Our Origins

1974

First literacy scheme established in Hawke's Bay

1982

Adult Reading and Learning Assistance Federation (ARLA) registered as an Incorporated Society with 120 schemes providing adult literacy services nationwide.

1988

ARLA commits to implement bi-culturalism and multiculturalism in all its activities recognising and honouring the Treaty of Waitangi.

1998

ARLA restructured as Literacy Aotearoa, a treaty-based organisation, delivering student centred literacy programmes at no direct cost to the student.

• Read more about the history of adult literacy in New Zealand:
  'Fifty Years of Learning: A history of Adult & Community Education in Aotearoa from the 1960s to the present day'
  Robert Tobias, June 2016 for ACE Aotearoa
• Find out about the origins of our Logo