U3A Manawatū Incorporated

Established in the Manawatū in 2000. While U3A stands for "University of the Third Age", we are not a university in the modern sense: no qualifications, no exams. We are a community of older people who seek a greater understanding of life. Taps the reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience of older people through self-help learning. Provides opportunities for reading, research, discussions and field trips. The atmosphere for learning is informal and friendly. There are no compulsory activities or examinations. Costs are minimal.

We meet in small learning groups (usually less than 15 people). We currently have over 40 interest groups. Each group has a coordinator who organises and oversees the group. Groups meet in members’ homes, in libraries, art galleries, other spaces. Several groups have also been meeting online (eg Zoom, email). You may join as many groups as you like (there are waiting lists for some groups). Sometimes we go on visits, for example to art galleries, museums.

In addition to the groups we usually run two seminar series each year with themes of general interest.