Education Gazette
5 Teacher Positions
Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19) · Manawatu/Whanganui
About the role
Kia tupu, kia hua | To grow, to flourish
This is a rare opportunity to join the staff team of Palmerston North's newest school. Opening in Term 3, 2027, Te Ohanui will be the first specialist school established in Aotearoa New Zealand in 50 years, supporting up to 125 ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs.
We are seeking 5 passionate teachers to help create a school where every ākonga is known, valued, and supported to thrive. In partnership with whānau, in-house therapists, teacher aides, and specialists, you will deliver personalised learning that nurtures communication, wellbeing, independence, and achievement.
At Te Ohanui, we believe joy matters. We are looking for teachers who foster inclusive, relationship-based environments where learners and adults experience connection, belonging, and success. Teachers will lead through collaboration, coaching, and a strengths-based belief in the potential of every learner.
You will bring:
- experience supporting learners with diverse and complex needs, or a strong commitment to developing this expertise.
- strong relational and positive behaviour support practices
- a commitment to inclusive and evidence-informed teaching
- knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
- the ability to build strong partnerships with whānau and multidisciplinary teams
- excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- a commitment to creating joyful and engaging learning environments
- current New Zealand teacher registration and relevant qualifications.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, systems, and learning of a brand-new specialist school and make a lasting contribution to specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Start date: Term 2, 2027.
For an application pack and further information, visit Te Ohanui website.
More about the role
- 11-26, Teacher (5) - Te Ohanui - PNSS, Letter & Job description · PDF, 358 KB11-26, Teacher (5) - Te Ohanui - PNSS, Letter & Job description (11-26, Teacher (5) - Te Ohanui - PNSS, Letter & Job description.pdf)OpenDownload
Job description or information pack online
Direct enquiries to:
Chris Mitchell, Principal
- [email protected]
How to apply
Email your CV, cover letter and application form to: [email protected]
Reference 1HB1K3
Application documents
Role details
- Role
- Teacher
- Sector
- Other education organisation, Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Area / composite (Years 1–15), Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura
- Position
- Full-time, permanent
- Incentives and allowances
- None listed
- Learning areas
- English, Health and PE, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts
- Region
- Manawatu/Whanganui
About Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19)
374 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North Central
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Applications are sent directly to the school. Education Gazette does not receive or screen them.
Reference 1HB1K3 · https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/1HB1K3
