What is U3A?
U3A abbreviates “University of the Third Age”
U3A study groups hold that education can be lifelong and should continue in the years of retirement—‘the third age’. From their origin in France, U3A groups have spread to many countries. Currently there are about 3500 groups on five continents. They are all voluntary, self-managed organisations, looking to their own members to provide presentations, but also drawing upon experts in the community. They thrive in New Zealand. There are fifteen in Christchurch city.
Okeover offers a series of weekly lectures.
- We meet weekly on Thursday mornings from March to November in The Chapel Street Centre, 68 Harewood Road (
Corner of Harewood Road & Chapel Street), Papanui. - Tea and coffee are served from 9:45 a.m. Presentations commence at 10:30 a.m. and should end at 11:30 including question-time.
- U3A Okeover has no waiting list at present.
Why “Okeover”?
For many years the group met in the Continuing Education Centre of the University of Canterbury, a heritage homestead building called Okeover. In 2010, violent earthquakes rendered many Canterbury University building spaces inaccessible. The university had to use every available space and the group had to move to St. Stephen’s Church, Yaldhurst.
We support the UC Māpura Bright Start Scholarship