Head teacher

Ranui Kindergarten (Invercargill); Southland; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused kindergarten is seeking a Head Teacher for a full-time, fixed-term position from February to October 2026. You will lead a skilled team and support high-quality teaching programmes while maintaining relationships with children and families. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) and be registered with the NZ Teaching Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact in a warm, inclusive setting.

Qualifications

• Registered with NZ Teaching Council.
• Current First Aid Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Lead a skilled and passionate team.
• Support high-quality teaching and learning programmes.
• Maintain strong relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Skills

Leadership experience

Passion for early childhood education

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in ECE or equivalent NZ recognized qualification

Job description

Head teacher

Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 23/02/2026, End Date: 30/10/2026 (Maternity Leave)

Early learning / kōhanga reo, Certificated teacher

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts, Belonging / Mana Whenua, Contribution / Mana Tangata, Communication / Mana Reo, Exploration / Mana Aotūroa, Well-being / Mana Atua

🌱 About Ranui Kindergarten

Ranui is a busy, full-year kindergarten with a strong sense of community and a commitment to high-quality learning. We operate a 30-child all-day model and proudly provide daily lunches for our tamariki, supporting the wellbeing of our children and whānau.

You’ll be joining an amazing, collaborative, and supportive team who bring energy, creativity, and professionalism to their mahi every day.

✨ About the role

• Reliever Head Kaiako (Parental Leave Cover)
• February – November 2026
• Lead a skilled and passionate team
• Support high-quality teaching and learning programmes
• Maintain strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community

🌼 We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings leadership experience or strong leadership capability
• Is confident, organised, and passionate about early childhood education
• Enjoys working in a dynamic, fast-paced kindergarten environment
• Values teamwork, communication, and high-quality practice

💛 Ready to lead at Ranui?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to guide this incredible team and support tamariki in a warm, active, and inclusive setting, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply you need to:

• Hold a Bachelors Degree in ECE (or equivalent NZ recognised qualification)
• Registered with NZ Teaching Council
• Current First Aid Certificate.

Sadly, we are unable to consider overseas applicants as we are unable to support visa requirements.

How to apply

To apply, send us your CV and cover letter. Please note that as we have several roles available you must state what role you are applying for otherwise you may not be considered for the role.

Type: Free Kindergarten
Maximum licenced places: 40

Physical address:

288 Nelson Street, Invercargill

Postal Address:

Invercargill, Invercargill 9840