ABSTRACT
The notions of ‘lifelong learning’ and ‘higher education’, both concepts with potentially multiple meanings, are enmeshed in the historical and cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand. In this chapter, the ideological and historical components of New Zealand (tertiary) education are examined prior to discussion on the character of lifelong learning and adult learning/ education. The focus of this chapter is placed on post-compulsory education in a lifelong learning framework, particularly what constitutes ‘tertiary education’. Respectively, this chapter discusses adult students in tertiary education, the structure of and differentiation within tertiary education, the roles of principal providers (universities, polytechnics, whare wānanga), and issues of access and equity within the system and ICT developments. As appropriate, changes since the rendition from Boshier and Benseman (2000) are given precedence.
