Manawatu U3A, Free Spring Seminar Series 2022

October 19th: Transport planning for an ageing population
Associate Professor Imran Muhammad, School of People, Environment & Planning, Massey University
New Zealand’s population is steadily ageing. The ageing population has different needs and expectations for transport to maintain wellbeing and independence. This presentation covers whether transport planning in New Zealand accommodates the needs of the country’s increasingly ageing population. The presentation discusses physical, service, perceptual, informational and financial barriers the elderly are facing and suggests what should be done in the immediate future.

October 26th: Is there any such thing as a circular economy for plastics?
Associate Professor Trisia Farrelly, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University
The term ‘circular economy’ is increasingly used in the same breath as ‘life cycle of plastics’ when discussing solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. However, the gap between the concept of a circular economy and practical recommendations for plastic pollution prevention is widening. A safe(r) circular economy for plastics is possible but this will require political will and global cooperation.

November 2nd: If schooling is the solution, what is the problem? Professor John O’Neill, Institute of Education, Massey University
For the last thirty-five years, the shape of state schooling has been formed through the imperatives of parental choice and community governance mediated by national benchmark learning outcomes. What are the social and economic problems that such schooling attempts to solve? How successful has it been? How relevant is it to the world we will bequeath our grandchildren? What might be some practical alternatives?

November 9th: Mānawatia a Matariki! Welcome, honour and celebrate Matariki!
Associate Professor Margaret Forster, Te Putahi-a-Toi, Massey University
24th June 2022 was the first public holiday to celebrate Matariki – a star cluster whose appearance marks the start of the Māori New Year. What does this milestone reveal about the contemporary relevance and value of Māori culture? How will Matariki shape the future of Aotearoa? Does it signal a more open, inclusive, and egalitarian society?

Admission Free: Gold coin for tea/coffee and biscuits.
Crossroads Church is situated opposite the Railway Land close to the Church Street-Cook Street corner. There are car parks with entrances from Church Street and Cook Street.