Job Description

Kaiako – Teacher

Te Kāhu Tiu – Reikorangi Valley, Kāpiti Coast

Te Kāhu Tiu is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to supporting rangatahi and their whānau to heal, reconnect, and thrive. Through innovative, tikanga-based approaches, Te Kāhu Tiu empowers young people to restore their identity, build resilience, and the skills they need to move into education, training and work. https://www.tekahutiu.org.nz/.

He angitūtanga | The opportunity

Join Te Kāhu Tiu as we launch our new tikanga-based mana-affirming programme—a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of rangatahi.

As Kaiako, you’ll help create a safe, creative, and culturally grounded environment where rangatahi can grow and thrive. Each day, you’ll model manaakitanga, aroha, and emotional regulation, designing and leading engaging learning experiences—such as art, music, movement, story, and digital media—that align with the Masters of Mauri Ora curriculum and each rangatahi’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

You’ll support rangatahi to explore whakapapa, values, and future vision, restoring identity and motivation to re-engage with learning. Working collaboratively, you’ll weave therapeutic and educational goals into daily activities, observe and record key shifts in engagement and progress, and uphold tikanga, reo, and kaupapa values to ensure a culturally grounded and spiritually safe environment for all.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring experience and passion for working with rangatahi Māori or high-needs youth, ideally in alternative education, SEN, or kaupapa Māori settings.

Your skills and experience:

• New Zealand registered teacher (or actively working toward registration)
• Strong background in creative arts, kapa haka, music, design, or similar
• Experience working with rangatahi Māori or high-needs youth in education, hauora, or community contexts
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and relational approaches to behaviour
• Confident facilitating groups, de-escalating conflict, and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to tikanga Māori, equity, and intergenerational change

Ngā hāora me te utu | Hours and remuneration

This role is a 12-month fixed term contract with potential to extend. It is a fulltime position. The salary is around $85,000 (depending upon experience) plus Kiwisaver.

Tono mai | Apply now

If you would like to apply, please tell us why you would like to be part of this kaupapa in your cover letter and submit this via the Apply Now button along with your resume by the closing date of Friday 23 January 2026.

Please direct any queries to Jane Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz.

E whai ake nei | Next Steps

If you are selected to proceed to the next stage, you will be invited to attend a 2–3-day wānanga on 20-22 February.