SPELD NZ offers training and professional development for assessors, teachers, special educational needs coordinators (SENCO), Learning Support Coordinators, teacher aides, families and caregivers. We also host conferences and from time-to-time run community presentations and parent information evenings.

Until 2023, SPELD NZ was registered with NZQA.  From 2018 to retirement in 2023, we were a Category 1 provider with Excellence in all key evaluation areas.  Read our most recent NZQA External Evaluation and Review Report here.

Kōwae ako/Learning Capsules

These stand-alone, evidence-based Kōwae ako involve approximately six hours of self-driven, online learning on a variety of topics.

Ideal for educators seeking greater knowledge on individual topics such as phonemic and phonological awareness.

Kōwae ako / Learning Capsules

SPELD NZ Introduction to Specific Learning Disabilities

Are you concerned about your child’s learning journey? Are you a teacher/teacher-aide working with a child who is bright but not achieving? Are you taking on a new role as a Learning Support Coordinator? This course is for you and anyone else with limited knowledge on specific learning disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia.

SPELD NZ Teaching Certificate in Specific Learning Disabilities

People with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities often suffer years of failure and despondency at school. You could be the one to nurture them to success.

SPELD NZ Assessor Training

SPELD NZ Assessor training focuses on the administration and interpretation of the Woodcock-Johnson test batteries. It’s aimed at those likely to get the required NZCER Level C grading after course completion.

Personal Stories

Find out how SPELD NZ has helped both children and adults overcome their struggles with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

What Dyslexia Taught Me

Christchurch IT product innovator Christian Sax describes his lifelong struggles with dyslexia and what he’s learned along the way.

Back to the Future

Emma Pollard became a SPELD NZ Teacher so she could support her dyslexic daughter and others like her.

Dancing with Dyscalculia

Diagnosed with severe dyscalculia as a child, Isabelle went on to become a makeup artist and support others who struggle with numbers.

You Rescued Me

Dyslexic Professor Emeritus David Mellor looks back on the “phenomenal impact” of his tutor 70 years ago.