Psychologist

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington, Masterton District; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Education Services Group of the New Zealand Government invites applications for a full-time Psychologist based in Masterton. You will join our Learning Support team to provide specialist assessments, support schools, teachers and families, and contribute to evidence-based interventions across the region.

You will work within a trans-disciplinary team, bring Te Ao Māori-informed practice, and help translate practitioner knowledge into practical upskilling for adults supporting children and

Qualifications

• NZ Registered Psychologist with current practicing certificate OR registered as an Intern completing internship by end of 2026.
• Master's level qualification and a Post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence and travel across the region is required.

Responsibilities

• Identify patterns or factors influencing learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Enhance inclusive practices in early learning services, schools, Kura and educational settings.
• Contribute to trauma informed and mana-enhancing practice in schools and Kura.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Te Tiriti knowledge

Cultural competence

Communication skills

Education

NZ Registered Psychologist

Master's in Educational Psychology

Diploma in Educational Psychology

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur 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

We have an exciting opportunity for a psychologist to join our Masterton based team in a full time and permanent position. 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, well-being and behaviour
• Enhancing inclusive practices in early learning services, schools, Kura and other educational settings
• Contributing to development of Mana enhancing and trauma informed practice in schools and Kura
• Providing professional support and guidance to 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 in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for evidenced informed interventions, including use of practice models informed by Te Ao Māori.
• Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child's needs are complex.
• 'Thinking outside the box' and collaboration with others is encouraged, to ensure positive outcomes for students.

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

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 who is completing an internship at the end of 2026. You will have a master's level tertiary qualification and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent. You must have a full New Zealand drivers' licence or equivalent as travel across the region is a requirement of the position.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to develop and interact effectively with people of other cultures focusing on relationships and recognising their identity, language and culture as a source of strength.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• 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
• Experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Working in the Wairarapa offers the opportunity to have all the advantages of being close to a big city but also the benefits of a small town. We have no traffic lights in the Wairarapa! The rents and house prices are reasonable, we have easy access to beaches, rivers, tramping and cycling trails as well as award winning vineyards and restaurants! Our climate is warmer than Wellington and the people are very friendly. Our team use Fleet cars to travel to schools and early learning services. You will be joining a large supportive multidisciplinary team with the benefit of newly renovated office premises.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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

For further information, please contact Kerry McBride Service Manager [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight - Sunday, 18 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.