The Learning Connexion is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Creative Gold Award at the The Post 2026 Wellington Gold Awards, recognising nearly four decades of transforming lives through creativity.
For more than 38 years, TLC has empowered students to discover confidence, passion, and opportunity through creative education. Today, our learners range in age from 16 to 88, and we offer three modes of learning, either at our vibrant campus in Lower Hutt, through distance learning (study from home) across Aotearoa New Zealand, and in 12 Corrections facilities nationwide.
This award recognises not only educational excellence, but the impact creativity can have on individuals, whānau, and communities. Unlike traditional tertiary education, TLC’s NZQA-accredited programmes are built around creative practice and personalised mentoring, making education accessible to everyone, including those who may not have thrived in conventional learning environments. Every learner is supported by a dedicated Creativity Kaiako, ensuring they are known as individuals rather than enrolment numbers.
“When people feel seen, remarkable transformations take place. At TLC, creativity has the power to help people discover their potential.” said Operators Director Sharon Hall, pictured with TLC Founder Jonathan Milne.
“This award reflects the passion and dedication that makes TLC such a special place to work.“
This award reflects the dedication of our Kaiako, mentors, staff, teams behind the scenes, and most importantly our alumni and our ākonga (learners). Every day we see the creativity build confidence, resilience, connection and hope.
One of the areas highlighted in TLC’s award submission was our work within Corrections facilities. As New Zealand’s only tertiary provider delivering NZQA-accredited creativity and art programmes in prisons nationwide, TLC helps learners gain confidence, achieve formal qualifications, and create pathways into further education, employment, and successful reintegration.
The submission also recognised the achievements of TLC ākonga and alumni, from first-time students discovering their creative voice, to those changing career, to our internationally recognised artists, award-willing illustrators and ceramicists, and even a political cartoonist!
Winning the Creative Gold Award is a celebration of everyone who has been part of TLC’s journey over the past 38 years.
To our students, alumni, Kaiako, staff, and wider creative community – thank you! Your passion, generosity, and belief in the power of creativity have made this achievement possible!
As TLC looks to the future, our focus remains unchanged: removing barriers to education, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds, and continuing to demonstrate that creativity can transform lives.
This award belongs to every person who’s creative journey has been part of The Learning Connexion’s story.
