Classroom Kaiako

Hampden Street School; Nelson; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampden Street School in Nelson, NZ, seeks a kaiako for a fixed-term maternity leave in the new entrant area (Year 0 to 1). This full-time role begins 27 January 2027 and runs until the end of maternity leave.

The successful applicant will build strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, support transitions from early childhood to school, and contribute to an inclusive, collaborative teaching culture focused on literacy and mathematics.

Qualifications

• Kaiako for fixed-term maternity leave position.
• Strong, learning-focused relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues.
• Supports transitions from early childhood education into school.
• Works collaboratively in a supportive team culture.
• Demonstrates culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices.
• Promotes student agency, creativity and hands-on learning.
• Reflects on practice and pursues ongoing professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Builds strong, learning-focused relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues.
• Understands developmental and learning needs of New Entrant ākonga.
• Supports positive transitions from early childhood education into school.
• Works collaboratively and contributes to a supportive team culture.
• Demonstrates culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive pedagogy.

Job description

Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 26/01/2027, End Date: 15/12/2026 (Maternity leave)

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacher
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Maternityleave position, Year 0 to 1.

Hampden Street School is seeking an enthusiastic and adaptive kaiako for a fixed-term maternity leave position in our new entrant area.

We are a progressive, well-resourced contributing primary school with approximately 440 ākonga, situated in the heart of Nelson. Our collaborative staff are committed to creating innovative, inclusive and engaging learning environments in which every learner is known, valued and supported to thrive.

We are looking for a kaiako who:

• builds strong, learning-focused relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues
• understands the developmental and learning needs of New Entrant ākonga
• supports positive transitions from early childhood education into school
• works collaboratively and contributes positively to a supportive team culture
• demonstrates culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices
• promotes student agency, creativity and active, hands-on learning
• responds effectively to diverse learning needs, including neurodiverse learners
• has sound curriculum knowledge, particularly in early literacy and mathematics
• reflects on their practice and is committed to ongoing professional growth.

Our school offers excellent facilities, strong community connections and a shared commitment to our motto: Piki ake ki ngā whetū – Reach for the stars.

The position startson 27 January 2027.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.

An application pack and further information about our kura are available from the school.