Kaiako – Early Childhood Educator

Job Description

Join Our Supportive Team of Passionate Early Childhood Educators!

Are you a New Zealand-trained and certified Kaiako looking for an inspiring and supportive workplace?

At Te Ako o te Tui Early Learning Service, located in the heart of the University of Auckland’s Grafton Campus, we offer a vibrant, purpose-built learning environment designed to support the learning, development and wellbeing of tamariki.

As one of the University’s larger early learning services, Te Ako o te Tui offers spacious, thoughtfully designed indoor and new outdoor learning environments that encourage curiosity, independence and meaningful learning experiences. Our experienced and dedicated kaiako work collaboratively to create a strong sense of belonging, where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Our exceptional teacher-child ratios allow kaiako to develop meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau, engage in intentional teaching and respond thoughtfully to each child's individual learning journey.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and committed fixed term, ECE qualified and Certificated Kaiako to join our team at Te Ako o te Tui.

Our service is a purpose-built, well-established early childhood centre licensed for 90 tamariki aged from 3 months to 6 years.

This role is primarily based in our under-2s room, supporting up to 30 tamariki with a 1:3 ratio. There is also the opportunity to work across the full age range as required, providing flexibility to support the needs of our diverse community.

This is a fixed term (12 months), full-time position (40 hours per week) with a rotational shift that changes fortnightly. 

The salary range for this role is above full pay parity Step 1: $60,701 to Step 11: $101,719 (see our pay structure HERE).

A full description of the role is available in the position description HERE

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an enthusiastic and reflective kaiako who brings both heart and intention to your teaching practice. You are passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences and understand the importance of relationships, responsiveness, and intentional teaching.

You are confident working within a team, open to professional growth, and committed to ongoing learning. You value diversity and inclusion, and you strive to create an environment where all kaiako, tamariki and whānau feel a strong sense of belonging.

You bring a sound understanding of pedagogical practice, including Te Whāriki, and are competent in planning, assessment, and compliance requirements. You may already have some foundation in te reo Māori, or you are motivated to grow this as part of your teaching journey.

Most importantly, you are someone who takes pride in your practice, contributes positively to team culture, and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

We are seeking a passionate, reflective, and intentional kaiako who is committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative team culture.

You will:

• Be a New Zealand qualified and certificated teacher who demonstrates genuine care, respect, and advocacy for tamariki
• Bring experience working across all age groups, with strong confidence in supporting tamariki within a mixed-age environment, fostering holistic learning and development in a culturally diverse setting
• Demonstrate strong pedagogical knowledge, with the ability to design and implement intentional teaching strategies, and make learning visible through meaningful assessment and planning
• Show a clear understanding of Te Whāriki and how it informs curriculum design and responsive teaching practice
• Actively uphold and reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your practice, with a willingness to grow your understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori
• Build and sustain respectful, trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues, recognising the importance of whakawhanaungatanga
• Work collaboratively within a team, contributing to shared thinking, internal evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Be organised and proactive in managing planning, assessment, and compliance responsibilities
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, engaging in reflective practice, professional learning, and ongoing development.
• Contribute positively to team culture, upholding professionalism and high standards of practice.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Above Full Pay Parity (see our pay structure HERE) and five weeks of annual leave
• Discounted public Transport for permanent and long-term fixed term staff
• Discounted parking and childcare
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by Thursday, 5 November 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills align
• Your updated CV

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Indira Boppana, Centre Leader via [email protected]

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Qualifications

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz