Puketapu Kindergarten Fixed Term 1-year Parental Leave as a full-time Teacher

Teaching

Taranaki

Fixed Term or Temporary

14/10/2026

At He Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens (WMK), we're proud to support over 135 kindergartens across the regions of Taranaki, Whanganui, Central Plateau, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Kāpiti, Porirua, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt, Wairarapa and South Otago. We also offer a unique home-based service, Etu Ao, in Porirua and Levin, with a special focus on Pacific families.

We believe that high-quality early childhood education is a powerful force—for children, their whānau, their communities, and for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our vision is to be a national leader in early childhood education, setting the standard and advocating for excellence and access across the country.

At the heart of everything we do are our values

• Nurturing the mana of the child - Honouring each child's unique identity and potential

• Kounga | Quality - Striving for excellence in every aspect of our services

• Pono | Integrity - Acting with honesty, respect, and transparency

• Kaitiakitanga | Stewardship and sustainability

• Mahi Tahi | Partnership - Working together with whānau and communities

Today, more than 6,000 children are part of the Whānau Manaaki kindergarten family, with an additional 150 children enrolled in our Etu Ao home-based programme. Together, we're building strong foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Community Description:

Puketapu Kindergarten is located in the heart of Bell Block, a growing and close-knit community rich in history, where strong relationships and a sense of belonging are highly valued. Bell Block has a deep historical and cultural heritage, with local stories and places of significance that continue to shape the identity of the area today. We are fortunate to be surrounded by a range of community spaces, including the local library, cafe, supermarkets, the velodrome, Bell Block Beach, and nearby bush walkways.

These places provide meaningful opportunities for tamariki to connect with and explore their local environment. We also enjoy a strong relationship with Puketapu Kura, regularly participating in school events and supporting smooth transitions for children and whānau as they move on to school.

Puketapu Kindergarten has a roll of 40 children and operates from 8:00am to 4:30pm, with children attending between 8:45am and 2:45pm.

Work Profile:

Fixed Term 1-year Parental Leave as a full-time Teacher commencing 23 November 2026 and ending 27 November 2027.

Total hours per week 40 hours

Monday to Friday 8.00 - 4.30pm

We are looking for an enthusiastic ECE kaiako who:

Is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te reo Māori and tikanga Māori authentically throughout their practice, and fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where all tamariki and whānau feel seen, respected, valued, experience a strong sense of belonging, and are supported to thrive.

Values genuine partnerships with whānau and recognises the important role these relationships play in supporting children's learning and wellbeing.

Demonstrates strong skills in supporting tamariki social and emotional development, helping children build friendships, develop resilience and self-regulation, and navigate challenges with empathy and respect.

Is passionate about sustainability and kaitiakitanga and is excited to support our involvement in Enviroschools, including our gardening programme and opportunities for tamariki to connect with and care for the natural world.

Actively contributes to a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming team culture, helping to make Puketapu Kindergarten a special place to learn and grow

* To apply for this position, you need to address the key skills or abilities listed above. We ask that you talk about these in your covering letter, giving examples of how you have demonstrated these skills/abilities in previous roles. Please remember to attach your covering letter, resume and other relevant information as listed in the Application Requirements on our website.

To apply for this position, you need to address the key skills or abilities listed above. We ask that you talk about these in your covering letter, giving examples of how you have demonstrated these skills/abilities in previous roles. Please remember to attach your covering letter, resume and other relevant information as listed in the Application Requirements on our website.

Applications close on: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 at 11.45pm