Kaiako - Kōhanga Reo | Early Childhood Education

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Located alongside Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland, our teacher-led Kōhanga Reo - the only kōhanga reo on City Campus - is dedicated to nurturing tamariki through a kaupapa Māori approach that honours te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and the aspirations of whānau. Our long-standing team creates a warm, stable, and supportive environment grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and a deep commitment to te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and fluent kaiako | Early Childhood Educator to join Hineteiwaiwa Kōhanga Reo.  Confident using te reo Māori in everyday practice - you will value creating meaningful connections with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues alike. This role would suit someone who thrives in a mixed-age learning environment, enjoys working collaboratively within a strong and supportive tīma, and is committed to raising confident tamariki grounded in their identity, language, and culture.

With exceptional teacher-to-child ratios, our service is licensed for 25 tamariki aged between 7 months and 6 years. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing, innovative, and progressive learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to flourish as future leaders.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), permanent position.

The salary range for this role is above Full Pay Parity. Find out more in our collective agreement.

For more detailed information on the role, please refer to the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You bring a genuine passion for te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and kaupapa Māori education, whether through whakapapa, lived experience, or an ongoing commitment to te ao Māori. Understanding the importance of language, culture, and identity in shaping positive learning outcomes for tamariki, you contribute positively to team culture, value whanaungatanga, and build strong relationships with tamariki and their whānau.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking a kaiako who:

• Works confidently within a fully immersed kaupapa Māori environment where te reo Māori is the primary language used, and is valued and embedded in practice
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and commitment to the Kōhanga Reo kaupapa
• Holds a recognised New Zealand ECE (or primary) teaching qualification and current teacher registration
• Brings proven experience as a qualified ECE kaiako and is confident applying current ECE theory and Te Whāriki within practice
• Builds authentic and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
• Thrives within a collaborative, kaupapa-driven environment that values professional growth and collective success

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We are committed to supporting the growth and wellbeing of our kaimahi and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Above Full Pay Parity remuneration
• Five weeks annual leave, including closure over Christmas and Easter Tuesday
• Two paid professional development / teacher-only days per year
• Eligibility for both the University Te Reo Māori allowance and the Ministry of Education Waha Rumaki Te Reo Māori allowance
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Inclusive parental leave options, discounted parking and childcare, career development opportunities, and access to on-site amenities

For more information, please visit our staff benefits page. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Monday 01 June, 2026 to be considered.

Please include your CV and cover letter, sharing what you would bring to our kaupapa and how your experience, strengths, and commitment align with this role.

Please reach out to Rahera Shepherd (Kaiwhakahaere) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. 

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