Ece Kaiako - Pakuranga Kindergarten

Auckland Kindergarten Association; Auckland; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualifications

• Qualified, registered ECE Kaiako with current certification.
• Experience in early childhood education and play-based learning.
• Commitment to bicultural practice and Te reo Māori.

Responsibilities

• Inspire tamariki through play-based learning that fosters curiosity.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community.
• Celebrate cultural diversity and embed bicultural practice.
• Incorporate sustainability and kaitiakitanga in daily teaching.
• Contribute to planning, assessment, and internal evaluation.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to grow as an educator.

Job description

Permanent position | Join a passionate and dedicated teaching team

• Be part of a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment
• Inspire tamariki through play, discovery, and connection to nature
• Competitive salary and great professional growth opportunities

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi

Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work

Welcome to Pakuranga Kindergarten | Nau mai ki te Kura Kohungahunga o Pakuranga

At Pakuranga Kindergarten, every day is a journey of discovery. Our kindergarten is a vibrant, enriching space that nurtures young minds and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Tamariki are at the centre of everything we do, supported by an inspiring environment, a passionate teaching team, and a philosophy grounded in Te Whāriki.

Why choose Pakuranga Kindergarten?

• Inspired learning: We believe every tamaiti is a unique and capable learner. Our kaiako build warm, respectful relationships to create a strong sense of belonging and security.
• Passionate kaiako: Our team is skilled in supporting tamariki to develop essential life skills, social confidence, and emotional competence, including through the Incredible Years Teacher Programme.
• Expansive outdoors: Our large outdoor environment encourages tamariki to explore, take risks, and develop physical confidence while fostering a love for nature and healthy lifestyles.
• Our philosophy: Empowering tamariki to make decisions, find their voice, and develop mana sits at the heart of our programme. We also work alongside whānau to embed sustainable practices and kaitiakitanga of Papatūānuku.
• Cultural pride: We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embed tikanga Māori and te reo Māori into our daily practice, while also celebrating the diverse cultures that enrich our kindergarten community.

About the Role

We are seeking a qualified and registered ECE Kaiako to join our teaching team at Pakuranga Kindergarten. This is a permanent position where you will work collaboratively with colleagues, whānau, and the community to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and play-based learning experiences.

As a Kaiako, you will:

• Inspire tamariki through play-based learning that fosters curiosity, creativity, and resilience
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community
• Celebrate and embrace cultural diversity while embedding bicultural practice
• Incorporate sustainability and kaitiakitanga into daily teaching practices
• Actively contribute to planning, assessment, and internal evaluation processes
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to continually grow as an educator

What we’re looking for

Our ideal candidate will be:

• A qualified, registered, and certificated ECE Kaiako
• An experienced educator, ideally with over 10 years of teaching experience in early childhood education
• Passionate about early childhood education and play-based learning
• Confident and knowledgeable in bicultural practice, with the ability to meaningfully integrate te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and tikanga Māori into everyday teaching and learning
• Inclusive, flexible, and sensitive to the diverse learning needs of tamariki
• Collaborative, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Someone with a great sense of humour, a positive attitude, and the ability to bring warmth, fun, and enthusiasm to our teaching team
• Dedicated to sustainability, naturally weaving kaitiakitanga into teaching and learning
• Skilled in planning, assessment, and documentation to ensure positive outcomes for tamariki

Why join us?

Ngā Tamariki Puāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) offers:

• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of tamariki

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our team, experience our learning environment, and gain a genuine sense of our kindergarten's philosophy, values, and culture.

Applications close 31st October 2026 at 12.00pm (unless filled prior).

For terms and conditions of this position, please refer to the Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers, and Senior Teachers’ Collective Agreement 2023–2026.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand.