5 Teacher Positions

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19); Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Ohanui Palmerston North Specialist School invites five teachers to join a brand-new specialist school opening in 2027. You will deliver personalised learning for ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex needs, in partnership with whānau, in-house therapists, teacher aides, and specialists.

We value joy, inclusion and relationship-based learning. You will lead through collaboration, coaching and a strengths-based belief in each learner's potential, helping to shape the culture, systems and

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with diverse and complex needs.
• Strong relational and positive behaviour support practices.
• Commitment to inclusive and evidence-informed teaching.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with whānau and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to creating joyful and engaging learning environments.
• Current New Zealand teacher registration and relevant qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalised learning that nurtures communication, wellbeing, independence and achievement.
• Lead through collaboration, coaching and a strengths-based belief in learner potential.
• Help shape the culture, systems and learning of a brand-new specialist school.

Skills

Diverse needs experience

Relational behaviour support

Inclusive teaching

Te Tiriti knowledge

Partnerships with whānau

Communication skills

Joyful learning

NZ teacher registration

Job description

Kia tupu, kia hua | To grow, to flourish

This is a rare opportunity to join the staffteam of Palmerston North's newest school. Opening in Term 3, 2027, Te Ohanui will be the first specialist school established in Aotearoa New Zealand in 50 years, supporting up to 125 ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs.

We are seeking 5 passionate teachers to help create a school where every ākonga is known, valued, and supported to thrive. In partnership with whānau,in-housetherapists, teacher aides, andspecialists, you will deliver personalised learning that nurtures communication, wellbeing, independence, and achievement.

At Te Ohanui, we believe joy matters. We are looking for teachers who foster inclusive, relationship-based environments where learners and adults experience connection, belonging, and success. Teachers will lead through collaboration, coaching, and a strengths-based belief in the potential of every learner.

You will bring:

• experience supporting learners with diverse and complex needs, or a strong commitment to developing this expertise.

• strong relational and positive behaviour support practices

• a commitment to inclusive and evidence-informed teaching

• knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice

• the ability to build strong partnerships with whānau and multidisciplinary teams

• excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

• a commitment to creating joyful and engaging learning environments

• current New Zealand teacher registration and relevant qualifications.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, systems, and learning of a brand-new specialist school and make a lasting contribution to specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Start date: Term 2, 2027.