Preschool Head Teacher

BestStart Petone; Wellington; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Pay Parity

Discounted childcare

Subsidised health insurance

EAP support

Clear career pathways

$2,000 Qualified Teacher referral

Additional leave after 10 years'

Job summary

BestStart Petone is looking for a passionate, qualified, and registered head teacher to lead our Te Moana Preschool Room. You will join a stable, experienced, and collaborative teaching team that values strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community.

This permanent, full-time position offers an opportunity to deliver high-quality learning programmes aligned with Te Whāriki, mentoring teachers, and building partnerships with whānau.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of programme planning, assessment, pedagogy, and curriculum.
• Understanding of ECE Regulations and Te Whāriki.
• Commitment to high-quality teaching and learning outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of teachers.
• Deliver high-quality learning programmes aligned with Te Whāriki.
• Build strong partnerships with children, whānau, and the community.
• Champion continuous improvement and teaching excellence.
• Support compliance and quality practice across the room.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum planning

Partnership building

Teaching excellence

Compliance and quality practice

Education

Bachelor of Education or Diploma in Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary)

Current New Zealand Teacher Certification

Job description

• Early learning / kōhanga reo
• Head 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

BestStart Petone is looking for a passionate, qualified, and registered head teacher to lead our Te Moana Preschool Room.

At BestStart Petone, we create a strong sense of belonging, wellbeing, and connection for every child and whānau. Our curriculum is inspired by the rich history, culture, and natural environment of Petone, with a focus on sustainability, localised learning, and play-based experiences that nurture curiosity and confidence.

You'll join a stable, experienced, and collaborative teaching team that values strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community. Conveniently located in the heart of Petone, our centre offers a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

About the role

This permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) will see you:

• Lead and mentor a team of teachers
• Deliver high-quality learning programmes aligned with Te Whāriki
• Build strong partnerships with children, whānau, and the community
• Champion continuous improvement and teaching excellence
• Support compliance and quality practice across the room

Our preschool programme focuses on developing curiosity, creativity, resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning, helping children thrive both at school and beyond.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor of Education or Diploma in Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary)
• Current New Zealand Teacher Certification
• Strong knowledge of programme planning, assessment, pedagogy, and curriculum
• Understanding of ECE Regulations and Te Whāriki
• A commitment to high-quality teaching and learning outcomes

Why BestStart?

• Full Pay Parity
• Discounted childcare
• Subsidised health insurance
• EAP support
• Clear career pathways
• $2,000 Qualified Teacher referral bonus*
• Additional leave after 10 years' service

Join the BestStart whānau and make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki every day.