Kaiako - Kōhanga Reo | Early Childhood Education

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

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

Te whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini

My success is not that of an individual, but that of many

Join Hineteiwaiwa Kōhanga Reo, a unique and special learning environment at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Hineteiwaiwa is a teacher-led Kōhanga Reo where te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and whanaungatanga are at the heart of everyday learning. We are seeking passionate Kaiako who are committed to nurturing mokopuna, empowering whānau, and contributing to an environment where te reo Māori is lived, valued, and celebrated.

This is an opportunity to join a warm, collaborative tīma and make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki while continuing to grow your own knowledge and practice within a strong kaupapa Māori setting.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking either full-time or part-time opportunities.

Licensed for 25 tamariki aged 7 months to 6 years, our service benefits from exceptional teacher-to-child ratios and provides a nurturing, innovative environment where tamariki are supported to thrive as confident learners and future leaders.

The salary range for these roles 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

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are passionate about te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and kaupapa Māori education, whether through whakapapa, lived experience, professional experience, or a commitment to growing your connection to te ao Māori.

You understand the importance of language, culture, and identity in supporting positive learning outcomes for tamariki. You bring warmth, humility, and positive energy to your work, build meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau, and enjoy being part of a collaborative, kaupapa-driven team.

Most importantly, you share our commitment to nurturing mokopuna, strengthening te reo Māori, and empowering whānau as active partners in their children's learning journey.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking a Kaiako who:

Champions the everyday use of te reo Māori and contributes to an environment where it is lived, nurtured, and celebrated.

Has a sound understanding of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga and a commitment to continuing their language journey.

Understands Te Kōhanga Reo kaupapa, Te Korowai, and Te Whāriki ā Te Kōhanga Reo.

Builds strong, authentic relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Values whanaungatanga, collaboration, and collective success.

Demonstrates enthusiasm, professionalism, and initiative.

Holds a recognised New Zealand ECE or primary teaching qualification and current teacher registration.

Has experience as a qualified Kaiako and confidently applies relevant ECE theory and Te Whāriki in practice.

Competency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga is preferred. However, support and professional development are available for the right person who is committed to growing their capability.

If you are passionate about creating a place where tamariki can learn, belong, thrive, and grow in their language and identity, we would love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and professional growth of our kaimahi. Benefits include:

Above Full Pay Parity remuneration

Five weeks annual leave, including Christmas closure and Easter Tuesday

Two paid professional development/teacher-only days each year

Eligibility for both the University Te Reo Māori Allowance and the Ministry of Education Waha Rumaki Te Reo Māori Allowance

Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%

Inclusive parental leave, discounted parking and childcare, career development opportunities, and access to a range of on-site staff benefits

For more information, please visit our staff benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the 30th October 2026 and will be reviewed as they are received.

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

For a confidential conversation about the position, please contact Rahera Shepherd (Kaiwhakahaere) at [email protected]. While we are happy to answer your questions, applications will only be accepted through the online application process