Psychologist

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand in Whanganui is seeking two full-time permanent Psychologists to join our Learning Support team. You will work in a trans-disciplinary environment focusing on complex needs of learners and provide specialist assessments and guidance to schools, teachers, and families.

You must be NZ Registered or Intern, with a Master's and Diploma in Educational Psychology, culturally responsive practice, and a valid driver's license; travel is expected.

Qualifications

• NZ Registered Psychologist with current practising certificate or Intern status.
• Master’s level qualification and a Post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.
• Ability to engage with ākonga, whānau and kaiako across diverse settings.

Responsibilities

• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings.
• Providing professional support and guidance to early learning centres, schools, teachers and families.
• Providing appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned interventions.
• Working in a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• Opportunity to participate in project work, and targeted or universal work.

Skills

Communication

Cultural awareness

Māori knowledge

Educational psychology

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree

Post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology

NZ Registered Psychologist

Job description

Help shape the future of Education

excellent outcomes

• 2 Fulltime, permanent Psychologist positions available
• Based in our Whanganui office
• Come and work as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex

Date advertised: 4 Aug 2026

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Whanganui, NZ

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• 2 Fulltime, permanent Psychologist positions available
• Based in our Whanganui office
• Come and work as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex

As a Psychologist you will play a critical role in our region's Learning Support team by:

• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings
• Providing professional support and guidance to early learning centres, schools, teachers and families and building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people
• Providing appropriate specialist assessment and analysis for collaboratively planned, evidence informed interventions
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• There may also be opportunities for involvement in project work, as well as individual casework, targeted (group) work, and universal (systems level) work.
• ‘Thinking outside the box' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students.
• There may the opportunity to develop a specialist area of service delivery to best serve learners across the region.

Salary range: $85,916 - $126,500 per annum + KiwiSaver

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practicing certificate OR be registered as an Intern.

You will have a master’s level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing or relationship and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• To demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga, whānau and Kaiako across a diverse range of settings.
• Ability to translate practitioner knowledge into practical information to upskill the adults around a child.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision in a multi-agency, trans-disciplinary setting.
• A full current driver's licence is essential. Travel across the district is a requirement of the role.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau. To better deliver on this, we are currently undergoing an organisational design change.a highly flexible work environment, great opportunities for progression, etc.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau │ Education Services is the key interface between Te Mahau | Ministry of Education and education providers. It is our role to ensure that sector leaders and the communities in which they operate have access to the expertise, programmes and resources that will allow our children and young people to reach their full potential.

We give effect to government and ministry policy and support education and community leadership within a self-managing system, to bring about the positive changes required to lift aspiration and raise educational achievement for all.

For further information, please contact Jillian Watt, Service Manager at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 30 August 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.