Abstract
New Zealand has enjoyed a system of free and compulsory schooling for 126 years. During this period many aspects of the New Zealand education system have been recognised internationally as innovative and forward-thinking. Unfortunately, support for gifted and talented learners has not been one of these, and as a nation we have a somewhat unenviable record in this area. However, almost overnight this situation changed, and a series of new initiatives over the past six years have transformed the educational environment for the gifted and talented. The nature of these developments is interesting, as they reflect some of the unique features of the country and its education system; but what is also fascinating, is to reflect on why, after 120 years of ‘official’ neglect, it has been acceptable to target this area for special development.
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