As NKA’s Education Leader, you will report to the Chief Executive and provide strategic educational leadership, coaching and quality assurance across the association, with direct oversight of two kindergartens. You’ll champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, tikanga and te reo in everyday practice; strengthen curriculum implementation (Te Whāriki); guide internal evaluation; ensure Teaching Council alignment; support ERO readiness; and use educational data to drive continuous improvement.
What you will bring
· Proven strategic pedagogical leadership that grows kaiako capability and consistent, high‑quality practice.
· Recent leadership experience in a Professional Practice ECE Setting, and previous experience leading an ECE Centre. Highly effective communication skills in adult environments.
· Expertise in coaching, mentoring and changing leadership across diverse teams.
· Strength in compliance, evaluation and data‑informed improvement.
· A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga o Te Ᾱo Māori, and their relevance to Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum.
· Be a highly motivated, collaborative and enthusiastic professional A recognised New Zealand ECE qualification (minimum New Zealand ECE Degree) with a post-graduate qualification in Early Childhood Education desirable. Full Teacher Registration and a current First Aid Certificate are required.
You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that reliable, timely, and up to date professional support is provided to our kindergartens and teams and ensuring all MOE licensing requirements are constantly met.
Why NKA
You will have the opportunity to lead three other motivated professional practice leaders and specialist staff in supporting our 25 kindergartens across Te Tai Tokerau.
You will have the opportunity to utilise your expertise to support high quality learning outcomes.
Closing date for applications Monday 23 February 2026, at 2.00pm.
Applicants must be currently residing and eligible to work in New Zealand at the time of applying.
Download an application pack and a position description from the NKA website www.nka.org.nz or email appointments@nka.org.nz to request an application pack and position description.
Email Applications to: appointments@nka.org.nz or post to: Appointments Secretary, Northland Kindergarten Association, PO Box 4005,Whangarei, 0141.
