Work with Us

Teach Where You Can Make a Real Difference

At Nelson Tasman Kindergartens, we believe that when our teachers thrive, our tamariki flourish. Join our supportive network of 22 kindergartens – each with its own unique character – and be part of a team that values collaboration, growth, and wellbeing.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Work alongside 140+ experienced, passionate teachers who share ideas and knowledge.

  • Receive dedicated support from senior education advisors, management, and admin staff.

  • Enjoy fair, consistent working conditions under the Kindergarten Teachers’ Collective Agreement.

Our Values

  • We’re a not-for-profit organisation – every dollar goes back into enriching children’s education.

  • Proud Enviroschools partners, we support families with free parenting resources, reflecting our commitment to the wider community.

Grow, Thrive, and Make a Difference

At Nelson Tasman Kindergartens, your professional growth is as important as the children’s learning. Here, your ideas, skills, and wellbeing are valued every step of the way.

Key Benefits

Network of 22 Unique Kindergartens: Join a diverse and supportive community of kaiako.

  • Collaborative Team: Benefit from the collective experience of over 140 dedicated kaiako.

  • Comprehensive Support: Access support from senior education advisors, management, and administrative staff.

  • Not-for-Profit: Be part of an organisation where all funds are reinvested into children’s education.

  • Community-Focused: Engage with our Enviroschools partnership and provide families with free parenting support.

  • Fair Employment: Work under the Kindergarten Teachers' Collective Agreement.

Vacancies

No vacancies at this time

Relievers

Join our pool of relievers!

Whether you're a qualified Kaiako ready to bring your experience to a new environment or an unqualified teacher aide eager to make a difference in a child's life, we have a place for you.

Come see what Nelson Tasman Kindergartens have to offer—we're excited to show you.

Qualified Relievers must hold a current practicing certificate issued by Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

For those unqualified a police vet will be requested before commencement of employment.

How to Apply

Please complete the form and upload the following documents:

  1. CV

  2. Cover Letter

  3. NTK Application Form

  4. Practicing Certificate

  5. Teaching Qualification

Download

Please download and complete the NTK Application form (PDF or .docx).

NTK Application form (PDF)

NTK Application form (.docx)

Start Your Journey as an Early Childhood Teacher

If you’re considering a career in early childhood education (ECE), here’s what you need to know to get started.

  • In New Zealand, most ECE teachers begin with either:

    • Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

    • Postgraduate Diploma in ECE

    You can explore courses and providers on:

    Many courses require you to be working or volunteering in an ECE setting for a set number of hours each week.

  • We can help connect you with a host kindergarten—whether you’re already studying or just exploring if ECE is right for you. Before starting, there are some important checks and requirements:

    If you’re a current ECE student

    • Provide two forms of ID before you spend time in the kindergarten.

    If you want to volunteer before starting study

    • Clear police vet (can take up to one month—start early!)

    • Two forms of ID

    • Complete a short safety questionnaire

    If you’re a high school student on a Gateway programme

    • Your school’s Gateway coordinator must send us your school ID and a short reference.

  • Accepted forms of ID are:

    • NZ birth certificate (issued 1998 or later) OR passport

    • NZ driver licence

    If your IDs are in different names, you must also provide a marriage certificate or statutory declaration. (A “particulars of marriage” is not accepted.)

  • For more information or to confirm ID requirements, please contact amy.katipa@ntk.org.nz.