Kaiako Teacher - Puna Reo

Full job description
Ignite young imaginations as a kaiako, where every day is driven by kaupapa wānanga!


Shaping bright futures.
Permanent on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) position
Based in Te Awamutu
Mō mātau |About us

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) is New Zealand’s second largest tertiary institution and the world’s largest indigenous tertiary educator, and we’ve been providing transformational education opportunities to New Zealanders for nearly 40 years. Our vision of ‘Whānau transformation through education’ drives our commitment to being at the forefront of education underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Our kaimahi (employees) enjoy a whānau-friendly workplace where everyone is encouraged to be themselves. In return for their contribution, we offer kaimahi a range of benefits including:

A competitive salary with parity salary rates
Free health and life insurance for permanent employees.
Four extra annual leave days to celebrate Matariki and the Christmas/New Year season.
Special leave available for sporting or cultural events.
Tau Ora programmes that encourage wellbeing and inclusion.
Free car parking.
Mō tēnei mahi |About the role

We are currently seeking a passionate Kaiako to join us at our Apakura Te Kakano Puna Reo, on a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) basis based in Te Awamutu.

Our commitment is to create lasting and enriching experiences for Tamariki and whānau by providing exceptional holistic educational opportunities through engaging interactive learning. As a kaiako, you will create a safe, culturally enriched learning environment for our tamariki. Your role includes delivering marau Māori aligned with Te Whāriki, documenting tamariki progress, and collaborating with kaimahi and whānau to achieve positive outcomes, while supporting our strategic direction. Your impact is diverse and vital to high-quality education.

Mōu | About you

To be successful for this role, you will have the following:

Qualification in Teaching for Early Childhood Education or Primary – Level 7
A current Practicing Certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Proven experience working with tamariki.
Can speak te reo Māori
A sound understanding of Māori culture, values, and tikanga.
A full NZ Driver’s License.
This role as classes as a Core Worker and you will need to pass a safety check under the Children’s Act 2014.
The role does require some lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time.


As a kaupapa Māori organisation, your willingness to participate in cultural activities and develop an understanding of Āhuatanga Māori (values, culture and tikanga) is desirable.

Apply today!


Have we outlined a role that matches your capabilities and aspirations, and a workplace that appeals? Applications will close as soon as we have a suitable shortlist, so apply now.

A position description is available on our career’s website. For any other queries, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz