Psychologist

New Zealand Government Joba; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government Joba in Tauranga seeks a Psychologist to join the Learning Support team and promote inclusive learning for children and young people with additional needs.

You will contribute to assessments, guidance for schools and families, and inter‑agency collaboration, with a strong emphasis on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable outcomes. Salary range is listed and applications close on 7 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Master's level qualification in Educational Psychology or equivalent.
• New Zealand Registered Psychologist with current practising certificate (or internship).
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information.
• Ability to co-ordinate multi‑agency, trans-disciplinary service provision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse settings.
• Understand and apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and tangata whenatanga.
• Full driver's licence for travel.

Responsibilities

• As a Psychologist, identify patterns influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Enhance inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other settings.
• Provide professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families.
• Build capacity of those who support learning in children and young people.
• Provide in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for interventions.
• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team for complex needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Cultural competency

Education

Master's degree in Educational Psychology or equivalent

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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

Permanent, full-time. Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. We are looking for a Psychologist to be part of a close-knit, community-focused team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning support needs. We would also be keen to receive applications from candidates who have recently completed or will soon be completing a psychology internship.

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

• identifying patterns or contributing factors that may be influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour
• enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools and other educational settings
• providing professional support and guidance to schools, teachers and families
• building the capacity of those who are best placed to support the learning of children and young people
• providing appropriate in-depth 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

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. (See the following link for more information on Tauranga as a destination: Welcome to the Bay of Plenty).

Salary range: $85,916 - $126,500 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• a master's level tertiary qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent
• be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act and hold a current practising certificate (or be registered under an internship)
• the ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information
• the ability to contribute your specialist skills and co-ordinate service provision within multi-agency, trans-disciplinary settings
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with ākonga/learners, whānau/families and kaiako/teachers across a diverse range of settings
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiririti o Waitangi and tangata whenatanga
• a full driver licence as travel will be required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. Learning Support is a critical part of Te Mahau | Education Services in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring that children and young people with additional learning needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education. Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

(Please see the following link: Recruitment within Learning Support - Careers in Education).

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email [e-mail].

Applications close Midnight - Wednesday 7 October 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.