Kaiako – Timaru

Location: Timaru-based and covering South Canterbury.
Employment type: This is a 0.6 FTTE permanent position with potential for increased FTTE in line with roll growth.
Starts: 27 January 2027.

About us

Southern Health School (Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga) is a state special school providing education for ākonga in Years 1 to 13 whose health needs prevent regular school attendance. We work alongside whānau, schools of enrolment, and health professionals to maintain learning and support successful transitions back to school or onward pathways.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced kaiako / teacher to join our Christchurch team.

You will plan, deliver, assess, and evaluate individualised learning programmes aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum / Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. Teaching takes place across community classrooms, homes, health facilities, and other approved locations.

You will work collaboratively with ākonga, whānau, colleagues, schools, and health professionals to support learning, wellbeing, engagement, and positive transition outcomes.

The position is based in Timaru and requires regular travel throughout Timaru and across South Canterbury. Where a school vehicle is unavailable, you may be required to use a private vehicle, with mileage reimbursed under school policy.

About you

You will have:

• full Teaching Council registration and a current practising certificate
• eligibility to teach in New Zealand
• experience delivering high-quality teaching aligned with the national curricula
• the ability to teach or adapt your practice across Years 1 to 13
• a learner-centred, inclusive, and culturally responsive approach
• strong relationship, communication, assessment, and reporting skills
• confidence working independently across flexible settings
• sound digital capability and professional judgement
• commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• a current full New Zealand driver licence.

Experience supporting ākonga with health, additional learning, behavioural, or complex wellbeing needs is advantageous.