Spotlight on New Zealand
Name: Glasser Aotearoa New Zealand
Founded: around 1990’s
Country/Region: Aotearoa New Zealand
Current Board/Leadership Team:
- Chair / President: Bette Blance
- Secretary: Cassie Cross
- Treasurer: Barbara Franks
- Additional Members: Ksenija Napan, Raewyn Whiteman Thorne, Maine Curtis, Paul Barker, Christine Duffield, Nancy Herrick, Mojgan Fadaei
Fun Fact
New Zealand is the first country to grant women the right to vote (1893) and is home to the world’s heaviest insect, the Giant Weta, which can weigh over 70 grams. It’s also the country where bungee jumping was invented and where the filming for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies took place. New Zealand has no native snakes and has the highest number of golf courses per capita in the world.
What’s your main focus?
Reality Therapy®, Choice Theory®, Lead Management, or a mix as it applies in Education
Who do you primarily serve?
Educators
What are your main activities or programs?
Take Charge of Your Life — Legacy programme
What’s something you’re particularly proud of or excited about?
We are actively developing strategies to increase training options for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career or deeper understanding through Glasser’s work and who wish to take up a scholarship. This is a critical step in building the next generation of practitioners and spreading the benefits of Choice Theory Reality Therapy across the country. This year has been marked by thoughtful internal work and proactive planning for future expansion. The sustained commitment of our members, enriched by new international members and strategic moves to expand training, positions Glasser Aotearoa New Zealand for a period of exciting growth. Another exciting project is a revamp of our Take Charge of Your Life Power Points. We plan to work on the online environment with this programme and are planning new activities that are suitable for online work.
Any recent wins, milestones, or cool projects?
Glasser Aotearoa New Zealand was also represented on the global stage when Bette Blance attended the International Conference in Chicago in 2024. Maine Curtis attended the 8th European Conference of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory hosted in Dublin by William Glasser Institute of Ireland this year. This year Ksenija Napan became a member of the WGI Research Committee. Glasser Aotearoa New Zealand is proud to be part of the international community. These opportunities provided a crucial link to the wider global Glasser community, allowing us to share our unique. experiences and learn from the advancements and applications of Choice Theory worldwide. The insights and energy gained from these events will inform our local strategy and practice as we move forward.
What makes your organization unique or special?
We successfully hold monthly meetings as vital connection points. A key feature of these meetings was the continuation of ‘diving deeper’ sessions. These sessions have been invaluable, not only in strengthening our personal connections as a community but also in allowing us to explore the nuances and practical application of Dr. Glasser’s work on a more profound level. This consistent, high-quality personal and professional development is key to maintaining the integrity of Glasser’s principles.
Anything else you’d like our community to know?
We might be small now, but don’t let our size fool you. The future of Glasser Aotearoa New Zealand is not about being small—it’s about becoming the essential, foundational tool for creating a happier, more functional country, one choice at a time
How can people connect with you?
- Email:
- Website: www.glasseraotearoanewzealand.org.nz
This article originally appeared in the WGI newsletter “What‘s BUZZING!” Edition 21 — October 2025
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WGI
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