Justine Hughes brings a wealth of knowledge in gifted education to her mahi at Te Kura, recently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Gifted) with Distinction. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, shaped by both professional experience and personal resilience.
From the South Island to supporting ākonga across Aotearoa, Justine’s path has been guided by curiosity, care, and a strong belief in the potential of every learner.
Beginning her teaching career in Invercargill in 1999, Justine has since taught across Years 2 to 10 in both Invercargill and Auckland. She has also held leadership roles, including Deputy Principal, building a depth of experience that continues to shape her practice today.
At the heart of her work is a genuine love of learning. Justine describes herself as an “eternal student”, a mindset that continues to influence both her teaching and leadership.
“I’ve always believed that if I’m asking ākonga to be learners, I need to be one too,” she says.
Kaiako Matua Justine Hughes
That commitment is especially evident in her long-standing work in gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) education. Since the early 2000s, she has focused on ensuring ākonga are recognised for their strengths, supported in their challenges, and provided with learning that reflects who they are.
“Gifted learners don’t all look the same,” she explains. “Some are thriving, some are struggling, and some are both at the same time.”
Her recent study at Massey University, supported by the Ministry of Education Learning Support Study Award, allowed her to deepen this practice while continuing to work. Through her Postgraduate Diploma, she strengthened her understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, and inclusive approaches that remove barriers and create meaningful access for all ākonga.
Justine joined Te Kura in April 2020, initially as a reliever, and quickly recognised a strong sense of alignment.
“What drew me in was the philosophy and the environment. It just felt like the right place.”
With a background in blended learning, the transition felt natural. More importantly, she saw the opportunity to contribute to a model that puts the learner at the centre.
Since 2022, Justine has worked at Te Kura in the gifted and 2e space, alongside her role as Kaiako Matua Integrated Studies. In 2025, she developed a suite of five modules for ākonga, kaimahi and whānau. Grounded in UDL, these modules are designed to be flexible and responsive, reflecting Te Kura’s one-size-fits-one approach.
“This is where Te Kura can really lead. When we design learning well from the start, we create space for every ākonga to succeed.”
Her work also focuses on building confidence and capability across kaimahi, creating space for shared learning and ongoing improvement.
Alongside her professional journey sits another story, one of resilience and determination. Over the years, Justine has navigated significant health challenges, including a brain tumour and later cancer diagnoses. These experiences have, at times, required her to step back and refocus.
But she has remained deeply connected to her purpose.
“At times, I didn’t get the balance right. Weekends and breaks often became study time, but I don’t regret any of it.”
Graduating with Distinction holds particular meaning in that context, not just as an academic success, but as a reflection of perseverance, commitment and belief.
Beyond Te Kura, Justine has contributed widely to the education sector, including serving as co-chair of giftEDnz and founding the Gifted Teachers Aotearoa community. This network continues to connect educators across the country and aboard, reflecting her belief in the power of collaboration.
At the centre of everything she does is equity.
Gifted ākonga, she believes, are often overlooked. Her work is about changing that, ensuring every ākonga feels seen, challenged and supported to thrive.
Outside of mahi, whānau remains central. She is a proud mother, mother-in-law and recently new grandmother. She values time spent with her family.
“They’re my anchor,” she says. “No matter what’s going on, they remind me what really matters.”
She also enjoys reading, yoga, music and gardening, although learning is never far away.
Looking ahead, further study may be on the horizon. What remains constant is her commitment to ākonga and to the values of Te Kura.
Through both challenge and achievement, Justine continues to lead with empathy, purpose and belief, helping shape learning that works for every ākonga.