SPELD NZ AGM 2025
Via Zoom
12 Noon – Saturday 18 October 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2024 AGM and contributed to the governance of SPELD NZ. Here are some key documents:

The next AGM will be held by Zoom at 12 noon, Saturday 18 October 2025.

This will be an important meeting as we will vote on a new Constitution needed for us to re-register as an incorporated society.  The document and  explanation of changes will be uploaded here for comment prior to the meeting.

Here is the 2025 AGM timeline.  On or before:
  • 2 August 2025 – Nominations & Remits to be sent to eo@speld.org.nz 
  • 20 September 2025 – Agenda, Remits & Nominations to be published here on the SPELD NZ website
  • 11 October 2025 – Proxies due.  Please send to eo@speld.org.nz 

Here are the 2025 Remit & Nomination forms.

All other AGM documents will be published here, as available.

SPELD NZ Conference
12 & 13 April 2025
Ellerslie Event Centre
Auckland

What an exhilarating  weekend of learning, inspiration and connection!  A huge thank you to our outstanding presenters, impassioned educators, engaging exhibitors and generous sponsors who made this event possible.

View the two-day programme here

SPELD NZ was delighted to have Minister of Education Erica Stanford give the opening address.

Our exciting lineup of  presenters included Dr Nathaniel Swain, Dr Jennifer Buckingham, Esther White and Rhonda Filmer, plus special guest speaker Phil Parker.

Our next conference is likely to be in 2028.   In the meantime, we’re about to launch our exciting new Kōwae Ako – pay-to-view Learning Capsules for educators and families to help them better support those who struggle with neurodivergence.   We’ll keep you posted – watch this space!

Navigating Neurodiversity in Early Childhood
A SPELD NZ Recorded Online Webinar Plus Q & A
Ideal for Early Childhood Educators and New Entrant Teachers
Cost $50 (Including notes)

Research shows the earlier we identify and support children with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities (SLD), the better the outcomes.  So what are the first signs and what can we do to help?  This is a very practical webinar which includes children demonstrating recommended activities.  It will help you:

  • Understand why children with dyslexia/SLD are increasingly falling through the cracks
  • Acquire expert guidance on early indicators of dyslexia/SLD
  • Discover evidence-based ways to boost oral language, phonological awareness and communication skills
  • Gain insights into activities hugely beneficial to early learning for children with dyslexia/SLD.

Registrations are essential, via this link.  All are welcome.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact nationaloffice@speld.org.nz 

Navigating Neurodiversity at Secondary School
A SPELD NZ Recorded Online Webinar Plus Q & A for Families

SPELD NZ-trained teacher and Literacy Coordinator at Hutt Valley High School, Jamie Casley,  shares her advice and expertise on:

  • Transitioning to secondary school
  • Communicating with classroom teachers and learning support staff
  • Navigating workload and stress
  • Building resilience
  • Classroom accommodations
  • Making the most of assistive technology and A.I.
  • Special Assessment Conditions
  • Changes to NCEA
  • Understanding Literacy & Numeracy Co-Requisite Tests
  • And much more….

This webinar was held 12 August 2024 and had outstanding feedback from those who attended.  It was recorded and is now available to view.

Cost:  $15 SPELD NZ Members $30 non SPELD NZ Members.  This includes detailed notes.

Registrations are essential, via this link.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact nationaloffice@speld.org.nz 

SPELD NZ AGM 2024
Via Zoom
1pm – Saturday 2 November 2024

Thank you to everyone who attending our 2024 AGM and contributed to the governance of SPELD NZ.

Here are some key AGM documents:

The next AGM will be held by Zoom in Term 4, 2025 – date to be advised.

Top 10 things families can do at home to support their child’s literacy and numeracy
A free webinar for SPELD NZ family members
7pm – 7 November 2023

A wonderful opportunity to watch SPELD NZ Teacher Serena Driver demonstrating simple materials you can use from home to help with literacy and numeracy. She’ll also talk about excellent free online resources, decodable books and dyslexia-friendly literature. Serena will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

All SPELD NZ family members have been emailed a registration link.
NB:  If you miss this webinar, please contact us for a link to the recording nationaloffice@speld.org.nz 

Moving On
with Bayley Garnham & Family
A free webinar for SPELD NZ members
7.30pm – Wednesday 7 June 2023

Back by popular demand!  Hear how Bailey managed to overcome the challenges of dyspraxia and dysgraphia:  What worked, what didn’t and how family is at the heart of his success.

Bayley and his parents and grandparents will share their inspiring stories and advice to other families and young people.

All SPELD NZ members have been emailed a registration link.
NB:  If you miss this  webinar, please contact us for a link to the recording nationaloffice@speld.org.nz 

SPELD NZ AGM 2023
Via Zoom
1pm – Saturday 19 August 2023

Many thanks to all SPELD NZ members who attended our 2023 AGM.

Here are the key AGM documents:

Support Webinar for SPELD NZ families

Following on from the support resources emailed to SPELD NZ families, we hosted a support webinar.  If you missed it, you’re welcome to contact nationaloffice@speld.org.nz for a link to the webinar recording.  NB:  This is for SPELD NZ members only.

The webinar is just over an hour long and is packed with great advice on topics such as:

  • Helping your child understand their struggles and feel empowered
  • Ways to support your child at home through the primary, intermediate and secondary school stages
  • How to use materials that can help your child with organisation e.g. planners, picture tables and post it notes
  • How to best advocate for your child at school.

SPELD NZ Teacher Serena Driver and SPELD NZ Executive Officer Jeremy also answer questions at the end.

We’ll let you know the date of our next webinar which is likely to be on resource recommendations.

SPELD NZ AGM 2022
Via Zoom
1pm – Saturday 24 September

Our thanks to all SPELD NZ members who attended.  Here are some of the key AGM documents:

Aidan’s Journey
A free webinar for SPELD NZ members
7pm – Tuesday 31 August 2021

(NB:  If you missed this webinar, contact us for a link to the recording (SPELD NZ members only):  nationaloffice@speld.org.nz

Hear Aidan Milner’s inspiring story on how he has managed to overcome the challenges of severe dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Labelled lazy by teachers, Aidan struggled through primary school. However, thanks to one-to-one lessons, some clever strategies, special accommodations and sheer grit, he thrived during his senior years at high school and at university. He now works as an engineering geologist – a feat he would never have thought possible. After Aidan has shared his story, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
RSVP to nationaloffice@speld.org.nz

Thank you to all those who took part in SPELD NZ’s 2021 AGM.
Here are key papers from the meeting:

• SPELD NZ 2020 AGM approved minutes
• SPELD NZ audited financial statements for year ending 31 March 2021
• SPELD NZ Annual Reports for year ending 31 March 2021
• SPELD NZ 2021 Infographics
• Life Members announced AGM 2021
• SPELD NZ 2021 AGM draft minutes

Our next AGM will be held in 2022 via Zoom. We will soon let you know the date and time. All SPELD NZ members are welcome to attend.

We still have vacancies on the Board and PSC and are looking to second members until the next AGM. Please contact Executive Officer, Jeremy Drummond, if you would like to explore this option: eo@speld.org.nz or complete the nomination form.

Looking for information on SPELD NZ courses?  Head to our Training pages for details on our:

SPELD Conference 2019 - Lifting Literacy

SPELD NZ CONFERENCE 2019
LIFTING LITERACY
Empowering neurodiverse learners

Auckland – 28 & 29 September

Our thanks to all those who took part, making this SPELD NZ’s most outstanding conference to date.  Our next conference will be in Auckland in 2022.  We’ll post details here as soon as they come to hand.

SPELD NZ Conference 2016

SPELD NZ CONFERENCE 2016

Wellington

Our thanks to the wonderful lineup of guest speakers who took part in SPELD NZ’s 2016 conference in Wellington.

Download Judy Hornigold’s presentations – PPTX format

SPELD NZ 2016 Conference Photo Gallery