Kaiwhakatere | Leaving to Learn Navigator

Kaiwhakatere | Leaving to Learn Navigator (He Whai Taumaru | Leaving to Learn Coordinator)

1 x Fixed Term Position (January - December 2026)

Full time 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Based in Te Papaioea | Palmerston North

Ko wai mātou |About Us

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's largest school. We provide personalised and authentic learning programmes through distance education from early childhood level to NCEA Level 3, including to young adult 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 |Aboutthis position

As the Kaiwhakatere | Leaving to Learn Navigator you will aim to be a conduit and bridge builder between Te Kura and external organisations.  You will play a vital role in connecting ākonga with hands-on, real-world experiences that enrich their learning and personal development.

This position is more than teaching; it's about fostering relationships, empowering ākonga to explore their potential, and weaving cultural values into everyday learning. Your guidance will help ākonga build skills, resilience, and a strong sense of identity. We promote ākonga having real world experiences that support future pathways for our ākonga and whānau in Years 11-13.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Act as a mentor and guide for ākonga, helping them set goals and explore potential future pathways.
2. Facilitate shadowing and internship learning opportunities that link knowledge with real-world experiences.
3. Collaborate with iwi, hapū, local organizations, and businesses to establish meaningful partnerships.
4. Support ākonga in reflecting on their experiences and connecting them to their future pathways, aspirations and whānau values.
5. Can follow established processes and input data tracking information around shadowing and internships.

Find out more about Leaving to Learn here:  Leaving to Learn | Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu

Ko koe tēnei | About you

If you are passionate about your hapori (community) and supporting ākonga and whānau to connect with the local organisations and businesses either face to face or online, then this is the role for you. It is expected that the successful appointee will be:

1. Passionate about real world learning opportunities.
2. Skilled at building strong relationships with kaimanaaki, whānau, and community partners.
3. Committed to fostering ākonga agency, resilience, and self-discovery.

This role is an opportunity to be a true navigator in a young person's life, helping them shape their future with confidence and pride. If you're ready to be part of this transformative journey, we'd love to hear from you.

In return:

Te Kura will provide you with the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment and work in a team that offers genuine work flexibility as part of an organisation that makes a difference to ākonga (students) across New Zealand.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you and you're keen to join us on our journey to empower ākonga, click the apply button, we want to hear from you

Applications must be lodged via our career's website, and you must have the right to reside or work in New Zealand.

Please note that we will be shortlisting candidates as we receive applications and may close the vacancy if suitable candidates are identified prior to the closing date. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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

For more information, check out the position description, or contact Trudy Harrison, National Manager for Leaving to Learn via email 

Applications close 11.59pm on Friday, 12 December 2025