Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups
This list gives email contacts for the co-ordinators of the Special Interest Groups (SIGS) of U3A Wellington City as at April 2025.
Special Interest Groups are exclusively available to current financial members of U3A Wellington City, which funds equipment and venues.
All are welcome to make enquiries, even if there is a waiting list for some.
SIG Facilitator Demetra Kennedy (sigs@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz, 021 250 3660) invites suggestions to host new groups, can provide advice and support on establishing a group.
Click here to see the Special Interest Groups Timetable at a glance
Click here to find helpful suggestions and steps to set up a new Special Interest Group
Click here to see the Guidelines for Special Interest Group Coordinators
Current Groups:
Antiques Group
We share an interest in “Old Things”, often family heirlooms, and each of us does this on a semi rotational basis. We often visit places such as Te Papa’s back of house collections and other places of interest.
You are welcome to join our group even if you wish to come along on a “one off” basis to check us out. You would be made very welcome. We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 10.00 am mainly at Karori Arts and Crafts Centre at 7 Beauchamp Street behind the Karori Library on Main Road Karori.
Contact: Doug Helps, antiques@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Art History Group
The general theme for 2025 is “the shock of the new”, taken from the title of Robert Hughes’ book and BBC TV series of 1980. He used the term to cover the development of modern art through the 20th century. Let’s puzzle over “How did artists react to new environments? How did viewers react to ‘new’ art?
We will start with New Zealand topics and move to European and Australian artists.
We meet on alternate Thursdays from 10.00 am to 11.30 am at the Wellington Quaker Meeting House, 7 Moncrieff Street, Mount Victoria.
Tea/coffee/conversation available from 10.00 am prior to presentation which starts at 10.30 am. This group is currently full, but you are very welcome to contact Vivienne to make an enquiry or to go onto our waiting list.
Contact: Vivienne Morrell, arthistory@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Board Games Group
This group meets twice monthly, from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Wellington Quaker Meeting House (smaller room), at 7 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria.
Bring along the games you like to play and have a fun afternoon playing them with other enthusiasts or learning to play a new one. Bring some refreshment to share if you’d like to.
Contact: Margaret Morrell, boardgames@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 1
Meets on the first Wednesday of each month on The Terrace at 10.30 am. Membership of the group is limited to 10 and the group is currently full, however if you would like to go on a waiting list, please contact Jane.
Contact: Jane Ireland, book1@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 2 – Northern and Western Suburbs
We meet at 10.00 am on the first Thursday of the month (February to December) in one another’s homes. Each December we choose a theme and vote to select five fiction and five non-fiction books connected to the theme as our reading list for the following year. Then each month we discuss the book scheduled on our list, usually sourced through local libraries. Our group is limited to ten members and is currently full, but new members are always welcome on our waiting list. Please contact Judy if you would like to make an enquiry or go on our waiting list.
Contact: Judy Mallalieu, book2@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 3 – Eastern Suburbs
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2.00 pm in Oriental Bay. This group is currently full but please contact Diana Duff-Staniland if you wish to go on the waiting list or to start another group in the Eastern suburbs.
Contact: Diana Duff-Staniland, book3@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 4 – Northern Suburbs
Members are mainly from the Northern Suburbs. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.00 am – 12 noon at members’ homes. The host for the next meeting chooses a topic for that meeting. Each member reads any book they like on that topic and reviews their book at the meeting for the other members. The group is currently at a comfortable number but if you’re interested in joining, we can put you on a waiting list. Please get in touch with the coordinator, Sue Fish.
Contact: Sue Fish, book4@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 5 – Contemporary Mysteries
The Contemporary Mysteries book group meets monthly on the second Monday of each month from 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm at the Wellington Quaker Meeting House, 7 Moncrieff Street Mt Victoria.
New members are welcome to this group and U3A members interested in joining please contact Jan by email.
Contact: Jan Schmidt, book5@u3wellingtoncity.org.nz
Book Group 6
The new Book Group 6 has been set up with a full membership and has a short waiting list. The group meets at 2 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Wellington Quaker Meeting House.
The group will use the kete system run by the City Library, which provides multiple copies of the same book for group discussion. The group will be self-sustaining, with members taking turns to choose the kete, take responsibility for it, and lead the discussion.
Contact: Helen McNeil, book6@u3wellingtoncity.org.nz
Canasta, Samba and Bolivia Group
Canasta is an enjoyable game that many of us retirees played in our childhood or teenage. Samba and Bolivia are more advanced versions of Canasta, slightly more challenging and really great fun!
