About U3A

The concept of U3A, continuing education into the “Third Age” beyond regular employment, originated in France in the early 1970s as The University of the Third Age. It has since spread worldwide, being established in England by 1981 and in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1989/90. Originally designed to offer the intellectual challenge and stimulation of a university course without the rigour of deadlines or exams, it has since expanded into a range of social, cultural and physical activities. In New Zealand, it is no longer allowed to be described as a university. The many groups now existing around the world all operate independently, interpreting their aims and activities according to the situation and facilities available.

The ”Third Age” reflects the key notion that our lives are ordinarily lived in three stages:

1. 1. Childhood and years of study
  2. Working and family years
  3. Post-working years (not age-specific, and including those still working part time).

The aims of U3A are:

to share knowledge and continue the education of people of the Third Age
to provide activities and interests for people of the Third Age to enhance their wellbeing
to encourage members to form interactive groups, both to share knowledge and to pursue active involvement in new fields.

To find out more about the U3A movement worldwide, go to https://www.u3a.nz/.