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.
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.
Permanent | 21 hours 15 minutes per week
Are you warm, caring, reliable and passionate about supporting tamariki to thrive?
We are seeking a positive and enthusiastic Teacher Aide to join the team at Northern Southland Kindergarten in a permanent part time role.
Northern Southland Kindergarten is a welcoming rural kindergarten with strong community connections and a supportive teaching team. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside kaiako to help create engaging learning environments and support the day-to-day needs of the kindergarten.
About the role
- Permanent position
- 21 hours 15 minutes per week
- Work hours are 10.45am – 3:00pm
- Additional hours may occasionally be available by mutual agreement
We are looking for someone who:
- Enjoys working with young children
- Is warm, patient and nurturing
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Is reliable, organised and willing to help where needed
- Can support kaiako with learning experiences, routines and general kindergarten tasks
- Brings energy, positivity and a great sense of humour to the team
Previous experience working with children would be an advantage, however attitude, reliability and a genuine passion for supporting tamariki are most important.
Why join us?
At Southland Kindergartens we value relationships, teamwork and creating great environments for both tamariki and staff. You will be joining a supportive organisation that genuinely values the contribution of every team member.
If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz. Please quote the job title when applying.
Applications close Sunday 14 June 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are not an accredited employer and are unable to support visa requirements. We will not respond to any overseas applications.
11 hours week / fixed term – 6 month trial
Are you an organised, people-focused person who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy problem solving, communicating with a wide range of people, and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes?
We are seeking a Reliever Coordinator to support our kindergartens by coordinating qualified and unqualified relievers across our services. This role plays an important part in ensuring our kindergartens remain well supported, particularly when unexpected staff absences occur.
This is a fixed-term role for approximately 6 months as we trial a new way of supporting our services and relievers.
Hours of work:
- Monday to Friday: 7.00am – 9.00am
- Plus a short period of time on Sunday evenings (1 hour)
About the role
The Reliever Coordinator will:
- Coordinate and allocate relievers to cover staff absences
- Respond to last-minute and unexpected leave requirements
- Maintain communication with relievers, Head Kaiako and management
- Keep reliever availability and contact information up to date
- Support onboarding and engagement of relievers
- Assist with enrolment enquiries and general communication
- Help develop and improve relief coordination systems and processes
We are looking for someone who is:
- A strong communicator with excellent people skills
- Highly organised and able to multitask
- Calm under pressure and solutions focused
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Confident using email, spreadsheets and online systems
- Reliable, responsive and able to work independently
- Previous administration, scheduling or coordination experience would be an advantage.
As this is a new role, flexibility and a willingness to help shape how the position operates will be important.
Additional Opportunity
We are also advertising a separate fixed-term Kindergarten Administration role for 10 hours per week. Applicants interested in additional hours are welcome to indicate if they would like to be considered for both positions.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz. Please quote the job title when applying.
Applications close Sunday 14 June 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are not an accredited employer and are unable to support visa requirements. We will not respond to any overseas applications.
10 hours per week / fixed term – 6 month trial
We are seeking a friendly, organised, and reliable Administration Support person to provide administrative assistance across three Invercargill kindergartens.
This is a part-time position of 10 hours per week, offered on a fixed-term basis for an initial six-month trial. The role will support our Head Kaiako and teaching teams with a range of administrative and organisational tasks that help our kindergartens operate efficiently and provide a positive experience for tamariki and whānau.
About the role
You will provide administrative support across multiple kindergarten sites, helping to ensure records, communications, and day-to-day administrative processes are managed effectively.
Key responsibilities include:
- General administrative support to Head Kaiako and teaching teams
- Managing enrolment enquiries, records, and documentation
- Supporting communication with whānau and prospective families
- Assisting with day-to-day organisation and administration tasks
- Maintaining accurate records and filing systems
- Supporting kindergarten events, communications, and other administrative activities as required
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has excellent organisational and time management skills
- Is confident using computers, email, spreadsheets, and online systems
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Can work independently and manage competing priorities
- Has a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Enjoys building positive relationships with staff and families
- Is friendly, approachable, and professional
- Previous administration or customer service experience would be advantageous.
What we offer
- A supportive and welcoming team environment
- Flexible part-time hours
- Variety across three kindergarten settings
- The opportunity to contribute to a valued community service
- The chance to help shape a new role during its trial period
Additional Opportunity
SKA is also currently recruiting for a Reliever Coordinator position. Applicants interested in additional hours are welcome to indicate if they would like to be considered for both roles. Combining the two positions may provide a larger part-time opportunity for the right candidate.
If you enjoy being organised, supporting others, and making a difference behind the scenes, we’d like to hear from you.
Pop through your CV and cover letter to apply at jobs@ska.co.nz. Please state the job title when applying.
Applications close Sunday 14 June 2026
If you are overseas, please do not apply as we are not an accredited employer and are unable to support visa requirements. We will not respond to any overseas 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.