well as providing an excellent opportunity for learners to build their vocabulary in a real-life context.

Learning a blend of te reo Māori and English is extremely valuable for understanding New Zealand culture and participating in community life.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/waiaroha-litres-of-learning-in-hastings

A special thank you to Janka for organising and documenting this excursion, and to the Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga for hosting the group.

07/10/2026

From a church venue in Queenstown, teacher Kelsey is helping workers from migrant backgrounds build their English skills, confidence and connections.

Rusna, a housekeeping supervisor originally from Indonesia, says her English has improved a lot since joining a class three years ago.

"The first time I started English Language Partners class, it was very fun and I learned a lot of new words that I never knew before. I am getting better with my English. Also, at work I felt more comfortable to talk with my general manager. I wish to improve more in the future so I can get a good position at work."

For Miriam, a holiday park assistant from Argentina, the benefits extend beyond the workplace.

"Personally, attending classes helps me feel more confident in social settings, which motivates me to continue improving my language skills so I can become more involved in the community."

Visit our website to read the full story on how our free English for Employees classes are helping NZ resident workers in Queenstown. ⛰️

🔗 https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/learning-english-helps-workers-connect-in-queenstown

05/10/2026

New Zealand's General Election is coming up on 7 November 2026. The last day to enrol is 25 October. 📋

We've developed teaching resources for teachers and volunteers to help learners understand the language and process of voting.

You can find these on our website:
https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/teaching-resources-worksheets

Learning English to understand voting and democratic processes in Aotearoa is an important part of settling here. 🗳

Below are some useful links from the Electoral Commission NZ:

Educating adults and communities: https://elections.nz/getting-involved/educating-adults-and-communities

Enrolment info in multiple languages: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/resources/information-in-multiple-languages

Enrolment info in accessible formats: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/resources/information-in-accessible-formats

Info about the unpublished roll: https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/can-you-go-on-the-unpublished-roll

01/10/2026

Learners in the Hobsonville ESOL programme received a very special surprise this spring! 🐑💐

Three fluffy lambs came to visit, each with their own unique name and backstory.

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for learners to expand their vocabulary and practise their English conversation skills in a real-life context. They also strengthened their listening skills and their ability to follow instructions in a fun and engaging environment.

Learners even had the special opportunity to bottle-feed the lambs! It was a memorable and unique experience, offering a glimpse into Kiwi farm life while creating lasting memories.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/a-fluffy-spring-surprise-for-hobsonville-learners

A special thank you to Renata (Bee) Kang and the Hobsonville Connected Network for making this wonderful experience possible for Hobsonville learners.

01/10/2026

Morning tea today at ELPAS featured mooncakes, in celebration of the lunar new year.

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries with a history of more than 1,000 years. They are closely associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest celebration that takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest.

Mooncakes are traditionally shared with family and friends as a symbol of unity, togetherness, and good fortune. They are often enjoyed while admiring the full moon, drinking tea, and celebrating family reunions. Common fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, and salted egg yolk.

Our term 4 English classes are starting very soon. Come see us to talk about your learning needs:

Call: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Level 2, Westfield Manukau Mall
Website: https://englishlanguage.org.nz/

Have a great weekend.

30/09/2026

Meet Dana, one of our fantastic English teachers based at English Language Partners Horowhenua-Kāpiti in Levin. Dana is also one of our online English for Employees teachers.

These classes give workers the opportunity to learn practical English, connect with others and feel more confident communicating at work. 💼

“As an ESOL teacher, I see how quickly learners grow in confidence when they can communicate clearly at work and in their communities", says Dana.

"English for Employees gives migrants the practical English, cultural understanding, and real-world skills they need to succeed in New Zealand workplaces and feel like they are truly making Aotearoa their home.”

The final English for Employees classes for 2026 are now getting underway. We have evening and weekend options available online, so it's not too late to join from anywhere in New Zealand at a time that fits around your work schedule.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/landing-pages/english-for-employees

24/09/2026

Last week was Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, or Maori Language Week. Accordingly, our resource library had some new goodies added to it. See the pictures for more details.

At ELP, we teach English language, but Te Reo Maori, as one of the 3 official languages of New Zealand sits alongside it.

We added some fridge magnets, a dice, and trilingual flashcards. Can you see any words you recognise and/or know?

Talk to us for more information about learning English:

Call: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Level 2, Westfield Manukau Mall

21/09/2026

We love celebrating learner success and recently we had the opportunity to shine a light on some impressive learning journeys.

Inspired by Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga, English Language Partners Dunedin organised a competition for Dunedin learners to recognise and celebrate excellence in adult learning.

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker joined the ceremony to present the awards.

Hamida, a mother of five who has shown remarkable progress in English language learning, and who is giving back to her community, won our 2026 Dunedin Outstanding Adult Learner Award.

Hamida says she is trying to open the way for other Afghan women, to inspire and encourage them. Her goal is to be a translator using English, Farsi and Dari.

“It's my dream, so I'm trying to improve my English.”

Congratulations to Hamida and all the finalists 👏

The awards ceremony was made possible with a grant from ACE Aotearoa, and we are grateful for their support.

Read the full story: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/inspiring-adults-to-learn-languages

Dunedin City Council

17/09/2026

Earlier this month as part of their English classes, our learners paid a visit to the Howick Historical Village where they enjoyed candle making, learning about the local history, and a picnic! Additionally and as part of our commitments to Zero Waste, our learners helped to collect rubbish in the vicinity.

This weekend's weather forecast for the Auckland area appears to be clearing so If you're in the area, why not check out Howick Historical Village?

And if you're thinking of studying English, come talk to us:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 09 278 9099
Visit: Manukau Westfield Manukau Mall (Level 2).

11/09/2026

As part of Welcoming Week 2026, English Language Partners New Zealand Centre Manager Clinton Ashill spoke to Whangarei District Council about the role English Language Partners plays in the community.

“We go beyond just teaching English language. We are a social space and a key navigator into community and life here in Whangārei and New Zealand.

One older learner once asked me if she was too old to join classes. I told her, ‘No, of course not.’ Her reply stayed with me: ‘Thank you, you are my social life and a lifeline.’

She had come to New Zealand to help care for her grandchildren while her daughter worked. As the children grew older, she wanted to connect with people and build a life of her own here."

Thank you, Whangarei District Council, for supporting our mahi and for sharing the stories of newcomers and welcoming organisations in the community.

Read the full story:

Centre Manager Clinton Ashill shares English Language Partners Northland's story with us as part of a series celebrating the contributions of newcomers and welcoming organisations in our community for Welcoming Week 2026.

11/09/2026

A message from our very own teacher, Indu, who has recently been commended on 20(!) years of service to St John Hato Hone. We also thank Indu for her many years of service and continued hard work in teaching English to our learners:

Being recognised for 20 years of service to St John is both humbling and deeply meaningful. What began as a simple desire to help others has become a journey of service, leadership, friendship, and community connection.

My journey began as a Caring Caller, where I learned the value of listening and being there for others. I later became a Team Leader and then District Manager, supporting volunteers and helping ensure their contributions were valued and recognised.

One achievement I am especially proud of was helping establish the Hindi Caring Caller programme. I believed members of our Hindi-speaking community would benefit from support in a familiar language. With the encouragement of John Petrich and Peter Hoskin, that idea grew into a programme that continues to support the community today.

My service also included involvement with the St John Area Committee, graveyard duties at Middlemore Hospital, and delivering Three Steps for Life education, helping people gain skills that could one day save a life.

In 2022, I was admitted as a member of St John, a milestone that strengthened my connection to an organisation whose values of service, compassion, and community I deeply admire.

Over the years I have learned that leadership is not about being in front; it is about supporting others and helping them succeed.

Today, I accept this recognition with gratitude. I thank St John, my fellow volunteers, and everyone I have had the privilege to serve. My greatest reward is knowing that, in some small way, I may have made a positive difference in someone's life.

Inderjeet (Indu) Bajwa

08/09/2026

Happy Adult Learners’ Week He Tangata Mātauranga 2026!
 
