Kaiako - Early Childhood Educator

Auckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 61,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above Full Pay Parity

Five weeks of annual leave

Discounted public Transport

Discounted parking and childcare

Superannuation/KiwiSaver

Inclusive parental leave

Professional development opportunities

On-site amenities

Job summary

Te Tupu o te Tōrea Early Learning Service within the University of Auckland’s City Campus seeks a passionate ECE kaiako. You will contribute to a supportive, high-quality learning environment with strong teacher-child ratios and a commitment to belonging and inclusivity.

You will work across a mixed-age setting in a permanent, full-time role (40 hours/week) with professional growth opportunities and pay parity benefits described in our pay structure.

Qualifications

• NZ qualified and certificated kaiako with sound pedagogical practice.
• Experience across mixed-age groups in a culturally diverse setting.
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki and responsive teaching.
• Willingness to grow te reo Māori and tikanga.
• Commitment to relationship-based, reflective practice and professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement intentional teaching strategies across age groups.
• Plan, assess, and maintain compliance with curriculum requirements.
• Collaborate within a team to support tamariki and whānau wellbeing.
• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster culturally safe learning environments.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

Skills

NZ qualified teacher

Certificated kaiako

Experience with mixed-age groups

Te Whāriki knowledge

Te reo Māori exposure

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Planning & assessment

Compliance knowledge

Education

NZ teaching qualification

Job description

• UoA Department Name: Early Childhood Centres

Job Description

Join Our Supportive Team of Passionate Early Childhood Educators!

Are you a New Zealand-trained and certified Kaiako looking for an inspiring and supportive workplace?

At Te Tupu o te Tōrea Early Learning Service, located in the heart of the University of Auckland’s City Campus, our centre is grounded in a strong sense of identity, place, and purpose. Built on a historical nesting ground for the tōrea (oystercatcher), our name reflects growth, protection, and belonging—values that guide our everyday practice.

We are proud to offer a home away from home for our diverse University community, where relationships are at the heart of everything we do. With exceptional teacher-child ratios, a thoughtfully designed environment, and a commitment to high-quality, intentional teaching, we create a space where both tamariki and kaiako can thrive.

Alongside a supportive team culture, we offer a range of staff benefits, including above full pay parity, making this an exciting opportunity to grow your career within a progressive and well-resourced service.

We are seeking a passionate and committed ECE qualified and Certificated Kaiako to join our team at Te Tupu o te Tōrea.

Our centre is licensed for 55 children aged 3 months to 6 years. This role works across our mixed-age setting, with flexibility to support tamariki across the full age range, reflecting the diverse needs of our community.

This is a permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week) with a rotational shift that changes fortnightly.

The salary range for this role is above full pay parity Step 1 - $60,701 to Step 11 - $101,719 (see our pay structure HERE ).

A full description of the role is available in the position description HERE

You are an enthusiastic and reflective kaiako who brings both heart and intention to your teaching practice. You are passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences and understand the importance of relationships, responsiveness, and intentional teaching.

You are confident working within a team, open to professional growth, and committed to ongoing learning. You value diversity and inclusion, and you strive to create an environment where all kaiako, tamariki and whānau feel a strong sense of belonging.

You bring a sound understanding of pedagogical practice, including Te Whāriki, and are competent in planning, assessment, and compliance requirements. You may already have some foundation in te reo Māori, or you are motivated to grow this as part of your teaching journey.

Most importantly, you are someone who takes pride in your practice, contributes positively to team culture, and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

We are seeking a passionate, reflective, and intentional kaiako who is committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative team culture.

You will:

• Be a New Zealand qualified and certificated teacher who demonstrates genuine care, respect, and advocacy for tamariki
• Bring experience working across all age groups, with strong confidence in supporting tamariki within a mixed-age environment, fostering holistic learning and development in a culturally diverse setting
• Demonstrate strong pedagogical knowledge, with the ability to design and implement intentional teaching strategies, and make learning visible through meaningful assessment and planning
• Show a clear understanding of Te Whāriki and how it informs curriculum design and responsive teaching practice
• Actively uphold and reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your practice, with a willingness to grow your understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori
• Build and sustain respectful, trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues, recognising the importance of whakawhanaungatanga
• Work collaboratively within a team, contributing to shared thinking, internal evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Be organised and proactive in managing planning, assessment, and compliance responsibilities
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, engaging in reflective practice, professional learning, and ongoing development
• Contribute positively to team culture, upholding professionalism and high standards of practice

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values , we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits , including:

• Above Full Pay Parity (see our pay structure HERE ) and five weeks of annual leave
• Discounted public Transport for permanent and long-term fixed term staff
• Discounted parking and childcare
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpu iMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz