Learning something new with the Canterbury WEA
Learn a new relaxing art practice, about spiders in literature or European history at these November 2026 events. All sessions are held at CWEA (59 Gloucester Street, Central City).
Find out about other courses or sessions coming up at the Canterbury WEA.
Spinning Spider Tales
Spiders have influenced folklore, children’s literature and popular culture for centuries. It’s ironic that the hero of one of the most loved children’s books "Charlotte’s Web" is a spider - one of our most feared animals.
Dr Simon Pollard will explore the cultural influence of spiders and the stories, symbols and associations that surround them.
Dates: Tuesdays from 10th November (2 weeks).
Time: 12.30 to 2pm.
Cost: $21 per person.
Simon is an award-winning writer in both New Zealand and the United States, and a two-time winner of the LIANZ non-fiction book of the year award. His latest book is "The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa" published by Te Papa Press.
Find out more about this course on spiders in culture and literature, including how to register.
Zentangle Bookmark Bundle
Discover the Zentangle Method with Ildica Boyd - an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to create beautiful images using structured patterns, one stroke at a time. You don’t need to be great at drawing or think of yourself as an artist. Simple dots, lines and curves gradually build into intricate designs, while the focus on each individual stroke can feel calming and almost meditative. Create four unique bookmarks, exploring a different theme and art-inspired approach each week.
Dates: Mondays from 16th November 2026 (4 weeks).
Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm.
Cost: $69 per person.
Ildica Boyd has, by her own admission, a “passion for patterns”! When she isn’t teaching or creating Zentangle art—including large-scale street-furniture boxes and community projects—she can be found swapping her pen for a weaving shuttle, working at her loom or teaching weaving.
Find out more about this relaxing art course, including how to register.
Capitals of Northern(ish) Europe
Explore the founding, constructions and history of Northern Europe, most of which is around Baltic Sea Region with long histories of major port-cities fuelling both war and trade. From Scandinavia, across the Baltic States and around to Germany, we will even double dip into Russia. The Baltic Sea region with major port-cities fuelled both war and trade and makes some great stories.
Dates: Wednesdays from 18th November (5 weeks).
Time: 12.30 to 2.30pm.
Cost: $65 per person.
Michael Couch has an academic background in Philosophy, Classical Studies, Education and History and a PhD in the History of Philosophy of Education in New Zealand. Experience Michael's passion and wry humour while you learn.
Find out more about this European history course, including how to register.