Kaiako - Kohanga Reo | Early Childhood Education

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Located alongside Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland, our teacher-led Kohanga Reo - the only kohanga reo on City Campus - is dedicated to nurturing tamariki through a kaupapa Maori approach that honours te ao Maori, matauranga Maori, and the aspirations of whanau. Our long-standing team creates a warm, stable, and supportive environment grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and a deep commitment to te reo Maori me ona tikanga.

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and fluent kaiako - Early Childhood Educator to join Hineteiwaiwa Kohanga Reo. Confident using te reo Maori in everyday practice, you will value creating meaningful connections with tamariki, whanau, and colleagues alike. This role would suit someone who thrives in a mixed-age learning environment, enjoys working collaboratively within a strong and supportive tima, and is committed to raising confident tamariki grounded in their identity, language, and culture.

With exceptional teacher-to-child ratios, our service is licensed for 25 tamariki aged between 7 months and 6 years. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing, innovative, and progressive learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to flourish as future leaders.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), permanent position.

The salary range for this role is above Full Pay Parity. Find out more in our collective agreement.

For more detailed information on the role, please refer to the position description on our website.

He korero mou | About you

You bring a genuine passion for te reo Maori, tikanga Maori, and kaupapa Maori education, whether through whakapapa, lived experience, or an ongoing commitment to te ao Maori. Understanding the importance of language, culture, and identity in shaping positive learning outcomes for tamariki, you contribute positively to team culture, value whanaungatanga, and build strong relationships with tamariki and their whanau.

E rapua ana matou | We are seeking a kaiako who:

• Works confidently within a fully immersed kaupapa Maori environment where te reo Maori is the primary language used, and is valued and embedded in practice
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of tikanga Maori, matauranga Maori, and commitment to the Kohanga Reo kaupapa
• Holds a recognised New Zealand ECE (or primary) teaching qualification and current teacher registration
• Brings proven experience as a qualified ECE kaiako and is confident applying current ECE theory and Te Whariki within practice
• Builds authentic and respectful relationships with tamariki, whanau, and colleagues
• Thrives within a collaborative, kaupapa-driven environment that values professional growth and collective success

Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | What we offer

We are committed to supporting the growth and wellbeing of our kaimahi and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Above Full Pay Parity remuneration
• Five weeks annual leave, including closure over Christmas and Easter Tuesday
• Two paid professional development / teacher-only days per year
• Eligibility for both the University Te Reo Maori allowance and the Ministry of Education Waha Rumaki Te Reo Maori allowance
• Superannuation / KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Inclusive parental leave options, discounted parking and childcare, career development opportunities, and access to on-site amenities

For more information, please visit our staff benefits page.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Monday 01 June, 2026 to be considered.

Please include your CV and cover letter, sharing what you would bring to our kaupapa and how your experience, strengths, and commitment align with this role.

Please reach out to Rahera Shepherd (Kaiwhakahaere) via rahera.shepherd@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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 Maori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatapuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances, go to http://www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.