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 / full time
Are you an experienced and inspiring early childhood teacher ready to lead a passionate team and make a real difference in the lives of tamariki and whānau?
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Head Kaiako to lead our team at Lindisfarne Kindergarten.
Located in the heart of Invercargill, Lindisfarne Kindergarten is a welcoming and vibrant learning environment where strong relationships, quality teaching, and a commitment to continuous improvement are at the centre of everything we do.
As Head Kaiako, you will provide educational and professional leadership to your team, fostering a positive culture where tamariki, whānau, and kaiako can thrive. You will be supported by a collaborative leadership team and a well-established organisation committed to investing in its people.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a recognised ECE teaching qualification and current New Zealand Teaching Council registration.
- Holds a current first aid certificate
- Has proven experience teaching in early childhood education within New Zealand.
- Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and support others.
- Builds positive and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, colleagues, and the wider community.
- Is committed to delivering high-quality teaching and learning outcomes.
- Embraces continuous improvement and a culture of work excellence.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
We can offer:
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities.
- Leadership support and mentoring.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within your kindergarten and wider organisation.
- Employment under the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement (KTCA).
While a strong teaching background is important, we believe great leadership is what truly makes a great Head Kaiako. We are looking for someone who can inspire others, build a positive team culture, support professional growth, and lead with confidence, empathy, and integrity.
If you are a positive, forward-thinking leader who is passionate about early childhood education and supporting others to succeed, we would like to hear from you.
Applications close: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@ska.co.nz quoting job number LHK1
NOTE: If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond. Please note that we are not an accredited employer.
Permanent 0.5FTE Kaiako (20 hours week)
We have an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and nurturing kaiako to join our Longford Kindergarten teaching team!
Located in Gore, Longford Kindergarten is a welcoming and well-established kindergarten with strong community connections and a focus on creating meaningful learning experiences for tamariki. We value respectful relationships, teamwork, and providing an environment where children feel supported, confident, and inspired to learn.
This role would suit a kaiako who enjoys working collaboratively, brings a positive and adaptable approach, and is passionate about quality early childhood education.
We are seeking someone who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification and current NZ Teaching Council registration
- Holds a current first aid certificate
- Demonstrates a warm, inclusive, and child-focused teaching practice
- Has knowledge of Te Whāriki and current ECE teaching approaches
- Builds positive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
- Is organised, reliable, and contributes positively to team culture
- Enjoys being involved in the wider kindergarten community
We offer:
- A supportive and experienced teaching team
- Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
- A positive and collaborative working environment
- Pay and conditions in accordance with the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement
If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, we welcome your application.
Applications close: Sunday 28 June 2026
Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@ska.co.nz quoting job number LF05
NOTE: If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond. Also note that we are not an accredited employer.
Are you a passionate and dedicated kaiako who is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education? Waverley Kindergarten is seeking a warm, enthusiastic, and collaborative teacher to join our team in a permanent full-time position.
At Waverley Kindergarten, we value strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and creating an environment where tamariki can thrive. We are looking for a kaiako who will contribute positively to our learning community and support children to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
We Are Looking for Someone Who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification.
- Holds a current practising certificate.
- Holds a current first aid certificate.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.
- Builds respectful and responsive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues.
- Works collaboratively as part of a supportive teaching team.
- Is enthusiastic, reflective, and committed to ongoing professional growth.
- Brings creativity, energy, and a positive attitude to their practice.
- What We Offer
- A welcoming and supportive kindergarten environment.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional learning and development.
- A collaborative team culture where your contributions are valued.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki and their whānau.
- Employment conditions are as per Kindergarten Teachers’ Collective Agreement (KTCA).
How to Apply
For further information or to apply, please submit your CV and covering letter to jobs@ska.co.nz. Please quote job W01 within your application.
Applications close: Sunday 21 June 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond.
- 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.