Centre Manager/Registered Teacher

Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre; Waitakere Ranges; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

35 hours/week

Professional development

Non-contact time

Staff meetings & renewals

Job summary

Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre in Waitakere, NZ, seeks a Centre Manager/Registered Teacher to lead an established team in a nature-based learning environment. You will guide the educational programme, people, and day-to-day operations on a hands-on leadership level.

The role requires NZ ECE registration, leadership experience, and a passion for child-led, authentic learning aligned with Te Whāriki. Enjoy a unique 10-acre Swanson setting and opportunities to grow the centre with the owners.

Qualifications

• Holds current NZ ECE teaching registration.
• Has previous leadership or management experience in ECE.
• Has a strong understanding of Te Whāriki, licensing requirements and ERO expectations.
• Is an authentic, approachable and confident people leader.
• Builds strong relationships with teachers, children and whānau.
• Has excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Is passionate about quality early childhood education.
• Shares our belief in child-led learning, nature and authentic experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of 100% registered teachers.
• Build a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Develop strong relationships with children, whānau and the wider community.
• Lead high-quality teaching and learning aligned with Te Whāriki.
• Support teacher development through mentoring and professional development.
• Oversee centre operations, staffing, compliance and quality improvement.
• Ensure Ministry of Education licensing requirements are met.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the continued growth of the centre.
• Build community connections and support enrolment growth.
• Work closely with the owners to achieve the centre's vision and goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Problem-solving

Relationship-building

Education

NZ ECE teaching registration

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre - Waitakere, North Island

Position Centre Manager/Registered Teacher

We are looking for a Centre Manager/Registered Teacher to lead a unique ECE centre where nature, relationships and authentic learning come first.Are you an experienced ECE leader who is passionate about people, relationships and creating exceptional learning environments? Farm Friends is looking for a Centre Manager / Registered Teacher to lead our established and passionate team.

Set on a beautiful 10-acre lifestyle block in Swanson, just five minutes from Henderson, Farm Friends provides a unique environment where children aged 2-6 can explore, discover and learn through authentic experiences in nature. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be part of the teaching team while also leading the centre's people, educational programme and day-to-day operations.

About the role

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of 100% registered teachers
• Build a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture
• Develop strong relationships with children, whānau and the wider community
• Lead high-quality teaching and learning aligned with Te Whāriki
• Support teacher development through mentoring and professional development
• Oversee centre operations, staffing, compliance and quality improvement
• Ensure Ministry of Education licensing requirements are met
• Contribute to strategic planning and the continued growth of the centre
• Build community connections and support enrolment growth
• Work closely with the owners to achieve the centre's vision and goals

About you

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds current NZ ECE teaching registration
• Has previous leadership or management experience in ECE
• Has a strong understanding of Te Whāriki, licensing requirements and ERO expectations
• Is an authentic, approachable and confident people leader
• Builds strong relationships with teachers, children and whānau
• Has excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
• Is passionate about quality early childhood education
• Shares our belief in child-led learning, nature and authentic experiences

Most importantly, you're someone who is happy to get stuck in — whether that's supporting teachers, exploring the paddocks with tamariki, climbing trees, caring for animals or getting covered in mud!

What we offer

• Competitive salary aligned with Extended Pay Parity, with additional remuneration available depending on experience
• 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• A strong, established team of 100% registered teachers
• Scheduled weekly non-contact time
• Paid staff meetings, first aid certification and teaching practice certificate renewals
• A supportive environment that values professional growth
• The opportunity to shape the future of a unique and growing centre

Hours

35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with alternating shifts between:

8:00am-4:30pm | 9:00am-5:30pm | 9:30am-3:30pm