ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION NATIONAL BODY INCORPORATED

Te Mata O Te Here Oo te Matauranga Kee

Vision Statement:

"Moving Forward with Pride, Strengthening  Young People for Tomorrow”
Whakapakari te rangatahi hei pai oranga moo apopo”

About us:

The Alternative Education National Body (AENB) is the collective voice for AE providers from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Established in 2003, the AENB seeks to:

• Promote good practice for AE provision
• Facilitate relational networks and communication for providers
• Advocate on important issues on behalf of AE providers

Alternative Education (AE) provides learning opportunities for students aged 13 to 16 years of age who are alienated from mainstream schooling.  The current AE system was instituted in the year 2000, which formalised the number of AE placements nationwide and state funding.  Many AE providers have been in operation prior to 2000 as community initiatives to engage their Rangatahi in learning.  

The AENB recognises that Alternative Education is a specialised service meeting the educational needs for some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ‘at risk’ and transient young people.  AE providers strive to engage these young people in learning. This is accomplished by utilising a holistic approach and creating a whanau environment.  Whilst a student is in AE they gain the confidence to make their next step in education, albeit a return to mainstream schooling, other training opportunities, or employment.  

The AENB operates across 10 regions in New Zealand.  Regional Committees elect a representative to sit on the National Committee.