NZ-made learning resources: LearnWell’s local legacy

At LearnWell, we believe high-quality educational resources for New Zealand classrooms should not only meet the needs of today’s learners but reflect the unique culture and values of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a 100% New Zealand-owned and operated business, we’ve spent years perfecting our NZ-made learning resources to best support local educators and students. Discover what makes our resources different and why you can depend on us for all your educational needs.

LearnWell is proudly New Zealand owned and operated

Frustrated with generic education resources from overseas? Many learning materials simply don’t connect with the real needs of New Zealand classrooms. At LearnWell, we provide NZ-made learning resources—designed, created, and printed right here in Aotearoa specifically for local students and the New Zealand Curriculum. Experienced New Zealand teachers help write and review our learning materials to ensure they meet the diverse needs of all students.

By keeping production local from start to finish, we ensure our products not only meet the requirements of New Zealand students and teachers but reflect the cultural context that makes our country unique. Supporting NZ-made learning resources means you’re investing in products that speak directly to the lives and experiences of Kiwi students.

Expertise in NZ-made learning resources built over time

We’ve been designing resources for New Zealand students for over 40 years. Many members of our team have decades of experience. As a trusted partner for educators across New Zealand, we’ve been here for you. We've walked through many changes in curriculum, qualifications and government initiatives. Things are constantly evolving, but you can trust that we’ll support you through whatever comes your way.

In 2022, LearnWell was established by merging the existing businesses of ESA Publications and iQualify for Schools. ESA Publications has been providing quality print educational resources for teachers and learners since 1985. From our first Study Guides to our current range of more than 340 books, our resources are found in most New Zealand schools.

The iQualify for Schools team, established in 2017, has created over 100 digital learning resources used by students across New Zealand. With expert learning design and knowledge of online learning, we continue to provide print and digital materials for primary and secondary students. Our team is always adapting to ensure we offer the most useful products.

Supporting local production

How does a LearnWell product turn from an idea into something in your hands? It all happens right here in Aotearoa New Zealand. We gather feedback from NZ teachers to understand their students’ needs. After deciding on the resource type, our team develops it.

We work with authors, teachers, and learning designers—depending on the product type—to align our materials with the current New Zealand curriculum. Our editors further refine the material, ensuring it flows smoothly and is error-free.

Next, our digital resources are built into the iQualify learning platform, developed specifically for NZ students. For print products, typesetters compile the material into easily readable, visually appealing books. They’ve even won awards for their design.

When the books are ready for printing, they’re sent to Blue Star, a New Zealand manufacturing business that uses high-quality, environmentally friendly processes. Blue Star is Toitū Enviromark Diamond certified, showing their commitment to sustainability. LearnWell packs and ships printed resources directly to your door from our Auckland warehouse. By purchasing NZ-made learning resources, you’re reducing emissions and supporting the local economy.

NZ-made learning resources: context for NZ students

• Our team is proudly based in New Zealand. We understand the local context and reflect that in everything we create. This allows Kiwi students to see themselves in what they’re learning.
  • “The New Zealand context in LearnWell resources has made a big difference for me in my learning. I can relate to it.” – Ruby, student
• We offer a range of resources for primary, intermediate, and secondary students, including Start Right Workbooks and Learning Guides.
• The Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) Book Design Awards recognise the best book designs in New Zealand. We’re proud that our Start Right Workbooks won the Lift Education Award for Best Educational Book or Series – Primary in 2023. They were finalists again in 2024. These books use te reo Māori-supported fonts, allowing the Māori words and examples throughout to integrate seamlessly. The judges called these books “a solid example of learner-focused design,” which is what we’re all about!
• Our Year 9 Learning Guides were finalists for the Lift Education Award for Best Educational Book or Series – Secondary/Tertiary in 2024. Like the Start Right Workbooks, they’re clear and engaging, featuring interesting illustrations relevant to New Zealand students.

Personalised service

We’re committed to supporting you through constant curriculum changes and challenging times. Whether you’re looking to explore new resources or need advice on optimising your current materials, the team at LearnWell is here to help.

Our resource expert, Sue Mulrennan, would be delighted to provide you with personalised assistance.