​Why do gifted students need their own programme?
National and international research has shown that gifted children have special learning needs that can be difficult to meet in regular classrooms - they learn more quickly and comprehensively than average students of the same age and require higher levels of challenge, engagement and intensity to help them reach their potential. Gifted kids also benefit greatly from ongoing interaction with "like minds".
 
What makes Pākiki Kids unique?
Pākiki Kids is a Dunedin-based programme for gifted students that has been operating in the city for more than 13 years.
 
Pākiki Kids is community based, bringing together families, schools, and local experts and mentors to support gifted students and gifted education.

How does the Pākiki Kids curriculum help gifted kids?
The aim of the Pākiki Kids curriculum is to provide gifted students with intellectual challenge (including the development of complex, abstract, and critical thinking skills) and the opportunity to pursue their strengths and passions in an environment that also supports them emotionally and socially.

Working with students' families
Pākiki Kids works in partnership with each student's family. We recognise that parents/caregivers can provide valuable insights into their child's unique learning needs and we welcome the sharing of information so Pākiki Kids can provide the best environment possible in which your child can be extended, challenged, and engaged while interacting with like-minded peers.

Our parents/caregivers also provide the programme with invaluable support from in-class mentoring in specialist subject areas to helping with transportation for field trips.