All 3 games are easy to learn, no prior experience needed, and tuition is provided. We are very welcoming of new members. You will start by learning Canasta and then move on to Samba and Bolivia.
We meet fortnightly on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm in the St Peter’s Church Garden Room.
Whether you would like to learn Canasta, or remind yourself of how to play, or you already play Canasta and would like to progress to Samba and Bolivia, or if you are already a Bolivia player, you will be very welcome.
For more information, or to express interest in joining the group, please contact Margaret Morrell
Contact: Margaret Morrell, canasta@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Or telephone: 027 381 3600
Cryptic Crosswords Group
Cryptic Crosswords Group
The group meets twice monthly, usually on the second and the last Friday of the month at 12 noon following the U3A lecture at Tākina, 50 Cable Street, Ground Floor Café, learning to unravel the various styles of cryptic crosswords by discussion. U3A members are very welcome to join in, from beginners to experienced cruciverbalists. Please be in touch to learn more about our group.
Contact: Lynda Young, crypticcrossword@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Current Issues Group
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, from 10.00 am to 12 noon in the Reflection Room at Malvina Major, 134 Burma Road. Tea, coffee and milk are available. The Current Issues Group is welcoming and enjoys discussing a wide range of current issues, both local and international.
Contact: Michael Hodgen, currentissues@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Film Group – Weekend
Meets on the second Saturday of the month (daytime) at the Penthouse Cinema with the film followed by a discussion at the café. New members welcome. If you wish to make enquiries or join this group, please contact Diane or Elaine.
Contacts: Diane Davie or Elaine Pearse filmweekend@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Film Group – Tuesday
This group catches a film on the first and third Tuesday of the month, usually at Lighthouse Cuba or the Penthouse, with occasional visits to other local cinemas, including Petone Lighthouse. Times vary but aim at early afternoon after the Tuesday lecture and with opportunity for discussion after each film. Members are notified before each film and are free to attend as many or few films as they wish.
To enquire about the group please email Suzanne Blumhardt and Keitha Booth.
Contacts: Suzanne Blumhardt or Keitha Booth, filmtuesday@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Film Group – Wednesday
A second midweek film group fills in the weeks of the month with a film on the second and fourth Wednesdays in either morning or early afternoon, mostly at Lighthouse Cuba, Penthouse or Lighthouse Petone. Penthouse offers a free coffee and cookie with their Senior Wednesday Film while Lighthouse offers a free coffee if a senior asks for it. Since we have only a week’s notice of programme changes, notification of time and place falls within that week. The chosen film is always followed by discussion in an available corner of the cinema. New members welcome.
Contacts: Aidan Kay or Sue Dale, filmwednesday@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
German Conversation Group
Members have varying backgrounds in German from people who have lived in Germany to people like me, who learnt German as a hobby (and am not fluent). Before each meeting the host emails members a short piece in German. We take turns in reading and translating this at the gathering, the idea being to help in extending vocabulary knowledge. The host will also suggest a topic of conversation, so that we can prepare what we want to say (in about five minutes). People are free to comment and ask questions. Everyone is very friendly. This group meets at 10.30 am on the second and fourth Mondays of the month in members’ homes. New members welcome.
Contact: Diana Barnes, german@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Handcrafts Group
This group is about enjoying the companionship, and sharing of the knowledge and inspiration of others, in accomplishing sewing or other handicraft projects. The group meets between 9.30 am and 1.00 pm on the third Monday of each month at the All Saints Church Hall, 90 Hamilton Road, Hataitai.
Equipment required: Just whatever you need for working on your current project. An iron is available on site.
All are welcome to join us, and for all or just some of the time, during the morning. If you are interested or would like to make further enquiries, please contact Diane.
Contact: Diane Morgan, handicrafts@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Health and Wellbeing Group
For those interested in all aspects of good health and wellbeing, including healthy recipes, health supplements and health ideas. A chance to share experiences navigating New Zealand’s health system. We meet monthly on the third Tuesday at Tākina, Wellington Conference Centre 50 Cable Street Wellington Ground Floor Café from 12.30 pm following the Tuesday U3A Lecture at The Embassy.
Contact: Doug Helps, health@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Hiking Group
Some spaces are still available to join this new group, and those interested should contact Alistair Beckett (hiking@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz). The group offers a challenge for those with advanced fitness levels, suiting those who are keen to walk at a fast pace in 3 to 5 hour excursions around the Wellington region coast, its hills and its bush.
