University-based adult and continuing education in New Zealand – trends and issues

The purpose of this paper is to present a snapshot of the current problematic character of adult/continuing education in a university setting, with particular reference to the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato. In particular, I will paint a larger picture of changes in New Zealand society and its universities before focussing on issues and trends exemplified in the centres at the two universities. Most of the discussion will be related to changes in the past decade, though some earlier historical analysis is necessary to more fully understand the trends and issues.