Puketapu Kindergarten Fixed Term 1-year Parental Leave as a full-time Teacher

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens; Taranaki; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens is seeking an enthusiastic ECE kaiako for a fixed-term 1-year parental leave at Puketapu Kindergarten in Bell Block, Taranaki. The role runs 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, starting 23 November 2026 and ending 27 November 2027, to support high-quality early childhood learning and strong whānau partnerships.

You will weave te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily practice, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to sustainability projects with Enviroschools

Qualifications

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to weave te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily activities.
• Strong partnerships with whānau and communities.
• Experience supporting social and emotional development in tamariki.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental projects such as Enviroschools.

Skills

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Te Reo Māori

Tikanga Māori

Partnerships with whānau

Sustainability / kaitiakitanga

Team collaboration

Job description

Puketapu Kindergarten Fixed Term 1-year Parental Leave as a full-time Teacher

• Teaching
• Taranaki
• Fixed Term or Temporary

14/10/2026

AtHe Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens (WMK), we're proud to support over135 kindergartensacross the regions ofTaranaki, Whanganui, Central Plateau, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Kāpiti, Porirua, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt,Wairarapa andSouth Otago. We also offer a uniquehome-based service, Etu Ao, inPoriruaandLevin, with a special focus onPacific families.

We believe thathigh-quality early childhood educationis a powerful force—for children, their whānau, their communities, and for the future ofAotearoa New Zealand. Our vision is to be anational leaderin early childhood education, setting the standard and advocating for excellence and access across the country.

At the heart of everything we do are our values:

• Nurturing the mana of the child- Honouring each child's unique identity and potential
• Kounga | Quality- Striving for excellence in every aspect of our services
• Pono | Integrity- Acting with honesty, respect, and transparency
• Kaitiakitanga | Stewardship and sustainability
• Mahi Tahi | Partnership- Working together with whānau and communities

Today, more than6,000 childrenare part of the Whānau Manaaki kindergarten family, with an additional150 childrenenrolled in ourEtu Aohome-based programme. Together, we're building strong foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

These places provide meaningful opportunities for tamariki to connect with and explore their local environment. We also enjoy a strong relationship with Puketapu Kura, regularly participating in school events and supporting smooth transitions for children and whānau as they move on to school.

Puketapu Kindergarten has a roll of 40 children and operates from 8:00am to 4:30pm, with children attending between 8:45am and 2:45pm.

Community Description:

Puketapu Kindergarten is located in the heart of Bell Block, a growing and close-knit community rich in history, where strong relationships and a sense of belonging are highly valued. Bell Block has a deep historical and cultural heritage, with local stories and places of significance that continue to shape the identity of the area today. We are fortunate to be surrounded by a range of community spaces, including the local library, cafe, supermarkets, the velodrome, Bell Block Beach, and nearby bush walkways.

Work Profile:

Fixed Term 1-year Parental Leave as a full-time Teacher commencing 23 November 2026 and ending 27 November 2027.

Total hours per week 40 hours

Monday to Friday 8.00 - 4.30pm

We are looking for an enthusiastic ECE kaiako who:

• Is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te reo Māori and tikanga Māori authentically throughout their practice, and fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where all tamariki and whānau feel seen, respected, valued, experience a strong sense of belonging, and are supported to thrive.
• Values genuine partnerships with whānau and recognises the important role these relationships play in supporting children's learning and wellbeing.
• Demonstrates strong skills in supporting tamariki social and emotional development, helping children build friendships, develop resilience and self-regulation, and navigate challenges with empathy and respect.
• Is passionate about sustainability and kaitiakitanga and is excited to support our involvement in Enviroschools, including our gardening programme and opportunities for tamariki to connect with and care for the natural world.
• Actively contributes to a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming team culture, helping to make Puketapu Kindergarten a special place to learn and grow

Applications close on: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 at 11.45pm