Ko wai mātou | Who are we

Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura (‘Te Puna Reo’) takes its name from a place in the Kaipara Harbour, Tāporapora, that was close to the last ancient whare wānanga of Ngāti Whātua. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei established the early learning centre, Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura in 2007.

Te Puna Reo is an accredited early learning centre that is licensed for 45 tamariki and teaches through kaupapa māori worldviews. The Puna offers 20 hours for tamariki 3 years and older and has qualified and experienced kaimahi, many of whom are of Ngāti Whātua descent.

Te Puna Reo Okahukura is a joint early childhood education initiative between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Ministry of Education. The Puna Reo is part of a long-term kaupapa (plan) of educational excellence for the hapū where knowledge and understanding of te reo māori me ngā tikanga (language and customs) are a foundation.

Purpose of the role

The Kaiāwhina supports the teaching team to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for tamariki. This includes supporting daily routines, assisting with learning experiences, and ensuring tamariki are encouraged to grow socially, emotionally, and culturally in a respectful and stimulating setting.

This fixed-term position supports consistent staffing during a period of transition while we recruit a permanent Kaiako. You will be working closely with kaiako to:

Support tamariki with daily routines and transitions

Encourage social, emotional, and cultural development

Provide awhi and manaaki to ensure tamariki feel safe and confident

Assist with preparation of learning activities and assessment documentation

Contribute to a positive team environment grounded in kaupapa Māori values

Ngā tino pūkenga/whēako | Qualifications & Experience

Have competency in te reo Māori and are confident using it in daily interactions

Have strong teamwork skills and a willingness to learn

Bring energy, patience, and a heart for tamariki

Passionate about working with tamariki

Currently studying toward an ECE teaching qualification or planning to begin study Semester 1, 2026

To be successful in this role, we recognise that the following values & competencies are critical for kaimahi/employees to flourish at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei:

• Manaakitanga 
• Respect
• Resilience
• Whānau outcome focused
• Collaboration
• Cultural Understanding

Requirements & Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. 

Please be aware in applying for this role, you may be required to undergo the following pre-employment checks:

• Safety Check
• Driver's License Check

Apply Now

If you're interested, please click the 'Apply for this job' button at the top or bottom of the page. If you have any questions about the role please email: peopleperformance@nwo.iwi.nz 

We will be reviewing applications and undertaking interviews ahead of the closing date, therefore please do not hesitate to submit your application!