Head teacher - Kaiako kaiārahi

Otago University Childcare Association - Te Pā; Otago; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A bilingual early childhood centre is seeking a kaiako kaiārahi to lead a team in nurturing relationships with tamariki and their whānau. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership experience and be fluent in te reo Māori. This role offers full pay parity of $101,120 annually among a supportive community-focused environment that celebrates Māori culture.

Benefits

Full pay parity - $101,120 per year

10 hours of non-contact time per week

Collaborative and supportive leadership team

Welcoming environment for te ao Māori

Strong community support

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered ECE teacher or willingness to train.
• High level of fluency in te reo Māori required.
• Leadership experience in an early learning setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated team of kaiako and a centre cook.
• Nurture relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community.
• Weave te reo Māori and tikaka into the daily rhythm of the centre.

Skills

Fluency in te reo Māori

Leadership experience

Commitment to kaupapa Māori education

Team culture values

Education

Qualified ECE teacher or willingness to train

Job description

Full time, Permanent

Lead with purpose – champion te reo Māori in a unique bilingual learning environment.

Te Pārekereke o Te Kī is a kaupapa-driven early learning centre, founded by Kāi Tahu and supported by the Otago University Childcare Association (OUCA). We are proud to be the only bilingual early childhood centre in Ōtepoti where te reo me ōna tikaka Māori guide every aspect of the curriculum and daily life.

Our centre welcomes up to 30 tamariki each day, including 12 under the age of two, and is one of five centres that make up the OUCA whānau.

As kaiako kaiārahi / head teacher, you will lead a dedicated team of seven qualified or in-training kaiako and a centre cook. You’ll bring our kaupapa to life by nurturing relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community, and by weaving te reo me ōna tikaka Māori through the daily rhythm of the centre.

You'll be supported in your role by the OUCA manager, administrator, and the head teachers of our four other centres. No two days are the same, with variety, richness, and strong community connection built into your mahi.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified and registered ECE teacher – or willing to complete their training
• Has a high level of fluency in te reo Māori and a deep understanding of tikaka Māori
• Has leadership experience in an early learning setting
• Shows professional commitment to high-quality, kaupapa Māori early childhood education
• Values whakawhanaukataka and inclusive team culture

What we offer:

• Full pay parity – $101,120 per year
• 10 hours of non-contact time per week
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team across five centres
• A warm, welcoming environment where te ao Māori is lived and celebrated
• Strong whānau and community support

How to apply

Please send your CV, and cover letter to:

Otago University Childcare Association - Te Pā