Kaiako Matua - Japanese | Flexible Office Location - New Zealand

Job Description

Kaiako Matua/Senior Teacher Japanese

1 x Fixed term position (February – December 2026)

Full time 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

2 MUs and 2 MAs 

Based in any Te Kura tari (office) located in: Wellington, Palmerston North, Masterton, New Plymouth, Hastings, Rotorua, Gisborne, Wairoa, Tauranga, Hamilton, Auckland, Whangarei, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill or Queenstown

Are you excited about the future of learning?

Do you want to work with the latest technology?

Keen to be part of a collaborative and innovative culture?

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's largest school and provides a wide range of personalised learning programmes from early childhood to NCEA Level 3, including young adult and adult learners. Te Ara Pounamu, our local Big Picture curriculum statement, guides learning design and delivery alongside Te Whāriki, The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.  Te Kura programmes are delivered mostly online.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this position

We are looking for a Kaiako Matua of Japanese who understands, and is passionate about, current pedagogy and is able to deliver authentic, learning programmes in an increasingly student directed online environment.

The successful applicant will be part of a collaborative leadership team guiding and supporting innovative and inclusive curriculum design.

Our focus is on engaging ākonga in learning that is relevant to them in their context and provides choices for the future.  Kaiako Matua work collaboratively and you will have the opportunity to extend your leadership skills by taking on a variety of roles in the rōpū.  Kaiako Matua are also attached to a cross-curricular kāhui.  Kaiako Matua are supported by the other Kaiako Matua in their rōpū, regionally by our Regional Leaders of Learning, and nationally by our National Leaders of Learning.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are looking for a Kaiako Matua who is passionate about supporting ākonga, who is innovative, creative and responsive to the needs of individuals and groups of ākonga when designing learning, and who is excited at the opportunity to work in an environment where learning is highly personalised and flexible.

The successful applicant will have

• New Zealand teacher registration and a current practising certificate
• Passion for making a difference​
• Relationship focused
• Growth mindset
• Solution fluent
• Ability to demonstrate resilience
• Digitally literate
• Use of reflective and inquiry-based practices
• Like to work collaboratively and contribute as part of an integrated team
• Use of culturally responsive and inclusive practices
• Sound knowledge of NZ Curriculum and experience in teaching the stated curriculum area across different levels of learning

Ngā Uara o Te Kura | Our Values

At Te Kura, we live by our values:

• Manaaki — showing respect, generosity, and care
• Whanaungatanga — building relationships and belonging
• Tika — acting fairly and honestly
• Ākonga at the Centre — guiding every decision we make

Hei whakautu | In return

Te Kura will provide you with the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment and work in a team that offers genuine work flexibility as part of an organisation that makes a difference to ākonga (students) across New Zealand. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you and you're keen to join us on our journey to empower ākonga, click that apply button, we want to hear from you!

Applications must be submitted through our careers portal. Applicants must have the legal right to teach, reside and work in New Zealand.

E hiahia ana koe ki te mōhio anō? | Like to find out more?

For more information, view the Position Description, or contact Carl Scurr, Team Leader, Southern via email on Carl.Scurr@tekura.school.nz

If you encounter any issues during the application process, please email jobs@tekura.school.nz

🗓 Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 30 October 2025.