South End Kindergarten Permanent Full-time Head Teacher

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens; Wellington; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens in New Zealand is seeking an enthusiastic ECE leader to guide a teaching team at a South End Carterton kindergarten. The role is full-time, permanent, with weekday hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

You will build strong, respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau and staff, lead a team through reflective practice and professional growth, and foster inclusive learning that supports diverse needs.

Qualifications

• Has proven experience leading an early childhood education team.
• Demonstrates strong communication with children, families and staff.
• Shows commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a teaching team to create a nurturing, inclusive learning environment.
• Build strong, honest relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues.
• Use reflective practices and professional growth cycles to improve learning outcomes.

Skills

Team leadership

ECE leadership

Communication

Inclusive practice

Job description

• Teaching
• Permanent / Full Time

4/11/2026

At He Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens (WMK), we're proud to support over 135 kindergartens across the regions of Taranaki, Whanganui, Central Plateau, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Kāpiti, Porirua, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt, Wairarapa and South Otago. We also offer a unique home-based service, Etu Ao, in Porirua and Levin, with a special focus on Pasific families.

We believe that high-quality early childhood education is a powerful force—for children, their whānau, their communities, and for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our vision is to be a national leader in early childhood education, setting the standard and advocating for excellence and access across the country.

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 than 6,000 children are part of the Whānau Manaaki kindergarten family, with an additional 150 children enrolled in our Etu Ao home-based programme. Together, we're building strong foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Community Description:

The kindergarten is in South End, Carterton on the main road. The families are predominately from Carterton and surrounding rural areas who are supportive of the kindergarten and the teaching team.

The vast outdoor environment provides many learning opportunities for physical play, connecting with nature and sustainability practices. The kindergarten is well resourced where there are positive learning outcomes for tamariki. The kindergarten has close links with the local school which is located on the same grounds. The localised curriculum also promotes connections with other schools, rest homes and places of significance in the community.

We encourage children to learn through play, to explore different experiences and to develop social skills within a warm caring environment. Our teachers work with the children, listening to them, extending their thinking and supporting them to work with each other. Our programme grows from children's interests. We make sure each child has the opportunity to follow their interests in a supported way during the day's session.

Work Profile:

Full-time 40 hours per week 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

We are looking for an enthusiastic ECE leader who:

• Builds and sustains strong, honest, and respectful relationships. Focuses on creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels valued, moving beyond just working together to becoming a true community.
• Has experience and confidence in leading a team where everyone's voice can be heard and empowered through collective leadership.
• Effectively leads a team using evaluative practices such as review and the professional growth cycle that improves learning outcomes for tamariki.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills which actively contribute to reciprocal, collaborative learning-focused relationships with tamariki, whānau, teaching team, support staff, other professionals and the local community.
• Has strong inclusive practice that supports children with diverse learning needs providing a learning environment that promotes all children's sense of belonging and wellbeing.
• Is a strategic thinker and is adaptable and responsive to change.

Applications close on: Tuesday, 17th November 2026 at 11.00pm