Contact: Alistair Beckett, Email hiking@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Music Appreciation Group
We meet on alternate Thursdays* from 10.00 am until 12 noon at St Ninians Church, Karori. All welcome and morning tea/coffee/biscuits provided. Each meeting a member presents music on a topic chosen by them. The music is mostly classical but does not have to be. Doing a presentation is entirely voluntary, and it is not necessary to know a lot about music, just to enjoy it.
You can access some recent Music Appreciation programmes here. U3A Music Appreciation programmes
*Meeting dates are aligned with school terms. 2025 dates – 13 & 27 February, 13 & 27 March , 10 April, 1, 15 & 29 May, 12 & 26 June .
Contact: David Barker, musicapp@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Philosophy Group
We meet at the Wellington Quaker Meeting House, 7 Moncrieff Street Mount Victoria on the first, third and fifth Mondays each month (excluding statutory holidays and a Christmas-New Year break) from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, with a coffee/tea break partway through.
No prior formal study of philosophy is necessary – what’s desirable is an openness to new ideas. We’re a friendly, welcoming group who enjoy each other’s company. Presentations/discussions on philosophical topics are run by group members and qualified outsiders. We welcome enquiries about our group.
Contact: Mark MacCallum, philosophy@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Shakespeare Studies Group
Meets on alternate Wednesdays at St Andrew’s Centre, 30 The Terrace from 10.00 am until 11.45am to read and discuss Shakespeare’s plays and poetry. Numbers are limited to 12, and there is sometimes a short waiting list, but please contact Roger if you are interested in joining this group.
Contact: Roger Chapman, shakespeare@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Smart Phone Photography Group
Would you be interested in taking better pictures with your Smart Phone?
As a photographic enthusiast, Roger Urlwin established this special interest group of U3A members who meet weekly, at Te Papa, 4th floor café at 12 noon, and also connect online. This is a great way to discover what else your phone can do, expand your skills and (re)discover your local indoor and outdoor environment. New members are welcome.
Contact: Roger Urlwin, photography@u3awellington.org.nz
Te Reo Conversation Group
Te rōpu whai pānga Haratau me Korero
This group is for those who have previously done the U3A Te Reo beginners’ course and/or have a basic understanding of Te Reo. Those who wish to maintain their skill base and continue learning in a conversation and practice group are very welcome to join us.
We meet weekly upstairs in the Embassy at 9.30am on Tuesdays. Please contact Pauline if you would like to join the group or just to make enquiries about what we do.
Contact: Pauline Zumbach, tereoconversation@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Theatre Appreciation Group
Ewen Coleman leads this new group, which as its name suggests, involves attending local theatre productions, then meeting to discuss the production.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at All Saints Church Hall in Hataitai from 12 noon to 2 pm. Membership is limited to 25, so anyone interested in joining the group should get in touch with Ewen at theatreapp@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz.
Contact: Ewen Coleman, Email theatreapp@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz
Walking Group One
We explore historic, natural and cultural places around the city and meet at Wellington Central Railway Station 9:45 am every Monday morning. All U3A members are welcome, no need to call – we’d welcome you for a social walk and talk and, of course, coffee at the end.
Contact: David Cropp, Email: walking1@u3awellington.org.nz
Walking Group Two
A medium-paced walking group making the most of Wellington’s great coastal and bush tracks and calling ourselves Five Senses to remind ourselves to use more than just our legs. We listen to the birds, smell the flowers and name the trees, relationships giving added value to exercise. Monday morning sees us out in city or regional parks unless recent rain restricts us to streets.
We take turns to plan and lead the one-and-a-half to two-hour walks and look forward to the leader’s choice of café for coffee or lunch – unless of course, it really is too wet or windy for walking, and the leader then notifies the group of the meeting place for coffee instead.
Contact: Aidan Kay, Email: walking2@u3awellington.org.nz
Walking Group Three
Walking Group Three does a variety of Monday morning walks usually lasting 2.5 to 3 hours. Our members take it in turn to plan and lead these outings, notifying members of the details in the week prior. We explore tracks, and occasionally streets, in and around Wellington – locations range from the south coast to Waikanae and from Eastbourne to Cannon’s Point. Our walks often end at a café for an optional coffee. Transport to the starting points is usually based around Gold Card times, with carpooling when necessary.
As our members are all reasonably fit a good degree of fitness is expected, but the pace still allows time for good conversation with an interesting group of people.
Contact David Werry if you wish to join us or to make an enquiry about the group. We have a waiting list up to a maximum of 3, unfortunately with a wait of several months at best.
Contact: David Werry, Email walking3@u3awellingtoncity.org.nz.
Walking Group Four – see Hiking Group above.