Careers
Join the Team
At Southland Kindergartens Association, tamariki and their whānau are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to forming supportive and respectful relationships with each family, recognising the unique strengths and needs of every child. Our approach is centred around creating a warm and inclusive environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and supported to learn at their own pace.
Why work for SKA?
Being part of our SKA means you would be part of a community focussed organisation and actively involved in contributing to the well-being and development of our local tamariki. You will be supporting equitable access to quality education, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
We recognise the importance of growth through professional learning opportunities being supported on a regular basis. For our Kaiako this is further supported by way of the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement, which can be found here.
With 24 locations throughout Southland we have many internal opportunities for change our support our staff to grow and evolve.
Our operational roles play a crucial part in delivering an excellent ECE service to our community and we have a strong focus on ensuring our staff are supported to carry these roles the best we can.
We welcome your enquiry to become part of our team and help us support our Southland Community.
Job Vacancies
We have the following vacancies available.
Permanent Kaiako | 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week)
Lindisfarne Kindergarten is excited to welcome a new kaiako to our team! We’re looking for someone warm, positive, and genuinely passionate about working with tamariki to join us in a 0.5 FTE permanent role, which includes lunch cover and additional teaching hours.
🌱 About the Role
As we move toward a 30-child all-day model, this position offers the chance to be part of an evolving and forward-focused kindergarten environment. You’ll work alongside a friendly, supportive team committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and strong relationships with whānau.
✨ What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Bring a bright, happy, and energetic teaching style
- Enjoy being part of a collaborative, fun, and engaged team
- Are committed to creating rich, meaningful learning experiences
- Appreciate a welcoming community environment where tamariki thrive
💛 Interested in Joining Us?
If this sounds like the perfect match for you, we’d be delighted to receive your application and welcome you into our Lindisfarne whānau.
To apply you need to:
- Hold a Bachelors Degree in ECE (or equivalent NZ recognised qualification)
- Registered with NZ Teaching Council
- Current First Aid Certificate
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 16 March 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond to applications.
Permanent Kaiako | 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week)
Northern Southland Kindergarten is excited to welcome a new kaiako to our caring and community-minded team. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and drawn to the charm of rural teaching, we’d love to hear from you.
📍 Our Location
Nestled in the heart of rural Southland, our kindergarten is just 1 hour north of Invercargill and 1 hour 20 minutes from Queenstown. With a close-knit local community, open spaces, and a peaceful country setting, Northern Southland offers a unique and rewarding place to teach and grow.
🌱 About the Role
In this 0.5 FTE role, you’ll be part of a committed team dedicated to nurturing meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and our wider rural community.
✨ We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Is enthusiastic, positive, and child-centred
- Thrives in a collaborative team environment
- Values strong whānau and community partnerships
- Is excited by the possibilities of a 0–5 model and rural ECE
- Brings warmth, flexibility, and initiative to their practice
💛 Interested in Joining Northern Southland Kindergarten?
If you’re excited by the idea of being part of a beautiful rural kindergarten with plenty of opportunity for professional growth, we’d love to receive your application.
To apply, you need to:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in ECE (or equivalent NZ-recognised qualification)
- Be fully registered with the NZ Teaching Council
- Hold a current First Aid Certificate
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 16 March 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond to applications.
Elsie Street Kindergarten is on the lookout for an inspiring, future-focused Head Kaiako to lead our dedicated team in the heart of Gore — New Zealand’s country music capital.
If you’re a passionate kaiako who thrives on building strong relationships, leading with heart, and shaping a positive team culture, this could be your next exciting step.
📍 Our Community
Located in Gore, just 45 minutes from Invercargill, our kindergarten sits in a proud rural town known for its strong community spirit and country charm. We enjoy genuine connections with whānau and the wider community, creating a warm, welcoming environment where tamariki thrive.
🌱 About the Role
This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a committed teaching team in delivering high-quality early childhood education. As Head Kaiako, you will:
- Provide professional and pedagogical leadership
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive team culture
• Strengthen relationships with whānau and the wider community
• Support innovative, meaningful learning experiences for tamariki
• Think strategically and contribute to the ongoing growth and sustainability of the kindergarten
• Promote Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the integration of te reo Māori and tikanga in everyday practice
✨ We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Is a fully registered and experienced ECE kaiako
- Holds a current First Aid Certificate
- Has leadership experience (or is ready to step confidently into leadership)
- Brings warmth, clarity, and strong communication skills
- Is organised, forward-thinking, and solution-focused
- Values community, connection, and collaboration
- Has a genuine passion for making a difference in tamariki and whānau lives
💛 Why Elsie Street Kindergarten?
This role offers the chance to lead a well-established kindergarten with strong community ties, while shaping its next chapter. You’ll be supported within a wider professional network and have the opportunity to influence both day-to-day practice and long-term direction.
If you’re ready to step into leadership tole, we’d love to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 16 March 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond to applications.
Northern Southland Kindergarten is looking for a passionate and enthusiastic full-time kaiako to join our friendly, community-focused team.
If you love building meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau, enjoy the rhythm of rural life, and thrive in a supportive team environment — we’d love to hear from you.
📍 Our Location
Situated in a rural Southland town, Northern Southland Kindergarten is just:
• 1 hour from Invercargill
• 30 minutes from Winton
• 40 minutes from Gore
Our kindergarten sits at the heart of a close-knit community where relationships matter and families are genuinely engaged in their children’s learning journey.
🌱 About the Role
As a full-time kaiako, you will be an integral part of a collaborative teaching team committed to providing high-quality early childhood education. You will:
- Create rich, meaningful learning experiences that respond to tamariki interests
- Build strong, respectful partnerships with whānau
- Contribute positively to team culture and shared decision-making
- Support inclusive, nurturing environments where all tamariki can thrive
- Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice, including promoting te reo Māori and tikanga
✨ We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Is a qualified and fully registered ECE kaiako
- Hold a current first aid certificate
- Brings warmth, energy, and a positive attitude
- Values teamwork and open communication
- Is reflective, adaptable, and future-focused
- Appreciates the unique strengths of a rural kindergarten community
💛 Why Join Northern Southland Kindergarten?
This is an opportunity to work in a supportive, welcoming environment where you can make a real difference. You’ll enjoy strong community connections, beautiful rural surroundings, and the chance to be part of a kindergarten that truly values relationships.
If you’re ready to embrace rural teaching and become part of a special Southland community, we’d love to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 16 March 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond to applications.
- Invercargill
- Northern Southland
- Gore
- Fiordland
We have many opportunities for relievers! With our kindergartens moving to full year over 2026 (no term breaks) it means we have plenty of work available around the region to help cover various leave.
This is a role that might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis. Its also a great way to move into the amazing world of Kindergarten teaching and work along our experienced kaiako.
If you’re keen to apply, you need:
- Hold a Bachelors Degree in ECE (or equivalent NZ recognised qualification)
- Registered with NZ Teaching Council
- Current First Aid Certificate.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas.
Relievers
We have opportunities for relievers too – it might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis.
We are always on the lookout for:
- Qualified Relievers
- Kindergarten Support – Untrained
If you’re interested, send your CV and cover letter to hr@ska.co.nz
Want to know more? Phone us on (03) 2140 237 or complete the contact form below.