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.
Part-Time | Term Time Only | 12.25 hours per week
We are seeking a reliable and friendly Van Driver to support our Gore kindergartens by transporting tamariki to and from Nature Discovery learning sites in the local area.
This role plays an important part in enabling our children to experience regular nature-based learning opportunities beyond the kindergarten environment.
📍 Hours of Work – Term time only – 12.25 hours per week
- Tuesday – 8.30 – 12.45
- Wednesday – 8.45 – 12.45
- Friday – 8.30 – 12.30
🚸 About the Role
The Van Driver will safely transport small groups of tamariki and teachers from kindergarten to local nature discovery locations and return them to the kindergarten.
You will help ensure trips run smoothly while providing a calm, friendly and safe transport experience for children.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely drive the kindergarten van to and from local nature discovery sites
- Ensure all safety procedures and transport requirements are followed
- Assist with safe entry and exit of tamariki from the vehicle
- Carry out basic vehicle checks and report any issues
- Work alongside kindergarten staff to support smooth trip logistics
✔ We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Holds a full, clean driver’s licence
- Is reliable, punctual, and safety-focused
- Enjoys being around children and supporting learning experiences
- Has good communication skills
- Is comfortable working independently
Previous experience transporting children or driving passenger vans would be an advantage but is not essential.
📅 Additional Information
- This role is term time only, following the traditional school term calendar.
- Police vetting will be required for the successful applicant.
💛 Join Our Team
If you enjoy driving, value safety, and like the idea of helping tamariki access wonderful outdoor learning experiences in our local environment, we would love to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close: Monday 21 September 2026
Please note we are not an accredited employer and are unable to support visas.
Looking for a part-time teaching role that still lets you feel part of a team?
If you’re looking for a role that gives you the opportunity to do the work you enjoy without working full-time, this could be a great fit.
Longford is a welcoming, well-established kindergarten in Gore with strong connections to its community. Our team is committed to creating a place where tamariki feel confident, supported and excited to learn — and where positive relationships with children, whānau and each other really matter.
Who would this role suit?
You might be an experienced kaiako looking for a better balance between work and life; someone wanting to reduce their hours while staying connected to teaching, or a new grad looking for a part-time role knowing it all contributes towards full registration!
What matters most to us is finding a kaiako who will enjoy being part of the Longford team and bring warmth, enthusiasm and a collaborative approach to their teaching.
We’re looking for someone who:
- holds an ECE degree and current NZ Teaching Council registration
- has a current first aid certificate
- brings warm, inclusive and child-focused teaching practice
- has a good understanding of Te Whāriki and current ECE practice
- builds genuine relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues
- is reliable, adaptable and enjoys contributing to a team
- wants to be part of the wider kindergarten community.
Why join us?
You’ll be joining an experienced and supportive teaching team, with access to ongoing professional learning and development and the wider support of Kindergartens South.
Sometimes the right role isn’t about adding more hours to your week — it’s about finding the right place for the hours you want to work.
If Longford sounds like it could be that place for you, we’d really like to hear from you.
Apply now and come and meet the team at Longford Kindergarten.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 21 September 2026
Please note we are not an accredited employer and 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.