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 a passionate and inspiring early childhood teacher ready to take the next step into leadership? We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Head Kaiako to lead our team at Newfield Kindergarten.
We are looking for someone who not only brings warmth, positivity, and strong teaching practice, but who also values work excellence — someone who takes pride in creating a professional, supportive, high-performing kindergarten environment where tamariki, whānau, and kaiako can thrive.
About the Role
As Head Kaiako, you will:
- Lead and support a dedicated teaching team
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture
- Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and work excellence
- Support high quality teaching and learning practices
- Guide curriculum planning and programme development
- Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community
- Mentor and support kaiako to continue growing their skills and practice
- Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety, and professional requirements
- Work alongside management to support the ongoing success of the kindergarten
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification
- Is fully registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and holds a current practising certificate
- Has experience teaching within the NZ early childhood sector
- Holds a current First Aid Certificate
- Is a warm, bubbly, positive, and approachable person
- Has strong leadership and excellent communication skills
- Leads with kindness, professionalism, and integrity
- Is organised, adaptable, and solution-focused
- Values high standards, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Is passionate about creating an environment where both tamariki and kaiako can flourish
- Brings energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for early childhood education
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Ongoing professional growth and development opportunities
- A well-resourced kindergarten
- The opportunity to lead a passionate and committed team
- A workplace that values collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement
If you are an experienced kaiako ready to step into a rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine difference, we would like to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz.
Applications close Wednesday 3 June 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are not an accredited employer and are unable to support visa requirements.
- 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.
Grasmere Kindergarten is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Kaiako to join our team in a permanent 0.5 FTE position.
This is an exciting opportunity for a kaiako who is eager to be part of a collaborative and supportive teaching environment where relationships, play-based learning, and quality outcomes for tamariki are highly valued. At Grasmere Kindergarten, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to learn and grow through meaningful experiences, exploration, and positive relationships.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification
- Holds a current practising certificate
- Holds a current first aid certificate
- Builds warm, respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
- Brings enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive team-focused approach
- Has excellent communication and reflective practice skills
- Is committed to contributing positively to our kindergarten community
What We Offer:
- A supportive and collaborative teaching team
- Ongoing professional growth opportunities
- A well-resourced learning environment
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki and whānau
- A positive and welcoming kindergarten culture
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to jobs@ska.co.nz. Please quote job G05 within your application.
Applications close: Sunday 31st May 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond.
Newfield Kindergarten is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Kaiako to join our team in a permanent 0.5 FTE position.
This exciting opportunity has arisen as a result of a change to our service model. We are looking for a kaiako who is eager to be part of a collaborative environment where relationships, play-based learning, and quality outcomes for tamariki are highly valued.
At Newfield Kindergarten, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to learn and grow through meaningful experiences and exploration.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification
- Holds a current practising certificate
- Holds a current first aid certificate
- Builds warm, respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
- Brings enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive team-focused approach
- Is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a growing kindergarten community
- Has excellent communication and reflective practice skills
What We Offer:
- A supportive and collaborative teaching team
- The opportunity to contribute to an evolving and growing service
- Ongoing professional growth opportunities
- A well-resourced learning environment
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki and whānau
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@ska.co.nz. Please quote job N05
Applications close: Sunday 31st May 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are unable to support visas and will not respond.
Longford Kindergarten is seeking an enthusiastic and nurturing kaiako to join our teaching team in a permanent 0.5FTE position. This means a 20 hour week covering lunch breaks and a bit more!
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 31 May 2026
Please quote job LF05 when applying for this role.
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.
Are you a passionate and positive kaiako who enjoys working in a busy, vibrant kindergarten environment?
We are seeking an enthusiastic and caring kaiako to join our team at Lees Street Kindergarten in a permanent 0.5FTE, 20 hours per week, lunch cover role. This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of a supportive teaching team within a fast-paced and well-loved kindergarten community.
Lees Street Kindergarten is a busy and engaging learning environment where relationships, fun, and quality teaching practice are highly valued. We are looking for someone who can confidently step into the daily rhythm of the kindergarten, support children’s learning and wellbeing, and work collaboratively alongside the teaching team.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a recognised ECE qualification within NZ
- Holds a current NZ Teaching Council registration
- Holds a current first aid certificate
- Is warm, flexible, and able to build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues
- Enjoys working in a busy and energetic environment
- Has a good understanding of Te Whāriki and quality teaching practice
- Brings enthusiasm, initiative, and a team-focused attitude
- Values inclusive practice and respectful relationships
We offer:
- A welcoming and supportive team environment
- Ongoing professional support and development
- The opportunity to work within a well-resourced kindergarten
- Conditions and remuneration in accordance with the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement
If you are looking for a rewarding part-time role where you can make a genuine difference each day, we would like to hear from you.
Applications close Sunday 31 May 2026
Please quote job LS05 when applying for this role.
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.