About Fleur
Fleur Harris PhD
Nga mihi mahana ki a koutau katoa
Warm wishes to you all !
My mountain is Rangitoto.
My “river” is Tamaki Estuary.
My father’s people are from England, arrived on the Mariner in 1850.
My mother’s people are from Ireland, arrived between 1850-1880.
I was born in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), a fourth generation New Zealander.
Pt England and the Hauraki Gulf are the heart of me, my turangawaewae, (place to stand).
Otautahi, Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River and Torlesse and Craigieburn Ranges share a place in my heart too. My children were born in Otautahi and my husband born in Darfield. This is their turangawaewae.
How NZ Word Trees Began
Child Speech Therapy Background
I came to Christchurch for Speech-Language Therapy training. I met Ian, we married and had two children Georgie and Al, now adults living their lives. Ian and I live in Lincoln with our two cats Whisky and Ziggy.
A few years ago, I gave a seminar about language and literacy development for under five-year olds, to a University of the 3rd Age group.
A woman stood up and said “Parents need to know this. Who is telling them?” I didn’t know.
She said “I think you should”.
In that moment I felt inspired to present workshops to parents, about language and literacy for under-fives. Parents do need to know.
And I have expanded that to early childhood educators too.
I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Let’s take a look at Fleur’s career…
PhD in Childhood Language and Literacy Learning, University of Canterbury 2007
MEd in Adult Education, University of Canterbury 1994
BEd, University of Canterbury1987
NZCert Speech Language Therapy (with Excellence), Christchurch Teachers College (now University of Canterbury) 1979
What our Clients say
“At our first meeting Fleur quickly assessed my grand-daughter’s delayed speech and language development needs, and developed a programme specifically for her. She was kind and patient which put everyone at ease. It was clear to me from the first meeting that Fleur has extensive knowledge in this field. Not only did we see good results but Fleur also gave us, as care-givers, the tools and skill to support my grand-daughter’s development in everyday life. I continue to seek advice and guidance from her.”
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