Registered Kaiako Matua / Head Teacher

Harold Mayo Kindergarten; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Sick leave from commencement

6 weeks’ annual leave

Professional development andLeadership

Job summary

Harold Mayo Kindergarten seeks a registered kaiako matua (head teacher) with strong leadership capability to guide a newly forming team. You’ll partner with whānau to strengthen learning outcomes for tamariki and commence January 2027.

We offer a welcoming environment with opportunities for professional leadership and development. You’ll lead change, foster collaboration, and create conditions for tamariki, whānau and kaiako to thrive, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice.

Qualifications

• A recognised ECE teaching qualification.
• The legal right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and pedagogical leadership to support growth and wellbeing of the teaching team.
• Lead improvement in a thoughtful, inclusive and responsive way to the kindergarten community.
• Shape a shared direction while valuing existing strengths, relationships and knowledge.

Skills

growth mindset

leadership

collaboration

cultural responsiveness

relationship building

bicultural practice

empathy

flexibility

Education

ECE teaching qualification

Job description

We seek a registered kaiako matua | head teacher with strong leadership capability and experience guiding teams through change. You’ll support a newly forming team, foster a collaborative culture and partner with whānau to strengthen learning outcomes for tamariki. The role commences January 2027.

We’re looking for an inclusive, reflective and strengths-based leader committed to high-quality, child-led learning. You’ll guide change, build on others’ strengths and create the conditions for tamariki, whānau and kaiako to thrive. A growth mindset, sound judgement and collaborative leadership will be central to your success.

You’ll provide professional and pedagogical leadership, supporting growth and wellbeing of the teaching team, while leading improvement in a thoughtful, inclusive and responsive way to the kindergarten community. You’ll help shape a shared direction while valuing existing strengths, relationships and knowledge.

You’ll bring:

• a positive, solutions-focused growth mindset
• ability to build collective capability through collaboration, encouragement and constructive feedback.
• ability to unite people around a shared vision and support change
• passion for early learning and tamariki wellbeing
• demonstrated cultural responsiveness and commitment to diversity and inclusion
• ability to build trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau and community
• commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice
• empathy, humour, patience and flexibility
• commitment to professional growth and reflective practice.

What you'll need

• A recognised ECE teaching qualification.
• The legal right to work in New Zealand.

What we offer

• A welcoming and caring team culture.
• 6 weeks’ annual leave.
• Health insurance.
• Sick leave from commencement.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.