Honouring Sue Breen KSM

Sue Breen is one of the icons of gifted education in New Zealand. 

Quiet, unassuming, never seeking recognition for herself, she has been part of the foundation of gifted education in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

For fifty years Sue has been making, and continues to make, a hugely valuable contribution to the survival and progress of gifted provision in this country, At a time when giftedness, particularly in young children, was poorly understood or easily overlooked, Sue advocated for a broader, more humane understanding - one that recognised gifted children not as exceptions to be managed, but as individuals to be understood, supported, and valued especially at the preschool level. 

Her work has been characterised by her initiative, insight, commitment and vastly capable skills. Her contribution has been shaped by a deep respect for children and for the adults who care for and teach them. Through leadership within NZAGC, the development of early-years programmes such as Small Poppies, and decades of teaching, writing, and mentoring, Sue helped shift thinking from narrow definitions and one-size-fits-all approaches toward responsive, strengths-based practice.

Typically, her work began with a move no-one else had ever considered. Sue was employed by the Tamaki Education Centre in an area serving low-decile schools, at a time when the widespread belief was that no gifted children would be found in such schools. She somehow commandeered a bus, and, in defiance of this common perception, was touring the local schools to identify and collect gifted children to take them to a regular weekly programme that she had set up at the Education Centre. It was a remarkable effort without parallel anywhere else at that time.

Later, Sue took over the national presidency of the NZAGC at a time when it was in financial difficulty and on the point of collapse, managing simultaneously to function also as its secretary and treasurer. Under Sue’s calm guidance, the association was rescued and restored to a healthy state, recently celebrating its 50th year. She also served as editor of Tall Poppies, a gifted-focused magazine for parents and educators, and managed the association’s national library for some years. She was a big part of organising regional and national conferences for parents and educators and of workshops for gifted youth. She also instigated the Small Poppies group for children under seven years of age.

Sue was also a huge force and light for Auckland Explorers, where her energy and leadership made an enormous difference for gifted children and their families there. Her time in Auckland left a lasting legacy and many families still speak of her influence and the community she built. At the same time, she was also a greatly valued supporter of the George Parkyn Centre for Gifted Education, her involvement ranging from teaching, running courses for parents, right through to a term as director of the Centre before moving to Canterbury.

Now in that region, her incredible commitment has continued. Without her, there would be no active gifted support in the Canterbury region. She has worked tirelessly in this field, building networks, leading initiatives, and ensuring that gifted children and their families have a place to belong. Described by one local parent as “the most dedicated person I have ever met,” she runs regular extension and enrichment sessions, selflessly fills her car to the brim with resources for gifted children, arrives hours early to set up, and runs every session as a volunteer. She gives of her time, energy, and heart without expecting anything in return.

As we mark Gifted Awareness Week, we honour the past not for its own sake, but because it equips us to move forward with clarity, courage, and care - continuing the work of creating learning environments where gifted children can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Looking back, we see the impact of this work in the confidence of children who were allowed to think deeply and differently; in families who found understanding and connection; and in educators who were encouraged to trust their observations and teach with both rigour and compassion.

Looking forward, Sue’s legacy reminds us that progress in gifted education is built over time - through sustained advocacy, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness to listen to children themselves. 

Sue is an example in herself of the very best of what it means to be gifted.