Learn a New Skill

This course is for Beginners and Intermediate Students. Learn basic drawing skills using pencils, charcoal and watercolour pencils. Create colourful graphic images with both oil pastels or soft pastel. Paint with Acrylics to portray images using a watercolour glaze technique or use thick Impasto Acrylic paint like oils.

Fees: NZ$110

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Been to Monique's beginner class or already know how to crochet then come along and extend your skills with new projects.

Fees: NZ$60

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Have you always wanted to try cross stitch but didn’t know where to start? Then this course is for you. You will learn the basic stitches and how to read a chart, while stitching a small design provided. You will also learn about suitable fabrics, threads and tools both essential and useful. Find out how to prepare your piece before you start, tips while you work, and how to prepare it to get the best result from the picture framer. The tutor will provide guidance in choosing your own project, that you will start in class.

Fees: NZ$45

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This class is now FULL. Learn how to get the best out of your camera by learning basic camera operating techniques, lenses, exposure, lighting, depth of field and how to make rather than take photographs. Also includes basic computer improvements to photos. The two hour fieldtrip during a weekend will be on the date which best suits most students.

Fees: NZ$100

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This course is now FULL. Can't find a tradesman? Lots of small jobs around the home you can learn to do yourself with some simple tools. Without prior experience, come and gain skills you need to renovate for a fraction of the cost. The course involves 'hands-on' practise, and mistakes are part of learning.

Fees: NZ$110 - includes consumables

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The outside of your place is the public face of it, and kerb appeal matters to anyone driving past or visiting. Is the entranceway obvious? Does the mailbox suit the style of your house? Do you use the outside area as fully as you might? How are the fences and paths? A lot of exterior work can be done without Council consent but a long-term plan is needed to work towards. This course involves some hands-on practise on a smaller scale to allow you to learn the methods.

Fees: NZ$110

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This course is CANCELLED. Do you like to think outside the square? This course is suitable for beginners or those with some experience keen to develop further skills. This 4 week course will allow you to express your imaginery ideas creating Fantasy Art and Cartoons. Using pen, coloured pencils, Acrylic paint & Gouche you will be able to illustrate your own colourful unique artworks.

Fees: NZ$60

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This course has now been CANCELLED. Arun has worked in many restaurants overseas and in New Zealand. He will teach you how to make that special dinner to present at home.

Fees: NZ$60

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This class has now been CANCELLED. Does your place reflect you? - your style, interests, personality? It doesn’t need to all be done in one go at great cost, but a long-term plan which shows an understanding of decor, the selective use of belongings, a touch of paint, and you can transform any room, and link all rooms. It will add visual space, and add appeal plus actual value to your property.

Fees: NZ$90

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For those who have some knowledge of Italian and want to continue their studies.

Fees: NZ$110

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You might be interested in Japanese culture, food, and manga or a short trip to Japan. If so, it is more fun to know Japanese language. Learn basic spoken Japanese, culture and customs and you can enjoy more of your interest. This course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Japanese. You do not need to know Japanese alphabets first, as this course uses Roomaji (Roman alphabet). Let’s get started!

Fees: NZ$110

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This course has been CANCELLED> For those who have already completed an 8 week course and want to continue learning Japanese.

Fees: NZ$110

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Love lace? Learn the centuries old craft of bobbin lacemaking to make your own lace edgings. The class is suitable for beginners and for those who have already made some lace.

Fees: NZ$115

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If you own a rental property, chances are you don’t like to ‘bother’ the tenants with inspections, rent increases, maintenance visits etc. Maybe you are not confident about what you can and can’t do. This course will show you how to develop a successful relationship with your tenants that keeps your investment in top shape – financially, physically and legally. We’ll cover all the things you probably didn’t know you need to be doing, and help you get from where you are now to where you want to be. Will include one fieldtrip to a Property Investors Association meeting.

Fees: NZ$70

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Would love to learn to sew but not sure where to start, and a whole term of courses is not for you? Then this one day course has been designed for you. Come and learn how to use a sewing machine (students may bring their own or use a college Bernina). Work on a selected sewing project and leave sewing confident all in one day.

Fees: NZ$85

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A course for those who have already completed level 1. ie 8 weeks

Fees: NZ$65

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Meditation, or'a period of stillness' is the key to reducing stress, optimal health, and enhancing personal growth. However most of us find it difficult to just 'switch off' and require a technique that will assist us in stilling the mind. This four week course is designed around a variety of westernised meditation techniques. These include muscle relaxations, guided visualisations etc to promote relaxation, harmony and health.

Fees: NZ$60

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For those who have completed the beginner Metal Jewellery course this is a chance to extend your creative skills and make your own design. Stones will be available for purchase to put in your jewellery. Some materials included in the course cost.

