Speech-Language Therapist

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19); Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) will open in 2027 to educate up to 125ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs. We seek an experienced Speech-Language Therapist to join the founding team at the Palmerston North campus.

You will work in a transdisciplinary team withākonga, whānau, kaiako, and specialist staff to assess and support speech, language, literacy, and social interaction, removing barriers to learning and participation.

Qualifications

• Qualified Speech-Language Therapist eligible under the Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement.
• Experience in multidisciplinary or founding-team settings preferred.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Assess and intervene across speech, language, literacy and social communication.
• Collaborate within a transdisciplinary team withākonga, whānau, kaiako and specialist staff.
• Remove communication barriers to learning and participation through targeted interventions.

Skills

Speech-Language Therapy

Collaborative teamwork

Culturally responsive practice

Education

Speech-Language Therapy degree

Job description

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19) – Wanganui, North Island

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Other senior leadership

TeOhanuiSpecialist School | Palmerston North
Kiatupu, kiahua| To grow, to flourish

Help shape the future of specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Opening in Term 3, 2027,TeOhanuiSpecialist School will be the first specialist schoolestablishedin New Zealand in over 50 years. The purpose-built school will provide education for up to 125ākongaaged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs.

We areseekingan experienced and passionateSpeech-Language Therapistto join our founding team. This is a unique opportunity to helpestablisha new specialist school and make a lasting difference fortamarikiandrangatahi.

Working as part of a transdisciplinary team, you will collaborate withākonga, whānau,kaiako, and specialist staff to remove communication barriers to learning and participation. Through assessment, intervention, and specialist advice relating to speech, language, communication, literacy, and social interaction, you will supportākongato engage, connect, and thrive.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting children and young people with diverse learning and communication needs.
• Values collaborative, learner-centred practice.
• Builds positive relationships withākonga, whānau, and colleagues.
• Demonstrates culturally responsive and inclusive practice.
• Is innovative, reflective, andsolutions-focused.
• Enjoys working within a transdisciplinary team.
• Holds recognised Speech-Language Therapy qualifications that meet eligibility requirements under the Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement.

AtTeOhanui, we believe joy matters. We work alongsideākonga, whānau, andkaiakoto build meaningful relationships, celebrate strengths, and create opportunities for every learner to flourish with dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Remuneration: Salary isin accordance withthe Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement.Fixed-termor permanent management units may be available depending on experience

Vacancy reference #:1HAtrY

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19)NZ

Physical address:
374 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North