Kaiako

The Haven Early Learning - Belmont; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended pay parity

Professional development

Small group size

Job summary

The Haven Early Learning - Belmont is seeking a kaiako to join our Belmont team for a fixed term to cover parental leave. You will build strong bonds with tamariki and whānau, follow individual rhythms, and document learning in a calm, natural setting.

We welcome both qualified and unqualified kaiako. A good grasp of Te Whāriki and a commitment to te reo Māori are essential, along with strong communication and collaboration within our small team.

Qualifications

• Experience with tamariki
• Good grasp of Te Whāriki and commitment to te reo and tikanga Māori
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach with whānau and colleagues

Responsibilities

• Building close relationships with tamariki and whānau.
• Following each child’s rhythms for care routines like sleep, kai and nappy changes.
• Creating calm, natural spaces where tamariki play and explore freely.
• Noticing and documenting each child’s learning and sharing it with whānau.
• Working with a small, supportive team that cares deeply about quality of care

Skills

Relationship building

Care routines

Observation

Team collaboration

Te Whāriki knowledge

Te reo Māori

Communication

Education

Registered kaiako

Job description

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About the role

The Haven is a small boutique early learning centre in Belmont. We believe tamariki deserve a strong connection to nature and to community. We have a small group size, so every child, whānau and kaiako feel a deep sense of belonging.

We’re looking for a kaiako to join our team for a fixed-term from (dates to be confirmed – will be minimum 6 months depending on start date) to cover parental leave.

What you’ll be doing

• Building close relationships with our tamariki and their whānau.
• Following each child’s own rhythms for care routines like sleep, kai and nappy changes.
• Creating calm, natural spaces where tamariki play and explore freely.
• Noticing and documenting each child’s learning and sharing it with whānau.
• Working with a small, supportive team that cares deeply about quality of care.

What we’re looking for

• We will consider both qualified (registered) kaiako and also unqualified kaiako.
• Experience with tamariki.
• A good grasp of Te Whāriki and a commitment to te reo and tikanga Māori.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative way of working with whānau and colleagues.

What we offer

• Extended pay parity.
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring, including support towards full certification for provisionally certificated teachers.
• Small group sizes and generous ratios in a calm, well-resourced environment.
• A warm team that supports your wellbeing and growth.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and will be required to complete police vetting and reference checks, as per the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014.

Position Full-time, Fixed-term (23 Nov 2026 to 16 Jul 2027)