Kaihautū | Chief Executive Officer

• Significant network of almost 50 affordable kindergartens.
• Lead with Heart. Deliver with Impact.
• Waikato / Lakes / Bay of Plenty region.

Mō mātou | About us

Central Kids has been providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education since We offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables tamariki to grow at their own pace – socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.

We have 47 kura pūhou (kindergartens) in 26 towns across the central North Island and we are committed to equity of access and education for all tamariki.  Almost 50 per cent of our tamariki are Māori and we are proud of the diversity in our kindergartens.  We are on a journey to become a bi-cultural organisation and ensure that te ao Māori is thriving in our kindergartens.

A key part of our service is Mātauranga Ake, our social services team, which provides wraparound support and guidance towards achieving a resilient, stable and supportive home life for tamariki.  The team connects whānau to housing, employment and wellness services, ensuring tamariki are better placed to access early childhood education.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on being close to the people, places and purpose of an organisation.  As our next Kaihautū, you'll work closely with our dedicated board to embed our strategic plan and continue to evolve our operating model.

You'll be a visible and trusted presence across our network of kindergartens, building strong relationships with staff, whānau and communities.  You'll bring people with you on the journey — supporting change, lifting performance, and ensuring our kaupapa is lived every day.

Overseeing all key operational areas including finance, health and safety, property investment and management, educational delivery and relationships with key funders is core to this role.  Our recent investment in data and analytics will support you to drive continuous improvement in education and equity outcomes.

You'll also lead the delivery of our asset and investment plan, including major capital projects across land and buildings. This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable on the ground and in the boardroom — someone who can connect strategy to action and bring clarity, momentum and care to complex work.

We have offices in Hamilton, Rotorua and Tokoroa.

Ko wai koe | About you

We're looking for a grounded, values-led leader who brings both heart and discipline to their mahi.  You'll be someone who rolls up their sleeves, builds trust quickly, and brings others along with warmth, humility and clear direction.

In particular, you will bring:

• Leadership experience – you will have held CEO or senior leadership roles and ideally reported to a board.

• Service delivery expertise – you know how to lead an operational, people-focused organisation, ideally with geographic spread.

• Te ao Māori and equity commitment – you're grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and passionate about equity for all tamariki.

• Strategic and commercial acumen – you can translate strategy into action and manage resources with care and foresight.

• Communication flair – you're a compelling communicator who can engage authentically with diverse audiences.

You'll be joining a high-calibre, committed board that values partnership, transparency and impact.  Together, you'll steward the next chapter of Central Kids with integrity and ambition.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a copy of the information pack please email Amy Tea at

To apply, please email your cover letter and CV to

Applications close Sunday, 23 November 2025.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this job.