Hato Ōpani Kaiwhakahaere - Te Tikanga Rua Reo 2026

St Albans School; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded educational institution in Christchurch is seeking a Kaiwhakahaere to lead its bilingual pathway, promoting te reo Māori and embedding cultural practices into its educational approach. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative environment focused on inclusive and strength-based education. Candidates should be fluent in te reo Māori and committed to nurturing the language's use in the community. Application closes on 10 October 2025.

Benefits

Release and mentoring for leadership growth

Supportive Board and SLT

Community engagement opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading a bilingual educational environment.
• Strong understanding of teaching methodologies in a dual-language setting.
• Ability to engage with community and stakeholders in Māori culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bilingual pathway in the school.
• Guide and mentor staff in dual-language education.
• Foster a strong relationship with students, families, and the community.

Skills

Fluency in te reo Māori

Strong pedagogy in literacy and numeracy

Commitment to Mātauranga Māori

Building strong relationships

Leadership with courage and collaboration

Job description

Hato Ōpani Kaiwhakahaere - Te Tikanga Rua Reo 2026

St Albans School Canterbury

Position: Full time, Permanent

Location: Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi

Role: Kaiwhakahaere to lead Te Tikanga Rua Reo, Christchurch’s first bilingual pathway and a taonga of our kura. Guide a thriving dual-language space grounded in reo Māori me ōna tikanga and strengthened by evidence-based practice.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is fluent in te reo Māori and/or committed to deepening proficiency.
• Brings strong pedagogy in literacy and numeracy, including Structured Literacy and explicit instruction.
• Teaches and leads to the North-East; relational, inclusive, strength-based, aspirational.
• Embeds Mātauranga Māori in practice, or is committed to growing knowledge of te ao Māori.
• Builds strong whanaungatanga with tamariki, whānau, kaiako, iwi, and kura leadership.
• Leads with courage and collaboration, lifting reo, tikanga, and achievement.

What we offer:

• A kura where biculturalism is woven throughout — English and Māori Medium learning together.
• Release and mentoring to support leadership growth.
• A committed Board and SLT who share the reo/tikanga load across the kura.
• Strong whānau voice, and a proud history of reo revitalisation in Ōtautahi.

This is more than a role — it’s a chance to safeguard and grow a kaupapa with deep roots, a strong present, and a powerful future.

If you are ready to lead with vision, reo, and aroha — this is the role for you.

Application: Send cover letter, CV with referees to [e-mail] by Friday 10 October 2025, 12pm.

How to apply

Please send your CV, and direct enquiries to:

Diane Mawhinney
17 Sheppard Place, St Albans, Christchurch
[e-mail]
[phone]

Download our application form
Team Leader JD 26 3 v2.0

Vacancy reference #: 1HAosJ

Listed 2:15 pm 02 September 2025 Closes 12pm 10 October 2025

School details

School: St Albans School

Type: Contributing

Authority: State

Gender: Co-Ed

Decile: 0

Roll: 574

Website: http://www.stalbans.school.nz

School number: 3518

Physical address:
17 Sheppard Place, St Albans, Christchurch

Postal Address:
17 Sheppard Place, Saint Albans, Christchurch, 8014

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