Head Kaiako - Marlborough Kindergarten
Lead with purpose. Inspire through sustainability. Shape the future of tamariki.
1. Champion our Enviroschools journey
2. Join a passionate and collaborative team in Marlborough
3. Permanent, full-time leadership role, starting term 1 January 2026
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
About Us
Ngā Tamariki Puāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has been a leader in Early Childhood Education since 1908. With 112 kindergartens and KiNZ centres across Tāmaki Makaurau, we are proud to provide high-quality, inclusive education that reflects the diversity of our communities. Guided by Te Whāriki, we foster confident, capable learners through play-based, culturally responsive practices.
At Marlborough Kindergarten
Marlborough Kindergarten is a welcoming and vibrant learning community where tamariki and their whānau feel a deep sense of belonging. We celebrate our multicultural community, honour aspirations of whānau, and build connections through shared cultural events and celebrations.
Our environment is truly special. Nestled beside a reserve, our kindergarten offers tamariki daily opportunities to connect with Papatūānuku through play, exploration, and kaitiakitanga. As an Enviroschool, we embed sustainability into every aspect of our programme, from gardening and composting to reusing resources and empowering tamariki as environmental leaders.
Māori perspectives are woven into our daily practice, with tamariki learning and playing in our carved wharenui, engaging with tikanga, te reo Māori, waiata, pūrākau, and values that strengthen their identity and respect for Te Ao Māori.
We place great value on learning through play, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, literacy, numeracy, creativity, and resilience. Our strong transition toschool relationships with Marlborough Primary and surrounding schools ensure tamariki are confident and ready for their next learning journey.
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and inspiring Head Kaiako to lead our team with passion and purpose. This is a permanent, full-time leadership position offering the opportunity to combine pedagogical leadership, team development, and community engagement in a meaningful way.
As Head Kaiako, you will:
4. Provide strong pedagogical leadership that inspires kaiako and tamariki
5. Champion our Enviroschools kaupapa and nurture sustainable practices
6. Lead and support a collaborative, inclusive teaching team
7. Foster strong whānau and community relationships
8. Ensure quality outcomes through robust planning, assessment, and internal evaluation
9. Support smooth operations and compliance in alignment with AKA standards
To be successful in this role, you will:
10. Be a registered and certificated ECE kaiako with 5+ years' experience
11. Demonstrate proven team and pedagogical leadership experience
12. Have strong skills in mentoring, coaching, and guiding internal evaluation cycles
13. Share our passion for sustainability and naturally weave this into teaching practice
14. Value biculturalism and lead with respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi
15. Bring strong communication, relationship building, and ICT skills
16. Have a genuine commitment to inclusivity, recognising and celebrating diversity within our community
Why Join Us?
At AKA, we value our people and the unique contributions they bring. You'll benefit from:
17. A competitive salary and benefits package
18. Generous non-contact time and professional growth opportunities
19. A supportive, inclusive, and progressive organisation
20. The chance to lead in a kindergarten that champions both people and planet
Apply Now
We welcome anyone interested to visit Marlborough Kindergarten (please call ahead). To learn more about our kindergarten, visit the AKA website.
Applications close 29th October at 12:00pm (unless filled prior). Start date Term 1 January 2026.
For terms and conditions of this position, please refer to the Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers, and Senior Teachers' Collective Agreement 2023-2026.
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand.