ECE Head Kaiako

Head ECE Kaiako – Grey Lynn Kindergarten

Full-time, Permanent | Start Date: 2 February 2026

• Lead with heart in a collaborative, inclusive learning environment
• Shape practice and pedagogy in a kindergarten grounded in aroha, manaakitanga and sustainability
• Bring your operational and leadership strengths to a highly respected, community-centred kindergarten

The Organisation

Ngā Tamariki Puāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has been part of Aotearoa's early childhood landscape since 1908. Today we support 112 kindergartens and KiNZ centres and a dedicated network of support services staff.

Our organisation is proudly bicultural, guided by Te Whāriki and grounded in the wellbeing of tamariki, parents and whānau. Across Tāmaki Makaurau, our kindergartens provide safe, enriching and inclusive learning environments that nurture confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

The kindergarten

Grey Lynn Kindergarten is a unique central Auckland oasis, set within a heritage building and surrounded by established gardens. We have been an Enviroschools kindergarten since 2006, environmental sustainability is deeply woven into our culture and daily practice.

Our teaching team is passionate about learning through play, encouraging tamariki to follow their interests, develop a sense of wonder, and see themselves as capable, confident learners. Connection with Papatūānuku, curiosity, and responsive relationships are at the heart of our philosophy.

We are seeking a Head Kaiako who leads with kindness, builds strong and trusting relationships, and brings a warm, heart-centred approach to teaching and leadership.

The Role

We are looking for a permanent, full-time Head Kaiako to lead our dedicated and highly collaborative teaching team. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, fully certificated ECE leader to shape practice, strengthen relationships, and support outstanding outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

As Head Kaiako, you will model strong professional leadership, demonstrate excellence in communication, and guide your team through shared visioning and reflective practice. You will honour the kindergarten's history while helping shape its future in partnership with kaiako, whānau and the community.

This role combines day-to-day operational leadership with hands-on teaching. You'll bring enthusiasm for play-based, dispositional learning while confidently managing compliance, planning and operational requirements.

Our Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have 5+ years' experience in an ECE environment, a full practicing certificate and current first aid certification.
• Demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and the ability to lead, mentor and develop a collaborative teaching team.
• Champion bicultural practice, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and lead culturally sustaining pedagogy.
• Bring a commitment to environmental sustainability and incorporate care for Papatūānuku into everyday learning.
• Value ICT as a tool for extending learning and enhancing teaching practice.
• Celebrate diversity and foster inclusive practice for tamariki, whānau and the wider community.
• Show interest in developing the team's pedagogical capability and reflective practice.
• Enjoy working directly with tamariki and participating fully in hands-on learning.

Above all, you will be motivated by achieving the very best learning outcomes for all tamariki.

How to Apply

We warmly encourage interested applicants to visit our kindergarten (please call ahead). To learn more about Grey Lynn Kindergarten, visit the AKA website.

Applications close 12 December 2025 at 12.00pm (unless filled earlier).

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work permanently in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reference #

23332

Posted on

26 Nov 2025

Closes on

12 Dec :00

Location(s)

Grey Lynn

Expertise

Head Teacher

Job level(s)

Experienced 2-5 years, Experienced 5 years +

Work type(s)

Permanent