Honouring Lynn Berresford

As we look back at the development of support and understanding for gifted learners in Aotearoa New Zealand, Lynn Berresford stands out as a consistent and respected voice whose work bridged psychological understanding, educational practice, and community awareness.

Lynn’s professional journey began in education and psychology, including teaching mathematics and science before qualifying and working as a Registered Psychologist specialising in children, adolescents and adults whose learning and behaviour diverge from the mainstream. Her work focused on understanding how highly able, gifted, neurodivergent and twice-exceptional individuals think, learn and interact - recognising that advanced potential often comes with unique emotional and social needs. 

Looking back, Lynn contributed to gifted education in multiple ways. She was a long-standing member of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children, actively presenting on topics such as the social and emotional needs of gifted children to national audiences. She also served on expert panels, including the Ministry of Education’s Ask an Expert resource on TKI, helping ensure teachers and parents could access reliable guidance about gifted learners. 

Lynn’s expertise was recognised both within New Zealand and internationally. She delivered presentations across Australia, North America, the UK, Brunei and Dubai, sharing insights that connected research and practice for diverse audiences. Her practical approach to giftedness was embodied in work such as her case study on twice-exceptional (2E) learners, which helped illuminate the complex needs of children whose advanced cognitive abilities co-exist with other challenges. Lynn’s TEDx talk also brought the lived experience of gifted adults to wider public awareness, exploring identity, expectation and emotional experience in adulthood - a perspective that emphasises that giftedness is a lifelong profile, not simply a childhood trait. 

As well being a respected authority at a national and international level, Lynn devoted years of her life to working with families, with individual children, adolescents and adults, including gifted and those with emotional or psychological problems. She changed lives. For those who benefitted from her guidance, she was a treasure beyond price.

Looking forward, her legacy invites the gifted education community to continue honouring the whole learner - recognising that cognitive ability, emotional wellbeing, social connection and identity are deeply intertwined. Looking Back to Move Forward reminds us that research, clinical insight and classroom practice all have roles to play in supporting gifted individuals across the lifespan.

During Gifted Awareness Week, we honour Lynn Berresford for her contribution to psychological understanding, educational support, and public awareness - and we recommit to carrying forward her emphasis on equitable, informed, and compassionate approaches that help gifted learners thrive today and into the future.