Regional Manager, Central South

Job Description

• Permanent

• 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

• Based in Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara)

Ko wai mātou | About Us

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's largest school and state distance education provider, supporting over 16,000 ākonga (students) at any one time and more than 30,000 ākonga throughout the year. We provide personalised and authentic learning programmes through distance education from early childhood level to NCEA Level 3, including to young adults and adult learners.

Our vision is to enable our ākonga to achieve their educational and personal goals, empowering them to become engaged and contributing members of their communities.

Ki te tī, ki te tā, ki te katoa – Anytime, anywhere, anyone.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Manager to join Te Kura's Learning Delivery Leadership Team.

Regional Managers are senior educational leaders responsible for the success, wellbeing, engagement and achievement of ākonga within their region, while also contributing to national priorities across Te Kura.

This is a significant role leading our Central South Region, supporting approximately 5,000-6,000 ākonga and approximately 219 kaimahi across the upper South Island and lower North Island. The region includes offices in Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North and New Plymouth, alongside kaimahi who may work remotely or within local communities such as Teacher Aides.

As Regional Manager, you will lead through a team of experienced managers and educational professionals, fostering a culture that places ākonga at the centre and enables kaimahi to do their best work. You will work closely with regional and national colleagues to ensure equitable access to quality education and support for every learner, regardless of where they live or the challenges they may face.

This role offers the opportunity to influence educational outcomes at scale while maintaining a strong connection to learners, whānau, communities and the people who support them every day.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of managers and educational professionals, creating a positive, high-performing culture focused on achieving the best outcomes for ākonga.

• Monitor, analyse and respond to learner engagement, wellbeing, progress and achievement, with particular focus on Māori, Pacific, learning support and at-risk ākonga.

• Strengthen relationships with whānau, iwi, community organisations, education partners and government agencies to support learner success.

• Contribute to Te Kura-wide priorities and national portfolios, helping shape educational practice and service delivery across the organisation.

• Work with other Regional Managers and teams to ensure consistency, quality and equity of educational experiences for all ākonga.

The role will require travel (air and land) within the Central South Region on a regular basis.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You are an educational leader at heart who is passionate about helping every learner succeed.

You may be an experienced principal, kura leader, or senior educational leader who has successfully led people through change, built strong and inclusive cultures, and improved outcomes for learners. You understand the importance of relationships and bring a collaborative approach to leadership, balancing strategic thinking with a genuine commitment to supporting people.

Most importantly, you believe in the potential of every ākonga and are motivated by the opportunity to make a difference on a broader scale.

Your strengths and experience

• A successful track record in senior educational leadership, including leadership of people, culture and organisational change.

• Ability to lead across a large geographical area and ensure consistent delivery and outcomes for ākonga.

• Demonstrated commitment to equitable educational outcomes and improving learner achievement.

• Understanding of te ao Māori, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, with a commitment to developing kaimahi capability, confidence and culturally responsive practice.

• Experience working with learners from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be disengaged or face barriers to education.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with whānau, communities, iwi, education partners and stakeholders.

• Expertise in curriculum delivery and educational practices across Years 1-13 with an interest in a Big Picture inspired approach to curriculum

Hei whakautu | In return

This is an opportunity to lead with purpose in a unique national organisation that supports ākonga to achieve their aspirations and realise their potential.

As a Regional Manager, you will influence outcomes of learners, support and develop dedicated kaimahi, and work alongside a passionate team of educational leaders committed to making a meaningful difference across Aotearoa New Zealand. In return, Te Kura offers a collaborative and values-driven culture, genuine flexibility, and the opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches that expand access to education for learners wherever they are or the challenges they may face.

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now via our careers portal before the closing date, including your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd be a great fit for Te Kura.

For this role must have the right to live, reside, and work in New Zealand.

Please note we have partnered with Beyond, a trusted recruitment agency, to support this appointment. Your application will be shared with their team, and one of their consultants may contact you as part of the recruitment process.

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

For more information, check out the position description, or contact our recruitment team by email Kathy.Claridge@beyond.co.nz.

Applications close Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 11:59pm.