Fees: NZ$135 - Includes some materials

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This course has been CANCELLED. Learn how to prepare Palestinian Middle Eastern Cuisine such as kebabs, shawarma, falafel, kidra, kefta, couscous, basbousa, sfiha, humus and taboulah salad.

Fees: NZ$115 - Includes all ingredients

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Here, we are concerned not with the theory of colour, but rather its practice: that is, how to combine pigments to obtain the required hues, or tints, or shades of a hue. Even so, a knowledge of the colour wheel, along with an understanding of the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours will make your colour-mixing a lot easier, as will a grasp of complementary, warm and cool colours. Crafting that perfect shade of orange or pink can be a daunting roadblock for the beginner who doesn't know where to begin when putting their palette together. Thankfully, nearly all colours in the spectrum can be created from just a few basic colours. Learning the colour wheel will give you the foundation you need to produce any hue you desire.

Fees: NZ$40

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Everything you ever wanted to know about painting. Gerda Smit’s workshops are a testament to her approachable, giving nature, and hands-on teaching style of 23 years. Students will leave this workshop excited; ready to experiment more on their own and above all, pointed toward meaningful, personal, artistic growth. The workshop will include individual painting time, personalized instruction aimed to promote your progress. You will learn all you ever wanted to know about painting. We will explore painting techniques, learn what the best paint is to use, when to varnish, best brushes, pallet knives, easy quick cleaning of brushes, what to paint on and mediums lean or fat. Bring all your questions..

Fees: NZ$110

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This course is now FULL. Learn to use the musical keyboard. One hour individual and group tuition plus practice time using the schools' electronic keyboards. Usually split into 2 groups with start times of either 6.30 or 7.30pm. Please bring your own headphones.

Fees: NZ$110

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What do you want to achieve in 2019 and beyond? Do you have a workable plan, or do you let life happen? This practical course is for those who want to take charge of their lives and are willing to make the effort to make it happen. You will explore the possibilities, clarify what you want, set seriously fabulous goals, and develop an action plan to accomplish them.

Fees: NZ$85

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This course is for those who want a beginner course in NZ Sign Language.

Fees: NZ$65

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This course is for those who have already completed 1A ie 8 weeks of NZ Sign Language.

Fees: NZ$65

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An introduction to the overlocker, develop skills to use this equipment safely and efficiently. Learn how to use the overlocker for seaming knit garments. Prior Sewing experience essential. Some overlockers are available to use during the course or bring your own

Fees: NZ$85

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This quilt covers both machine and hand applique. The applique block is paired with a pieced block to create a very sweet quilt.

Fees: NZ$85

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This is a wall hanging in which you are making a trellis background and then making 3D butterflies that are attached to the trellis.

Fees: NZ$85

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Time to get those unfinished projects under control. Bring along those that you are stuck on, or bring them all and we will sort out their sticking point and move them in the right direction.

Fees: NZ$85

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This could possibly be the easiest quilt you will ever make.Take one jelly roll and a contrasting background and sew. No seams to match, not points to fret over, just good old plain sewing.

Fees: NZ$85

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This class is now FULL. Come and join a group of like minded quilters as we sew along weekly to create a quilt based on equilateral triangles. This quilt is 71” x 87” The quilt is made up of 2 block units, one which is pieced using 2" strips and the other uses a solid fabric. Both are equilateral triangles. It is a great quilt to use up some stash fabrics and can also look very effective using a jelly roll (cutting the strips down to 2"). No class Queen's Birthday weekend.

Fees: NZ$90

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This quilt uses a specific ruler for cutting wedge shapes, and if you have attended the Dizzy for Dresden class then you already have the ruler. The ruler needed is Darlene Zimmerman’s Dresden Ruler. Here is a link to the ruler and they are available locally or through https://www.grandmothersgarden.co.nz/ruldresden-easy-dresden-ruler-darlene-zimmerman?s=dresden%20ruler

Fees: NZ$85

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Bring along your favourite garments and make patterns from them or bring one garment and fabric and make a copy of it. Sew skills essential.

Fees: NZ$80

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Persian (Iranian) cuisine is unique in the world for its subtle blends of sweet, sour, savoury and salty. Yet it is not a cuisine that is well-known to Western palates. This course will unlock some of the mysteries of this ancient cuisine that has influenced food cultures across the Middle East and the Silk Road. This course will teach you how to cook a range of dishes and side dishes to create a multi-course Persian meal. Along the way you will learn about different aspects of Persian culture and hospitality. You will also get in-depth insights and anecdotes on Iranian history and culture from a leading New Zealand expert on Iranian history

Fees: NZ$75 - includes all ingredients which you will take home

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The Persian Sweets Workshop provides a unique and enjoyable baking experience which brings the sweets of the exotic East to New Zealand. We will teach you to bake two popular Persian sweets and you will get a chance to try eight more different sweets.

