Kaiako - Early Childhood Educator

Join Our Supportive Team of Passionate Early Childhood Educators!

Are you a New Zealand-trained and certified Kaiako looking for an inspiring and supportive workplace?

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and committed ECE qualified and fully certificated Kaiako to join our vibrant team at Te Tupu o te Tōrea.

Our centre is licensed for 55 children aged 3 months to 6 years. This role works across our mixed-age setting, with flexibility to support tamariki across the full age range, reflecting the diverse needs of our community.

This is a permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week) with a rotational shift that changes fortnightly.

A full description of the role is available in the position description HERE

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

At Te Tupu o te Tōrea Early Learning Service, located in the heart of the University of Auckland’s City Campus, our centre is grounded in a strong sense of identity, place, and purpose. Built on a historical nesting ground for the tōrea (oystercatcher), our name reflects growth, protection, and belonging values that guide our everyday practice.

We are proud to offer a “home away from home” for our diverse University community, where relationships are at the heart of everything we do. With exceptional teacher-child ratios, a thoughtfully designed environment, and a commitment to high-quality, intentional teaching, we create a space where both tamariki and kaiako can thrive.

Alongside a supportive team culture, we offer a range of staff benefits, including above full pay parity, making this an exciting opportunity to grow your career within a progressive and well-resourced service.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an enthusiastic and reflective Kaiako who brings both heart and intention to your teaching practice. You are passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences and understand the importance of relationships, responsiveness, and intentional teaching.

You are confident working within a team, open to professional growth, and committed to ongoing learning. You value diversity and inclusion, and you strive to create an environment where all Kaiako, tamariki and whānau feel a strong sense of belonging.

You bring a sound understanding of pedagogical practice, including Te Whāriki, and are competent in planning, assessment, and compliance requirements. You may already have some foundation in te reo Māori, or you are motivated to grow this as part of your teaching journey.

Most importantly, you are someone who takes pride in your practice, contributes positively to team culture, and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

We are seeking a passionate, reflective, and intentional Kaiako who is committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative team culture.

You will:

• Be a New Zealand qualified and fully certificated teacher who demonstrates genuine care, respect, and advocacy for tamariki.
• Bring experience working across all age groups, with strong confidence in supporting tamariki within a mixed-age environment, fostering holistic learning and development in a culturally diverse setting.
• Demonstrate strong pedagogical knowledge, with the ability to design and implement intentional teaching strategies, and make learning visible through meaningful assessment and planning.
• Show a clear understanding of Te Whāriki and how it informs curriculum design and responsive teaching practice.
• Actively uphold and reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your practice, with a willingness to grow your understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori.
• Build and sustain respectful, trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues, recognising the importance of whakawhanaungatanga.
• Work collaboratively within a team, contributing to shared thinking, internal evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Be organised and proactive in managing planning, assessment, and compliance responsibilities.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, engaging in reflective practice, professional learning, and ongoing development.
• Contribute positively to team culture, upholding professionalism and high standards of practice.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Above Full Pay Parity (see our pay structure HERE)
• Competitive salary and five weeks' annual leave
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Generous and inclusive parental leave options
• Discounted parking and childcare
• Career development programmes and access to on-site amenities

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by Sunday, 19 April 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills align
• Your updated CV

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact: Ruwinaaz Subhani (Centre Leader) via [email protected] 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz