New Zealand’s leading provider of support for children and adults with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

SPELD NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in assisting people with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. For more than 50 years, we’ve helped many thousands of New Zealand children and adults nationwide.
This short video explains how we work.

SPELD NZ offers:

Diagnostic Assessment

Our trained Assessors evaluate the skills involved in effective learning. Using the Woodcock-Johnson test batteries, they do in-depth assessment of each individual’s intellectual and educational strengths and weaknesses.

One-to-one Tuition

Our Teachers are all qualified classroom teachers with specialised SPELD NZ training. They provide personalised, evidence-based tuition targeting each student’s needs, based on their assessment report.

Training

SPELD NZ trains teachers and assessors and offers professional development for all educators, families and caregivers.

Support

SPELD NZ provides advice, support and advocacy for those with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. Financial support may also be available for those who struggle to afford assessment and tuition.

Compelling evidence now shows that learning outcomes can be vastly improved with SPELD NZ’s specialised intervention.

All brains can learn to read this way.

Journalists Julie and David reflect on the evidence-based support that worked for their dyslexic daughter Poppy.

We work with:

Children

Each year we help thousands of children with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities (SLD).

Adults

Many adults still struggle with dyslexia/SLD. Our Teachers create individualised programmes targeting their learning and life needs.

Educators

We train assessors and teachers, and run courses for  families, teacher aides, SENCO, Learning Support Coordinators and other educators.

Employers

SPELD NZ works with organisations to assess and support employees with dyslexia and other SLD.

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are diagnosed with specific learning difficulties (SLD). Despite their struggles in the education system, getting the targeted help they need can transform their lives.

Read their stories:

Understanding My Dyslexia

We never cease to be amazed at the courage of SPELD NZ students.  Once they’ve had the support they need, their confidence soars. 

Igniting the Joy of Reading

Inspired by her own students, SPELD NZ Teacher Ali Fullick taught herself to write, illustrate and publish her own decodable books.

Unlocking Patrick’s Potential

“The challenge ahead was daunting – but he soon realised there was a plan in place to help him.”

Delving into Dyscalculia

“I previously thought I was the only one in the world, but now I have found my tribe.” Phil Parker looks back on a lifetime struggling with numbers.