Job Advert: Kaiwhakaako (Trainer) Te Tai Tokerau
Organisation: Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
Reports to: Kaiārahi Wāhanga Whakangunu (Training & Programme Manager)
Location: Whangarei (Central, Northland)
About Us
We are a kaupapa Māori organisation focused on growth, wellbeing, and learning success of tamariki Māori through Te Kōhanga Reo. Our mission is to nurture the cultural identity and language development of tamariki through full immersion Māori language transmission in a supportive and whānau-centred environment.
This role is key to ensuring that our training and developmnt programmes enable us and Kōhanga Reo to serve our kaupapa.
Mō tēnei Mahi | About the Role
The Kaiwhakaako is responsible for the effective delivery of tertiary education and training programmes for Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust through the training arm, Te Whare Ako. Our programmes are designed to strengthen the capability, knowledge and practice of the Kōhanga Reo workforce.
The role supports ākonga to achieve their learning goals through high-quality teaching, learning facilitation, assessment and ongoing academic and pastoral support. The Kaiwhakaako contributes to learning experiences that uphold the aspirations of Te Kōhanga Reo and strengthen the capability of whānau to nurture mokopuna through te reo Māori and the principles of Te Kōhanga Reo.
The Kaiwhakaako will work collaboratively within the training team to deliver and continuously improve Te Whare Ako’s NZQA-approved training programmes, which include:
Te Ara Tuatahi – Level 2
Te Ara Tuarua – Level 4
Te Takai Tukutuku a Te Kōhanga Reo – Level 5
Te Tohu Mātauranga Whakapakari Tino Rangatiratanga (Tohu Paetahi) Level 7
The primary teaching responsibility will be Te Ara Tuatahi or Te Ara Tuarua, with opportunities to contribute to other programmes in line with organisational priorities, capability and programme requirements.
Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako | Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will bring a combination of teaching capability, te reo Māori proficiency, cultural knowledge and a genuine commitment to the success of ākonga and the wider Kōhanga Reo movement.
Te reo Māori proficiency: strong spoken and written proficiency (at Level 5 or equivalent) and the ability to teach within a full-immersion learning environment.
Teaching and assessment capability: Experience in adult tertiary teaching and assessment, with the ability to gain the relevant qualifications within 12 months if required.
Teaching experience: Demonstrated experience teaching te reo Māori in a full-immersion environment, preferably with adult learners.
Programme planning and delivery: Experience developing learning plans, teaching resources and assessment materials, and facilitating learning that supports positive educational outcomes.
Ākonga-centred practice: Strong interpersonal, communication and reflective practice skills, with the ability to monitor learner progress, identify barriers to achievement and provide appropriate academic and pastoral support.
Digital and administrative capability: Confidence using digital learning platforms, Microsoft Office applications and learner management systems to support effective teaching, assessment and programme administration.
Quality assurance and compliance: An understanding of assessment and moderation practices, academic quality assurance and relevant NZQA and organisational requirements.
Professional and collaborative practice: The ability to work in a team, manage competing priorities, respond constructively to challenges and contribute to shared outcomes is essential.
Ngā Āhuatanga e Manakohia ana | Desirable Attributes
A qualification at Level 5 or higher, in a relevant subject that complements our training programmes.
A strong commitment to ākonga success, lifelong learning and the ongoing development of the Kōhanga Reo workforce.
Experience working within Kōhanga Reo and an understanding of the operational realities, responsibilities and aspirations of whānau.
A minimum of five years’ experience in Kōhanga Reo operations.
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with whānau, ākonga, colleagues and external stakeholders.
Adaptability, resilience and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
A full New Zealand driver licence and the flexibility to travel and support learning activities, including noho, wānanga and educational visits.
Applications close: Friday, 14th November 2026