Ashburton Learning Centre The majority of ACE learning in the Mid Canterbury district is non-formal and non-assessed, responding to the needs of the community. The value of our programme being in empowering individuals and inspiring them with confidence to allow them to embark on further stages of learning.Ashburton College Community Learning Centre, offers courses in a radius of 50kms over the Ashburton and Mid Canterbury district. This rural provision with a strong urban base makes our district unique. The links developed make tertiary study available to those unable to leave the district to further their education Networkers provide a strong link between the rural and urban communities. Mid Canterbury’s population base is changing with a higher than average national increase of Maori and Pacific people. Links with the local Hakatere Marae Committee, to support programmes responsive to their needs, have been established.