Fees: NZ$35 - Fee includes all ingredients

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How do you want to spend the exciting second half of your life? What's your plan for transitioning to something new and fascinating? This workshop provides an opportunity to challenge mind-sets on retirement, explore the possibilities, and create a plan to be the person you want to be, do the things you always wanted to do and live life like never before.

Fees: NZ$85

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Learn to centre clay on the wheel and the beginnings of throwing basic shapes such as cylinder, bowl and plate. This course is suitable for those who are beginners. Materials and all firing costs (approx. $30) are extra and are paid directly to the tutor. Please note this class is held at Gear Homestead Okowai Road, Porirua.

Fees: NZ$160

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Learn how to harvest and prepare Harakeke (flax), including kohua (boiling), weave putiputi a place mat and a wall hanging while using traditional techniques and methods, including karakia, tikanga and Te reo Maori. This class is great for those with no experience to minimum experience. I believe the most important part of weaving is the preparation and basics, I am privileged to be able to teach you and guide you through your first stages of Raranga.

Fees: NZ$65

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This class is FULL. This class is for those who are experienced at weaving with Harakeke and/or other materials. You must understand the tikanga, reo and how to prepare Harakeke for weaving. Minimum of experience – putiputi, kono and konae. This class is a pathway for those that wish to move on from the beginners class. You will learn how to weave whiri kete and are welcome to inquire about weaving other items. Come along and become one of our Tuakana weavers and 'get your weave on'.

Fees: NZ$65

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This class is now FULL. Crochet is a great activity that settles your mind and is relaxing too. Crochet and the repetitive movements help the brain make more serotonin, which helps to decrease feelings of depression. Learn to crochet by making little projects (a flower keychain, crochet hearts and granny squares). Learn about different stitches and notations and how to read patterns. Crochet is a great craft to learn, you can make awesome things for yourself or join a community craft group and crochet for a cause!

Fees: NZ$60

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Krav Maga (contact combat) is a self-defence system developed by the Israeli Defence Force. Its application and efficiency in the real world has been proven to be highly effective by law enforcement agencies, protection services, and the military. The 3 hour session will be at an introductory level and will focus on civilian self defence. Unlike the military or police, the main intent for civilian krav maga is to: Minimise harm to oneself, stop the escalation of conflict by defending in a decisive manner, and also by escaping quickly at the very first opportunity

Fees: NZ$45

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There is room in Wednesdays class. Want to learn about sewing but don’t know where to start. Learn how to understand a pattern, work out the material needed and what sewing words mean. Start by making a bag followed by a project approved of by the tutor. (If you wish to make your own project you need to go to Monday night sewing)

Fees: NZ$65

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This course has been CANCELLED> Learn how to understand a pattern, work out the material needed and what sewing words mean.

Fees: NZ$65

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The class will cater for intermediate sewers. All students will be helped, shown techniques and short cuts. Bring pattern, material & sewing kit, current sewing project, or idea to the first lesson.

Fees: NZ$110

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Taichi is an exciting, fun, exercise for your body and mind.This is the art and exercise that the Chinese have been practicing to keep healthy. flexible, balanced, active,sociable and youthful. For those who have attended Tai Chi before this is an opportunity to extend your skills and knowledge.

Fees: NZ$75
Fees: NZ$50 - same person taking second fitness class in the same term

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This course is now FULL. Taichi is an exciting, fun, exercise for your body and mind.This is the art and exercise that the Chinese have been practicing to keep healthy. flexible, balanced, active,sociable and youthful.

Fees: NZ$75
Fees: NZ$50 - same person taking second fitness class in same term

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This course has been CANCELLED. A six-week course that provides the opportunity to learn some history of Tawa and its reserves. Sources of names, identification of native tree species, surveys done on lizard and bird populations as well as pest control in the reserves will feature. The course will include three guided walks. The bush walks will be in the weekends at times suitable for the course members. It is designed for people with no previous knowledge and for those who wish to extend their existing knowledge.

Fees: NZ$70

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In today's world, more and more information is being shared through social media, on top of an already busy brain. This stretches the performance of the brain and effects overall mental performance. Surprisingly , one of the best ways to improve mental performance- is to understand the limitations of the brain and to put in place strategies to improve performance.

Fees: NZ$25

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Learn wood working and wood turning, sharpening, tuning, using hand tools and the type of power tools found in the home. Choose your own project at your level of ability and learn skills while completing the project. You provide your own materials. No recycled timber allowed.

Fees: NZ$115

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This course has been CANCELLED. In the best Xero course in Wellington learn about this new web-based accounting package which is growing rapidly in use in the small business sector. This is a beginner course in Xero but you are expected to have some accounting knowledge.

Fees: NZ$90

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In the best Xero course in Wellington learn about this new web-based accounting package which is growing rapidly in use in the small business sector. This is a beginner course in Xero but you are expected to have some accounting knowledge.

Fees: NZ$90

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