Puna (ELC) Manager

About us

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) is New Zealand’s second largest tertiary institution and the world’s largest indigenous tertiary educator, and we’ve been providing transformational education opportunities to New Zealanders for nearly 40 years. Our vision of ‘Whānau transformation through education’ drives our commitment to being at the forefront of tertiary education underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Our kaimahi enjoy a whānau-friendly workplace where everyone is encouraged to be themselves. In return for their contribution, we offer kaimahi a range of benefits including :

• Free health and life insurance for permanent employees.
• Four extra annual leave days to celebrate Matariki and the Christmas / New Year season.
• Special leave available for sporting or cultural events.
• Tau Ora programmes that encourage wellbeing and inclusion.
• Free car parking.

About the role

Are you passionate about fostering a strength-based leadership approach while creating positive, enduring relationships? We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Puna Manager at our Raroera Te Puawai Puna Reo on a permanent full-time basis (40 hours per week).

As our Puna Manager, you will provide leadership, professional development, and supervision to our ELC Kaiako, Administrator and Cook. This role is instrumental in meeting management responsibilities to ensure compliance and maintain the quality of operations and meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Upholding strategic and operational excellence is crucial in delivering exceptional Education services to our tamariki.

Some of your responsibilities will include :

• Oversee the day-to-day of the Puna Reo, including mentoring staff, leading program planning, and conducting internal evaluations.
• Ensuring all compliance standards and regulations are upheld.
• Monitor teaching quality, tamariki progress, manage resources, and maintain records.
• Develop external relationships and foster internal relationships.
• Lead meetings, manage work force and engage in team activities.
• Manage enrolments, funding, and budgets allocations effectively.

About you

The perfect fit for this role would be someone who is a passionate leader with strong communication, strategic management skills, compliance expertise, and a genuine dedication to fostering a thriving learning environment for our tamariki.

You will also bring with you :

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).
• Teaching Council of New Zealand Registration and current practicing certificate.
• Pūmau ki te reo Māori.
• Full driver’s license.
• 2-4 years’ experience in a leadership position.
• Awareness of the ECE regulations and funding framework.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

As a kaupapa Māori organisation, your willingness to participate in cultural activities and develop an understanding of Āhuatanga Māori (values, culture and tikanga) is desirable.

Apply today!

Have we outlined a role that matches your capabilities and aspirations, and a workplace that appeals? Applications will close as soon as we have a suitable shortlist, so apply now.

A position description is available on our career’s website. For any other queries, please email

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