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
Longbush Kindergarten is excited to offer the opportunity for an inspiring and capable Head Kaiako to lead our busy rural kindergarten just 13 minutes from Invercargill.
Nestled in a countryside setting, Longbush Kindergarten is known for its strong sense of community, meaningful relationships with whānau, and a teaching approach grounded in curiosity, nature, and connection.
🌱 About the Role
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will guide and support a dedicated teaching team while ensuring high-quality learning outcomes for tamariki.
As Head Kaiako, you will:
- Provide professional and pedagogical leadership to your team
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
- Build strong, authentic relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community
- Lead curriculum design and practice in line with Te Whāriki
- Maintain a focus on continuous improvement, quality teaching, and compliance
- Take an active role in growing and sustaining enrolments (roll numbers) within your community
- Balance day-to-day teaching with strategic thinking and forward planning for your kindergarten
✨ What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Are a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako in Aotearoa
- Hold a current first aid certificate
- Have proven or emerging leadership capability (or are ready to step into leadership)
- Bring warmth, positivity, and a genuine passion for working with tamariki
- Value rural communities and the unique opportunities they bring
- Are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and integrating te reo Māori me ngā tikanga into everyday practice
- Can balance being both supportive and decisive as a leader
🌼 Why Join Longbush?
- Be part of a close-knit, supportive rural community
- Lead a kindergarten where relationships truly matter
- Enjoy a role with autonomy, variety, and purpose
- Work alongside a wider organisation that values people, growth, and innovation
- Make a genuine impact on tamariki, whānau, and your teaching team
💛 Ready to Lead?
If you’re looking for a leadership opportunity where you can truly make a difference, we’d like to hear from you.
Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@ska.co.nz by Thursday 16 April 2026.
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas.
- 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.