Kaiawhina

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Kaiawhina to join our Kohanga Reo community. As a Kaiawhina, you will be responsible for supporting the well-being and development of tamariki under five years old, assisting in their daily care and learning. You will work closely with our team of kaiako to create a safe, nurturing, and culturally rich environment for our tamariki.

Key Responsibilities: • Ensure tamariki under five years old are well-cared for, safe, and engaged in activities. • Assist with setting up the learning environment and maintaining cleanliness throughout the day. • Support tamariki’s use of te reo Maori and continuously improve your own reo skills. • Follow instructions from kaiako to support tamariki’s learning and development. • Prioritise the safety and well-being of tamariki, including responding to accidents or health concerns. • Assist with nappy changing and other care tasks. • Actively engage with tamariki, providing a positive and nurturing environment for play and learning. • Be flexible in working with different age groups and patient in managing various situations calmly.

We welcome all applicants who are passionate about early childhood education and the care of tamariki. If you are excited about working in a culturally rich environment that nurtures both tamariki and staff, we would love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is eager to grow in their understanding of te reo Maori and contribute to a positive, enriching environment for young children.

• A basic understanding of te reo Maori is essential, with a willingness to learn and grow in your language skills. • A passion for working with tamariki and a desire to make a positive impact on their development. • Ability to follow instructions and collaborate with kaiako to support the educational objectives of the Kohanga Reo. • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with tamariki and staff alike. • A patient, calm demeanor, particularly in moments of challenge. • A genuine love for working with babies and young children. • Ability to handle the physical demands of the job, including changing nappies and assisting with other personal care tasks. • Adaptable to changing age groups and their developmental needs. • Willingness to undergo a police vetting process through our head office before employment can begin • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test