Psychologist - Whakatane

Kumara Vine; Whakatāne; Remote; NZD 85,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Mahau | Education Services in Whakatāne seeks a qualified psychologist to join the Learning Support team for a fixed-term Parental Leave cover. You will support learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and work across schools and early learning settings to promote inclusion.

The role requires NZ registration, a postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology, and a current practising certificate, with travel as needed. Salary reflecting experience is offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s level qualification in educational psychology or equivalent.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology or equivalent.
• Be a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with a current practising certificate.
• Ability to translate specialist knowledge into practical information.
• Ability to co-ordinate service provision within multi‑agency, trans‑disciplinary settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ākonga/learners, whānau/families and kaiako.
• Understand and apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga.
• Full driver licence as travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Identify patterns or factors 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.
• Provide in-depth specialist assessment and analysis for interventions.
• Work as part of a trans-disciplinary team when needs are complex.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Cultural awareness

Driver's license

Education

Master’s level qualification

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology

NZ Registered Psychologist

Practising certificate

Job description

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 ākonga in our education system.

Fixed term, full-time (Parental Leave cover until August 2027)

Whakatāne, 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.

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 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 collaboratively planned evidence-informed interventions
• working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex.

This is a fixed term, full-time role providing Parental Leave cover for a 6-month period through to February 2027. This role is based at our Whakatāne Office in one of New Zealand's sunniest locations, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Whakatāne is the cultural hub of the Whakatāne District which has many local attractions that showcase the rich heritage and history of the area.

Applicants who live in Tauranga, Rotorua or the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and who are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $85,416-$126,000 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

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 practicing certificate
• 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 Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga
• a full driver licence as travel will be required

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 )

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 4 November 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.