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About us
Aotea Education Service (AES) is a Christchurch-based education company dedicated to supporting international students and families living in New Zealand.
Founded in 2019, AES was established with a simple vision: to create meaningful educational opportunities and provide comprehensive learning support for local communities in New Zealand. Since then, we have expanded our services to include online English lessons, academic tutoring, university entrance preparation, study support for international students, and educational programmes for children and families.
Our team consists of experienced educators and specialists who are passionate about helping each learner achieve their goals. We believe that education has the power to open doors, build confidence, and connect people across cultures.
AKIO HARA
Founder & Director
Profile
Akio worked as an English teacher for ten years at a private cram school and a private high school in Japan. In 2015, he moved to New Zealand to study abroad and subsequently made New Zealand his permanent home.
Following his studies, he worked as a manager for a New Zealand-based education agency, where he gained extensive experience supporting international students and educational programmes. In 2019, he founded Aotea Education Service (AES).
Qualifications
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Bachelor of Arts in English, Dokkyo University, Japan
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Master of Arts in English Studies, Graduate School of Dokkyo University, Japan
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Advanced Teaching License for Secondary English Education (Junior and Senior High School), Japan
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Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management, New Zealand
Message from the Founder
Hello, and thank you for visiting our website. My name is Akio Hara, Founder and Director of Aotea Education Service (AES).
Over the past 20 years, I have been involved in education in both Japan and New Zealand. After moving to New Zealand, I came to realise that there was a significant need for more educational services specifically designed for local communities living here.
This inspired me to establish AES in 2019 with the vision of providing educational support that meets the diverse needs of international learners and families in New Zealand. Since then, our goal has been to create accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and to support each individual in achieving their personal and academic aspirations.
It would be my greatest pleasure if our services can make a positive difference in the lives of as many people as possible.
Akio Hara
Founder & Director
Aotea Education Service (AES)
Our Mission
The word “Aotea” comes from the Māori language and means “white cloud.” It is also part of the word “Aotearoa,” the Māori name for New Zealand.
Inspired by this beautiful country, our mission is to creatively explore educational opportunities that address the evolving needs of learners in Aotearoa (New Zealand), provide new and meaningful educational choices, and offer comprehensive learning support for international students and families living in New Zealand.
At Aotea Education Service (AES), we are committed to empowering our learners by creating accessible, high-quality educational experiences that foster personal growth, academic success, and meaningful connections across cultures.
Company Profile
Company Name
Aotea Education Service (AES)
Founder & Director
Akio Hara
Company History
November 2019
Established KORU English Learning Centre, the predecessor of Aotea Education Service.
November 2021
The company was officially renamed Aotea Education Service (AES).
February 2022
Launched academic support services for Japanese international students studying in New Zealand.
February 2023
Opened Kiwi-ko, a Japanese learning school for children in Christchurch.
February 2026
Kiwi-ko introduced Mathematics and Soroban (Japanese Abacus) classes and expanded from a Japanese language school into a comprehensive learning centre.
July 2026
Reorganized the company's educational services into three specialist brands:
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Ako English – English education
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KORU Academy – Academic support for international students living in New Zealand
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Kiwi-ko – Learning centre for Japanese children in Christchurch
New Zealand Company Registration
Registration Date: 16 November 2021
NZ Company Number: 9429050081523
Office Location
AES operates online and does not maintain a physical office. Our management and support staff are based in New Zealand.
Website
www.aotea-education-service.com
info@aotea.education.service.com
Business Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (New Zealand Time)
Closed on weekends, New Zealand public holidays, and during the Christmas/New Year holiday period.
Our Services
Ako English
Ako English provides personalised English lessons tailored to each student's goals. We offer instruction in conversational English, grammar, IELTS and TOEIC preparation, study abroad English, and Business English. Drawing on extensive educational experience in both New Zealand and Japan, we help learners develop practical, real-world English communication skills.
KORU Academy
KORU Academy is a one-to-one tutoring service designed for international students studying in New Zealand. We provide learning support for NCEA, UE, the Numeracy & Literacy for CAA, and more. Each student receives a personalised learning plan to help them achieve their academic goals.
Kiwi-ko
Kiwi-ko is a learning centre for children from Japanese families living in Christchurch, New Zealand. Through Japanese language education, Mathematics, Soroban (Japanese Abacus), early childhood learning, and seasonal cultural activities, we foster Japanese language proficiency, strong study habits, and critical thinking skills. Our programmes are available for children aged 3 to 14 years.
Last update: July 2026