ECE Kaiako - Waiheke Kindergarten (Part time - 20 hours)

• Exciting opportunity for an early childhood kaiako
• Join a passionate, collaborative team in beautiful Waiheke
• Work in a kindergarten with a strong commitment to sustainability
• Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai - Nurture the seed and it will bloom

About Waiheke Kindergarten

Does working surrounded by nature, fresh sea air, and a close-knit island community that values connection, creativity, and sustainability excite you? Waiheke Kindergarten offers a unique teaching environment where tamariki and kaiako learn together in a setting that nurtures a love for the natural world.

As a Green Gold Enviroschool, we are deeply committed to kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment). Our tamariki are actively involved in hands on, play based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and care for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).

We foster a peaceful and enriching environment where tamariki strengths and interests guide the learning journey. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and ready to welcome a new kaiako to join us in shaping the future of our tamariki.

The Role

We are looking for a part-time, permanent ECE Kaiako (20 hours per week Monday-Friday) to join our team at Waiheke Kindergarten. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a supportive, fun-loving team in one of the most beautiful locations in Aotearoa.

As a kaiako at Waiheke Kindergarten, you will:

• Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide high-quality, play-based learning experiences.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider Waiheke community.
• Incorporate bicultural practices and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and hands on learning in a way that reflects the unique strengths and interests of our tamariki.
• Support our commitment to sustainability by weaving environmental education into everyday teaching.
• Utilise ICT tools to extend tamariki learning and enhance teaching practices.

About You

To thrive in this role, you will:

• Be a fully qualified, registered, and certificated ECE Kaiako with a current first aid.
• Be an enthusiastic, fun loving team player who enjoys working collaboratively.
• Have a passion for play based learning and a deep understanding of early childhood education.
• Bring strong relationship building skills and a commitment to inclusiveness.
• Love getting your hands dirty, whether it's in the garden, exploring the beach, or creating exciting learning experiences for tamariki.
• Have a strong appreciation for te reo Māori me ngā tikanga Māori and bicultural teaching practices.
• Be flexible, adaptable, and open to the unique lifestyle and opportunities of teaching on Waiheke Island.

Why Join Us?

• Live and work in paradise - enjoy the lifestyle benefits of Waiheke Island, with its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community.
• Make a real impact - be part of a team that fosters deep connections with nature, tamariki, and whānau.
• Ongoing professional development - we support kaiako to grow and develop their teaching practice.
• Be part of the AKA collective - join an organisation with over a century of commitment to early childhood education.

Apply Now!

If you are looking for a meaningful teaching opportunity in a truly special setting, we would love to hear from you!

We welcome you to visit Waiheke Kindergarten (please call ahead) to see our tamariki and team in action. To learn more, visit the AKA website.

Applications close: 2nd May 2025, 12.00pm (unless filled prior)

For information on the terms and conditions of this position, please review the Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers, and Senior Teachers' Collective Agreement 2023-2026.

You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand