About us
Our vision
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That every gifted child is met with recognition and caring understanding of their different learning and developmental needs, and supported in developing their qualities and abilities to the full.
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That each gifted child will be so nurtured that they will grow in wisdom, insight and compassion in the use of their talents in the wider world.
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That each gifted child will be empowered with the belief that every individual can make a difference in creating a better world.
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That every gifted child will retain a sense of fun and delight in the process of living and being.
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That every teacher will have the support and guidance needed to achieve this vision.
Our values
We value humility, compassion, integrity, kindness, self-honesty, a sense of humour, and strength of purpose. We seek to nurture the development of wisdom in the gifted individual’s life actions.
We recognise and seek to support the following life values, derived from the wisdom of Māori culture and in harmony with our Vision:
Manaakitanga
generosity of spirit, selflessness in caring for the wellbeing of others.
Whanaungatanga
belonging, inclusion, family, caring for the group, recognising that each person’s actions, both successes and transgressions, impact the whole group.
Wairuatanga
spirituality, being a sensitive and reflective thinker, in tune with one’s inner soul and spirit, insightful towards others.
Kaitiakitanga
guardianship of knowledge, recognising how the environment and human welfare are inextricably linked, accepting responsibility for preserving and sharing this knowledge for the welfare of all the people.
Rangitiratanga
leadership, ability in uniting people towards a common cause, standing up for beliefs and values, showing initiative and vision, yet showing humility.
Matauranga
a thirst for learning, seeking new knowledge, thinking critically and creatively, sharing knowledge wisely and with generosity.
Tikanga
having an awareness of appropriate behaviour and actions for different human situations, able to guide others and demonstrate leadership in varied situations.
Our story
Our basic philosophy is simple:
unless teachers have access to sound up-to-date research allied to thoroughly achievable practical strategies, they cannot be expected to cater for a group of learners with such significantly different needs. So that’s what we provide.
REACH Education (now known as Aotearoa Gifted Reach) was created in 2005 specifically to support schools in working effectively with gifted learners by providing quality professional development.
Our initiatives have been wide-ranging and far-reaching, from offering New Zealand’s first fully online course in gifted education through workshops and advisory support to sustained political advocacy.
Our work has won recognition internationally and within New Zealand, and continues to make a significant contribution in this field in this country.
For a more detailed history, see our Resources page.
Our people
Dr. Rosemary Cathcart
OMNZ, QSM, Ph.D, Dip. Ed. Dip. Teaching; Patron, NZ Assn for Gifted Children
Rosemary has been involved in gifted education since 1981 in multiple roles.
Founder of NZ’s first gifted education centre & One Day School programme, member, International Columbus Group, author, They’re Not Bringing My Brain Out, she established REACH Education in 2005 and is committed to providing quality gifted professional development.
Pearl Naulder
MNZM, B.Sc. (Hons Psychology); Postgraduate Certificate of Education (London); Honorary Life Member NZ Assn for Gifted Children
Pearl started her career managing mental health centres, sparking her interest in diverse abilities.
An active member of the UK’s NAGC, Pearl has been both a local and national president of the NZAGC since coming to New Zealand.
Professionally, she has been a gifted advisor, was a One Day School teacher for several years, and has now been REACH senior tutor since 2012.
Matt Barnacott
B.A., Dip. Education, Dip. Teaching, Cert. Effective Practice in Gifted Education (Distinction)
Matt has experience in a range of teaching positions, including three years teaching in Japan.
Committed to integrating te ao Māori into his classroom practice, Matt brings an understanding of giftedness from different cultural perspectives to his work with gifted learners.
He joined us as a tutor by invitation in 2025.
Tess Morrison
B.A., Dip. Teaching, Dip. CPC, Cert. Effective Practice in Gifted Education (Distinction)
Tess began as an English, ESOL & French teacher, then on her OE taught in France, England and Turkey, including a spell in adult education.
Back in New Zealand, a role as Gifted Education Coordinator made her sharply aware of the needs in this area. She has taught gifted learners at both primary and secondary levels.
She has acted as a REACH tutor by invitation since 2020.