At our Wellington centre, we celebrated Adult Learners’ Week by asking learners a simple question: “How does English help you?”

Their answers are a powerful reminder that language learning is about so much more than words. It helps people build confidence, connect with their communities, support their families, find employment opportunities and achieve their goals.

We are proud of every learner’s journey and grateful that they chose to share their stories with us.

Watch the video to read their inspiring responses.

ACE Aotearoa  

05/09/2026

It's Welcoming Week! Communities across Aotearoa are celebrating the connections that bring people together. Hear what these ladies love about their Whanganui community 👇

03/09/2026

Attending Miharo Murihiku Polyfest 2026 was a fantastic experience for Southland learners 🌺🎶

After learning about haka, poi and waiata in class, learners had the chance to experience these cultural traditions firsthand at the festival. A highlight was recognising songs they had learnt in class and singing along with the performers.

The event gave learners the chance to experience Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich cultural diversity and connect their classroom learning with memorable real-life experiences within the community.

Read more: https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/articles/miharo-murihiku-polyfest-2026

Thank you to our local funders who help make free English classes possible in Southland: Community Trust South Invercargill City Council ILT Catalytic Foundation

03/09/2026

Spring has sprung and we are now into September. Our classes for term 3 are ongoing and will soon end. Term 4 classes are expected to start in about a month's time.

If you're thinking about studying English, come and see us! There's still time this year to learn.

> Level 2, Westfield Manukau Mall
> 09 278 9099
> [email protected]

Have a great weekend everyone.

11/08/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Us!

Recently, at the Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste awards for 2026, we received recognition for our work in 'keeping it local' using culturally specific approaches to educate, inspire, and manaaki (care for) our communities and to reduce waste. Here's a few photos from the event.

We primarily focus on English education, but caring for our environment and community is also an important part of that. Get in touch today:

Call: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Level 2 - Westfield Manukau Mall

05/08/2026

Every day at English Language Partners we're teaching thousands of students across New Zealand. Teaching often requires various resources including those which are paper-based.

As part of our efforts to reduce wastage, and our overall usage of paper, we've been upskilling, refocusing, and adapting in various aspects of our daily mahi. We've created awareness amongst teachers about paper wastage, used whiteboards (instead of paper) during class, and in some cases, replaced worksheets with digital equivalents. See the attached photos for further details.

To study English with us, get in touch today:

Phone: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Westfield Manukau Mall (Level 2)

30/07/2026

Did you know, in New Zealand, the furthest from the ocean you can be is Cromwell (approximately 120km), in the South Island?

As Kiwis, we're lucky to have so much access to the ocean but it's not without risks. Drownings and other such incidents are common, especially in the summer.

This week our learners had an informative session that helped to develop their English skills, as well as equip them with a better understanding about drowning prevention. World Drowning Prevention Day occurs annually on July 25.

To improve your English skills, get in touch with us:

Phone: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Level 2, Westfield Manukau Mall

Have a great weekend!

14/07/2026

A Forest Full of Food!

Here's a few quick snaps from the visit one of our classes took to the Food Forest, located on Boundary Road, near the Manukau Sports Bowl. Our students learned about urban gardening, strengthening local food resilience, and supporting the wider community to grow and share their own kai.

If you're interested, check for more information: https://aucklandclimateaction.nz/in-your-neighbourhood/community-gardens-resilient-kai/food-forest/

If you'd like to study English with us, contact us today:

Phone: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]

Or come and see us in the Manukau Mall on level 2.

Have a great day everyone!

02/07/2026

ALL ABOARD!

Recently one of our classes took a field trip to visit Re.Group in Onehunga for a guided tour. Our students learned about Auckland Council's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and other aspects of waste management. Students also had a chance to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Caring for our environment, and learning English are both ways to enhance your lifestyle, and improve social mobility. English Language Partners can help you on your journey learning English. Contact us today:

Phone: 09 278 9099
Email: [email protected]

Or come see is in the Westfield Manukau Mall on level 2.