Head Teacher

Located in the picturesque village of Lake Tekapo, this is an exciting opportunity to lead a small, supportive team while enjoying a unique blend of lifestyle and professional opportunity. The area offers an outstanding range of outdoor, sightseeing and recreational activities.

The kindergarten operates 49 weeks of the year, with up to 20 children attending from 8.45 am to 2.45 pm, Tuesday to Friday. There is the possibility of extending the service to 5 days per week in the near future.

About us

South Canterbury Kindergartens (SCK) has been providing early childhood education in South Canterbury for over 80 years and is the largest ECE provider in the region. Our 13 kindergartens are located throughout the district, from Timaru and Temuka through to Twizel.

Supported by an experienced senior teacher team, SCK is also part of a combined initiative providing professional support to a total of 24 early childhood settings across the central South Island region.

We pride ourselves on a harmonious, unified and professional culture where employees are valued and supported. We have a developing focus on sustainable practices, wellbeing and creating effective systems, with all 13 of our kindergartens participating in Enviroschools.

SCK offers strong professional support and a comprehensive professional development programme, reflecting our commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

About you

We are looking to appoint a passionate, energetic and committed professional to lead Lake Tekapo Kindergarten. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, future-focused, child-centred and committed to ongoing professional learning.

Applicants must

• be a qualified ECE teacher and hold a current New Zealand practising certificate

• hold a current first aid certificate.

We welcome enquiries and can arrange visits to the kindergarten for prospective applicants.

Employment conditions are in accordance with the Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers and Senior Teachers Collective Agreement 2026–2028.