Kaiako | Early Childhood Educator – Hineteiwaiwa Te Kōhanga Reo

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have a long-standing team, so this is a rare opportunity to join Hineteiwaiwa Kōhanga Reo. We are seeking a warm, committed kaiako | Early Childhood Educator to join our close-knit team. This role suits someone who values strong relationships, enjoys working with mixed-age groups, and is passionate about supporting tamariki through a Māori worldview.

With exceptional teacher-child ratios, our service is licensed for 25 children aged 7 months to 6 years. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative, and progressive care, learning, and teaching for our future generations.

This role is ideal for a certified Kaiako, who is able to use te reo on a daily basis, and thrives in a mixed-age setting, enjoys collaborating within a strong team culture, and is deeply committed to fostering positive learning experiences for tamariki and whānau.

• This is a permanent, part-time position (32 hours per week). It is rostered 8.00am - 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, or Tuesday to Friday.
• The salary range for this role is above full pay parity (see our pay structure HERE).
• A full description of your duties and the role are provided in the position description linked HERE.

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 of annual leave (including every Christmas and Easter Tuesday)
• Two paid professional development teacher only days per year
• Certified kaiako are eligible for a University Te Reo Māori allowance and a Ministry of Education Waha Rumaki Te Reo Māori allowance
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Inclusive parental leave options, discounted parking & childcare, and career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be joining Hinēteiwaiwa, a teacher-led Kōhanga Reo based alongside Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland. Our kaupapa is firmly grounded in te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori, nurturing tamariki as the leaders of tomorrow.

You bring a genuine connection to te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, through whakapapa, lived experience, or active engagement in kaupapa Māori. You are comfortable using te reo Māori in everyday practice, or you are strongly motivated to continue growing your reo. You value whanaungatanga and work well as part of a team, contributing positively to a supportive and collaborative environment.

You create a warm, inclusive space where tamariki and whānau feel welcomed, respected, and supported. You are reflective in your practice, open to learning, and committed to ongoing professional and personal growth in order to support positive learning outcomes for tamariki.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Able to use te reo on a daily basis and demonstrates mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori, and commitment to Kōhanga Reo Kaupapa.
• Is a New Zealand–qualified and registered ECE kaiako, or is in their final year of study
• Applies current ECE theory and Te Whāriki to practice, and is reflective and self‑motivated
• Communicates confidently and respectfully, building strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment that values whanaungatanga and ongoing professional learning

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 10 May 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

If you want to know more about this amazing opportunity, contact Rahera Shepherd (Kaiwhakahaere) [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