Kaiārahi Toiora (Start Term 1 2027)

Job Description

1 x Permanent Position

Start 28 January 2027

Full-Time 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

3 Units

Based in our Hamilton, Tauranga or Rotorua tari (office)

Ko wai mātou | About Us

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Kura

At Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura), our ākonga are always at the centre of what we do. For more than a century, we've supported learners across Aotearoa — evolving from lessons once delivered on horseback to today's future focused learning that can be done anywhere, anytime.

Ākonga at Te Kura choose subjects based on their passions and interests, accessing learning online supported by kaiako who guide, inspire, and drive engagement. Alongside this, kaiako provide pastoral care and connect with ākonga through regular huinga ako — online or face to face — where learners connect, receive guidance, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Kaiako (teacher) to join our Te Kāhui Hauāuru region as Kaiārahi Toiora. This is a full-time role that currently consists of 0.8 FTE (32 hours) leadership and 0.2 FTE (8 hours) teaching.

You will bring strong experience in pastoral care, learner support and educational engagement, together with the ability to lead others in responding to a wide range of learner wellbeing needs. As a leader of your own regional team, you will combine excellent relationship management skills with a collaborative and culturally responsive leadership approach. Your team will include kaiāwhina who work alongside kaiako, ākonga and whānau to strengthen engagement, wellbeing and successful learner pathways. Drawing on your experience of developing people and systems, you will help ensure a consistent and effective pastoral response across the region.

You will report to the Te Kāhui Hauāuru Regional Manager and be part of the regional leadership team where you will work collaboratively to develop and strengthen wellbeing practice and system developments nationally.

A key focus of this role is leading and strengthening pastoral care practice across the region. You will build the confidence and capability of kaiako, kaimanaaki, kaiāwhina and other kaimahi to respond effectively to learner wellbeing concerns, barriers to engagement and educational re-engagement. You will provide oversight of regional wellbeing initiatives, support the monitoring and analysis of engagement and wellbeing data, and work collaboratively with whānau, community agencies and specialist support services to improve learner outcomes. Particular areas of focus include learners enrolled through at-risk gateways, hauora, Te Ara Pounamu, and improving engagement and wellbeing outcomes for Māori and Pacific ākonga.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are looking for you to bring your:

• Proven leadership experience in pastoral care, learner support, wellbeing or inclusion

• The ability to develop the confidence and capability of others through coaching, mentoring and professional learning

• Exceptional relationship management and collaboration skills

• Confidence and capability in working alongside Māori and Pacific ākonga, whānau and communities

• Experience supporting learners facing barriers to engagement, participation or educational success

• Knowledge of effective pastoral care approaches and learner wellbeing practice

• Strong skills in analysing and using data to identify needs, monitor progress and inform decision-makingThe ability to work collaboratively with whānau, community organisations and external support services to improve outcomes for ākonga

Ngā Uara o Te Kura | Our Values

At Te Kura, we live by our values:

• Manaaki— showing respect, generosity, and care

• Whanaungatanga— building relationships and belonging

• Tika— acting fairly and honestly

• Ākonga at the Centre— guiding every decision we make

Hei whakautu | In return

You'll join a supportive, inclusive team where manaaki and whanaungatanga guide how we work. We offer flexible working options, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference for ākonga across Aotearoa.

If you're ready to bring our values to life and support learners in meaningful ways, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Excited to join our team? Click the Apply button and tell us your story—we'd love to hear from you!

Applications must be submitted through our careers portal. Applicants must have the legal right to teach, reside and work in New Zealand.

E hiahia ana koe ki te mōhio anō? | Like to find out more?

For additional details, view the position description at the top of the page or contact Christine Shaw via email Christine.Shaw@tekura.school.nz

If you encounter any issues during the application process, please email jobs@tekura.school.nz

🗓 Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 26 October 2026