Assistant Whānau Leader (4 positions)

Tuakau College; Waikato; On-site; NZD 71,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuakau College in New Zealand seeks an Assistant Whānau Leader for Year 7–13 composite schooling, on a fixed-term contract from 28 January 2027 to 27 January 2028. This role sits within the pastoral leadership team, focusing on student achievement, attendance, engagement and wellbeing.

You will work with the Whānau Leader to monitor progress, coordinate interventions, promote restorative practices and foster belonging for all learners within a collaborative school community.

Qualifications

• Overseas applicants require a three-year specialist degree Level 7 with a one-year teacher training Level 7.
• NZ teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years’ classroom experience.
• Salary and conditions aligned to the Secondary Teachers Collective Agreement 2002-2025.

Responsibilities

• Monitor student achievement, attendance and wellbeing across a Year level.
• Coordinate effective support and interventions with students, whānau, tutors and teachers.
• Promote positive behaviour and restorative practices.
• Contribute to the leadership of Tutor and Whare programmes.
• Foster identity, belonging and connectedness for all learners; build partnerships with whānau and the wider school community.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Relationship building

Student-centred approach

Collaboration with whānau

Education

Three-year specialist degree Level 7

Teacher training Level 7

Job description

Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 28/01/2027, End Date: 27/01/2028 (Pilot programme - Whānau Hybrid Model)

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Middle leadership

• English
• Health and physical education
• Learning languages
• Mathematics and statistics
• Science
• Social sciences
• Technology
• Te reo Māori
• The arts

2MMA's

We are seeking highly relational and student-centred educators to join our pastoral leadership team as Assistant Whānau Leaders within our Year 7 – Year 13 composite school structure. This is a fixed-term position commencing 28 th January 2027 and ending 27 th January 2028 (2MMA’s).

Working alongside the Whānau Leader, the Assistant Whānau Leader plays a key role in supporting student achievement, attendance, engagement, wellbeing, and belonging across a designated Year Level and Whānau. This role is ideal for a teacher who is passionate about building strong relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

The successful applicants will:

• support the monitoring of student achievement, attendance, and wellbeing
• work closely with students, whānau, tutors, and teachers to coordinate effective support and interventions
• promote positive behaviour, restorative practices, and student engagement
• contribute to the leadership of Tutor and Whare programmes
• foster a strong sense of identity, belonging, and connectedness for all learners
• build positive partnerships with whānau and the wider school community.

This role offers an opportunity for experienced or emerging pastoral leaders to develop their leadership capability while contributing to a collaborative and student-focused team.

For overseas applicants you are required to have a three-year specialist degree at Level 7 with a one-year teacher training Level 7 qualification. It is an advantage to have New Zealand teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council. You must have a least 5 years’ experience in the classroom. Your conditions of work and salary are based on the Secondary Teachers Collective Agreement 2002-2025. The salary range is from $70779 ($34.02/hr) to $103086 ($49.56/hr). A salary assessment needs to be completed to decide the salary grade you will be placed on.

Join us in creating a culture where every learner feels connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.