Honouring Pearl Naulder MNZM

Pearl Naulder MNZM has been a steadfast advocate, educator and advisor for gifted learners in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than three decades. Trained initially as an occupational therapist and mental-health practitioner in the UK, she retrained as a teacher after emigrating to New Zealand and went on to specialise in supporting children with additional and advanced learning needs. 

Across her career Pearl combined classroom teaching, specialist programme delivery, and system-level advisory work. She taught in schools including Marotiri and Taupō Intermediate, worked as a One Day School teacher at the George Parkyn National Centre for Gifted Education, and spent several years as a Ministry of Education Schools Advisor for gifted children — roles in which she generated resources, led professional learning, and supported teachers, parents and students directly. 

Pearl also contributed to the grassroots and national organisation of the gifted community. She was a founding member of the Taupō branch of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children in 1996 and later served as NZAGC National President (2000–2003), working to sustain and strengthen the organisation so it could continue supporting families and educators around the country. 

Her practical, people-centred approach made a visible difference: schools and teachers who engaged her as an advisor report clearer self-review, improved planning for advanced learners, and greater confidence in implementing differentiated and inclusive practice. She has also been active with professional learning networks, helping keep classroom-ready guidance available to teachers across the Central North Island and beyond. 

She has served for many years as a tutor for the REACH Certificate of Effective Practice in Gifted Education, and in this capacity, she provided outstanding and sustained support for the teachers working under her guidance, year after year winning praise and grateful thanks from those who studied with her. 

In recognition of these sustained contributions to education, Pearl Naulder was honoured in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to education - a formal acknowledgement of decades of service to children, teachers and the wider gifted community. 

What her legacy asks of us (Looking back to move forward): 

Pearl’s work models how practical support, community building, and patient advocacy combine to create lasting change. Looking Back to Move Forward invites us to carry forward her emphasis on building teacher capability through accessible professional learning; embedding specialist provision where it’s needed (including part-time specialist programmes, advisory support, and One Day School opportunities); and sustaining strong parent–teacher partnerships so gifted learners and their whānau are heard and supported.

During Gifted Awareness Week we honour Pearl Naulder for a career that connected research, policy and day-to-day classroom practice - and we recommit to continuing the steady, practical work that makes equitable gifted education possible for future generations.