Assistant Centre Manager

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

• Whakatāne based position.
• Work alongside the Centre Manager to support curriculum delivery, ratios, health and safety, documentation, and whānau engagement.
• A step-up leadership role focused on strengthening centre-wide quality, culture, and compliance.
• Model strong Te Whāriki practice while coaching and supporting kaiako to grow their professional capability.

Tihei mauri ora ki te whai ao ki te ao mārama Ki ō tātou tini aituā kua huri tua o maumahara, haere koutou.

Ki a tātou ngā kanohi ora kua mahue nei ki te ao hurihuri tēnā koutou.

Tēnā koutou rau rangatira mā, i te āhuatanga o te kaupapa whakakī tūranga nei, e mihi atu nei, kia ora huihui mai tātou katoa.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa is a kaupapa Māori-led organisation dedicated to the prosperity and wellbeing of whānau through integrated health, social, education, employment, and housing services. Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia is our ECE centre, where tamariki and whānau are nurtured through manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, and ako.

They are seeking an Assistant Centre Manager who brings cultural depth and operational excellence.

About the role

Working closely with the Centre Manager, you will:

• Model high-quality teaching practice aligned to Te Whāriki; lead planning, assessment (including TAMOT portfolios), and evaluation.
• Act as "Person Responsible" under ECE Regulations; coordinate staff inductions, relievers, monthly planning meetings, and internal evaluation.
• Embed te reo me ngā tikanga Māori in everyday practice, champion equity and inclusive pedagogy.
• Maintain ratios; uphold H&S systems (drills, excursions, risk assessments); ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
• Communicate clearly with whānau (platform posts, notices, hui) and nurture strong community and agency connections.
• Support professional development pathways, coaching kaiako to lift capability and confidence.

Ngā tino pūkenga me wheako | Essential knowledge, skills, and experience

• ECE Diploma or Degree; 5+ years' practical ECE experience; "Person Responsible" ready.
• Demonstrated team-lead or senior kaiako experience; confident giving feedback, resolving conflict, and guiding practice.
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, internal evaluation, and individual planning (IDPs/IEPs) where required.
• Cultural competency in te reo me ngā tikanga Māori; commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Pou Mataaho.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; organised and reliable with centre documentation.
• ICT capable (e.g., Discover, EDUCA/Storypark, Office 365).
• Full, clean New Zealand driver licence; current First Aid.

What we offer

• A kaupapa-anchored, supportive leadership environment.
• Flexible work practices, revitalisation and wānanga days and health insurance (conditions apply).
• Ongoing professional development and sector networking.
• The opportunity to shape outcomes for tamariki and whānau across Mātaatua.

Whakatāne District offers a vibrant community, a thriving local economy, endless sunny days and a stunning natural environment to live, work, raise your whānau and study in. Whether you're planning a future for your whānau closer to home or you are seeking your next move to escape the city….Nau mai, haere mai

Te Tono | How to apply

If you are a values-driven ECE leader ready to steward a thriving kaupapa Māori centre, we would love to hear from you. For more information or an information kete, please email your CV and cover letter to Heather Walker at Mana Recruitment quoting ref: NASH103.

Applications close: Tono will be assessed as they are received. Early applications are encouraged to ensure a January 2026 start.