Life-long learning is being celebrated in Tauranga this week with the annual Adult Learner Week Awards recognising the efforts of top students, educators and providers in the regions.

Award's function host, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby, congratulated the winners and told guests who packed the event in the council chambers that council is a strong supporter of adult and community learning because it could transform the lives of students, their whanau and benefit the wider community.

Saudi student Mohammed Aljaber receives an Outstanding Learners Award from Mayor Stuart Crosby.

Western Bay of Plenty Adult and Community Network member Judith Honeyfield says the awards are an important way of recognising adult learning, but the high standard of nominees had been a challenge for the panels of judges to select winners.

'Wherever the learning takes place, what is important is the pathway to greater life changes. Great educators and supportive learning organisations are an integral part of this equation – acknowledging them is crucial.”

Awards were given out to learners, educators and providers – with Judith saying community contribution, mentoring and inspiring, and overcoming hurdles recurrent themes among the awards winners.

Six Outstanding Learners Awards were given out – with one going to Saudi student, Mohammed Aljaber, who has combined achieving great results towards a Bachelor of Business Analysis-Finance while mastering English, supporting other students and being actively involved in his community.

Other recipients included Bachelor in Teaching student Shirley Robertson, Welcome Bay deputy principal Nikki Keys who is combining her school role with studying for a Master in Teaching degree and Bachelor of Social Work student Melanie Tregurtha who travels 50km a day to university. Former construction worker Logan Hunt, who is now studying graphic design a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and fashion design student Alyssa Pizzini also picked up awards.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Diploma in Design Graphics student Angie Frires receives her award.

Hair to Train won the Innovative Provider Award for the way tutors overcome major challenges with Youth Guarantee students who are not engaged in education or employment.

Exceptional Adult Educator Awards went to three nominees – including Bay or Plenty Polytechnic business tutor Anne Bradley whose innovative, fun and positive style inspires colleagues and students alike.

Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu tutor Stefan Nogaj was also singled out for an award for his success in helping his students turn their lives around, with many students describing Stefan as a life mentor.

Katikati woman Aroha Koria also won an exceptional educator award for her contribution as an important role model through her years of teaching programmes that help whanau live better lives.

Te Whanau Rewiti kapa haka group gave a rousing performance.

Award winning design students Logan Hunt, Zach Clothier, Keri -Ann Teaz, Lyssa Pizzini and Angie Frires.