Qualified Teacher (BestStart Highfield)

Best Start; Timaru; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised health insurance

Free annual flu vaccinations

Confidential counselling (EAP)

Sick leave from day one

Additional leave after 10 years

Discounted childcare

Job summary

BestStart Highfield in Timaru is seeking a Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our Over 2’s team, full-time (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday). You’ll nurture tamariki, build strong relationships with whānau, and support development in a warm, home-like centre.

The role emphasizes child-led learning, Te Whāriki knowledge, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments within a collaborative team dedicated to growth and high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Strong collaboration and relationship-building with tamariki and whānau.
• Commitment to high standards of practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Ability to contribute to curriculum planning and reflective practice.

Responsibilities

• Support energetic and curious tamariki in a nurturing environment.
• Foster strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues.
• Contribute to curriculum planning and delivery aligned with Te Whāriki.
• Collaborate with a supportive team to create meaningful learning experiences.

Education

BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current New Zealand Teacher Certification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Are you a passionate and dedicated teacher looking for a centre where relationships, belonging, and community are at the heart of everything we do?

At BestStart Highfield, we pride ourselves on creating a genuine "home away from home" for our tamariki, whānau, and teaching team. Our warm, intimate centre fosters strong connections and meaningful partnerships, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and supported to thrive.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to meeting the individual, cultural, and developmental needs of every child. Through strong relationships with parents, whānau, and our wider community, we create rich learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Why BestStart Highfield?

Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and collaborative environment where teachers are encouraged to grow, share ideas, and make a lasting difference in children's lives.

At BestStart, we're proud to be a progressive leader in the ECE sector, and we've opted into FULL Pay Parity.

We also offer:

• A supportive mentoring and induction programme
• Ongoing professional learning through our online platform, Whare Ako
• Career development opportunities and pathways for growth
• Leadership development programmes for current and aspiring leaders
• Discounted childcare
• Refer a qualified teacher and receive $2,000*

Your wellbeing matters to us:

• Subsidised health insurance (eligibility criteria apply)
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Confidential counselling through EAP
• Wellbeing initiatives and support programmes
• Sick leave from your first day of employment
• An additional week of leave after 10 years of service

About the Role

We're looking for a Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our Over 2's working full time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

This role focuses on supporting our energetic and curious tamariki providing a nurturing and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, build relationships, and develop a strong sense of wellbeing and belonging.

Our rooms are thoughtfully designed to support the developmental needs of tamariki. You'll work alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that help every child flourish.

Whether you're newly qualified or bring experience, we'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about early childhood education and making a positive impact.

What We're Looking For

You will have:

• BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current New Zealand Teacher Certification
• A strong understanding of child-led learning and curriculum planning
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki and current ECE regulations, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of practice
• A genuine commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through teaching and learning
• Passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to providing high-quality education and care
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to building strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues