Head Kaiako - St Johns Kindergarten
- Lead with purpose and passion
- Permanent, full-time leadership role
- Collaborate with a committed and supportive team
Tōku reo, tōku ohooho, tōku reo, tōku mapihi maurea
My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul
About Us | Mō mātou
Ngā Tamariki Pūāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has been a trusted leader in Early Childhood Education (ECE) since 1908. With 112 kindergartens and KiNZ centres across Tāmaki Makaurau, and a dedicated support team, we are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that empowers tamariki and supports whānau.
Guided by Te Whāriki, our teaching practices focus on nurturing confident, capable learners. We offer a vibrant and diverse working environment where our kaiako are supported to thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
At St Johns Kindergarten | Kei te Kura Kohungahunga o St Johns
St Johns Kindergarten is a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to explore, create, and collaborate through rich, play-based experiences. Our kaiako inspire curiosity, imagination, and problem-solving through hands-on activities that integrate the arts, science, maths, technology, and digital media.
Our curriculum is deeply rooted in a STEAM philosophy, enabling tamariki to engage in inquiry, experimentation and creative thinking in playful ways.
Our natural outdoor spaces foster physical challenge, social connection, and complex dramatic play.
We support tamariki in developing strong oral language, emergent print literacy, and storytelling skills.
We embrace and celebrate cultural diversity, with regular events, excursions, and whānau engagement activities that reflect our multicultural community. At St Johns, we are proud to be a creative, collaborative kindergarten that values discovery, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships with whānau.
About the Role | Mō te tūnga
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Kaiako to lead our team in delivering exceptional learning experiences for tamariki. This permanent, full-time role offers the opportunity to balance pedagogical leadership, operational management, and teaching responsibilities in a rewarding and diverse environment.
As the Head Kaiako, you will:
- Lead with clarity, purpose, and mana, setting the tone for teaching excellence
- Champion inclusive practices and collaboration among kaiako, whānau, and the hapori
- Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across all areas of kindergarten life
- Guide your team in planning, assessment, reflective practice, and continuous improvement
- Manage day-to-day operations to meet educational and licensing standards
What We're Looking For | Ō Pūkenga
We are looking for a passionate and experienced head kaiako who brings strong leadership, deep commitment to bicultural practice, and a genuine love of tamariki and learning.
You will:
- Be a registered and certificated ECE kaiako with 5+ years' experience
- Demonstrate proven team leadership in an ECE setting
- Have strong skills in mentoring, internal evaluation, and guiding teaching practice
- Embrace play-based learning, sustainability, and nature-based teaching
- Have experience in STEAM or Reggio Emilia inspired practice.
- Value multiculturalism and be responsive to Māori and Pasifika communities
- Be confident using ICT tools for learning and documentation
- Build authentic partnerships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community
- Hold a current First Aid certificate
Why Join Us? | He aha koe e hono ai ki a mātou?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a skilled, passionate team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of tamariki and their whānau. At St Johns Kindergarten, you'll find a collaborative environment where your leadership is respected, and your vision helps shape the future of learning.
As part of the Auckland Kindergarten Association, you'll also benefit from:
- Support from a strong network of kindergartens across Tāmaki Makaurau
- Access to ongoing professional development and leadership support
- A progressive, inclusive organisational culture that values innovation and wellbeing
Apply Now | Tono Mai Inaianei
To learn more about St Johns Kindergarten and the Head Kaiako role, visit the AKA website.
Applications close at 12:00pm on 29th June 2025 unless filled prior.
You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.
Although no longer mandatory, Ngā Tamariki Pūāwai o Tāmaki (AKA) encourages all kaimahi to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Lead with purpose. Inspire with passion. Join us at St Johns Kindergarten.