Safeguarding Lead | Wellington

Job Description

1 x Position 

Fixed Term (April 2026 – December 2027) 

Full-Time 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) 

Based in Wellington 

Ākonga Hauora – Safeguarding Lead 

Ko wai mātou | About Us   

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's largest school. We provide personalised and authentic learning programmes through distance education from early childhood level to NCEA Level 3, including to young adult and adult learners.   

Our vision is to enable our ākonga to achieve their educational and personal goals, empowering them to become engaged and contributing members of their communities.  

 Ki te tī, ki te tā, ki te katoa – Anytime, anywhere, anyone. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this position: 

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for strengthening Te Kura's organisation wide approach to child protection and safeguarding. This position is central to leading Te Kura's shift towards a more prevention focused safeguarding framework. This includes actively identifying, reducing, and where possible eliminating risks of harm to children and young people, addressing both internal and external threats to their safety and wellbeing. 

You will drive both the strategic direction and day to day practice needed to ensure the organisation continues to be, a safe environment for all ākonga. Working closely with teams across the organisation, you will strengthen capability, foster a culture of vigilance and accountability, and equip staff to confidently meet their safeguarding obligations. This includes providing expert guidance, shaping effective policies, and ensuring safeguarding principles are woven into everyday decisions and practice. 

This is an opportunity for the right person to make a real impact implementing, maintaining, and continually strengthening the systems, processes, and practices that prevent harm; and ensure timely, effective responses to any concerns where there are indicators of potential harm or risk. It places particular emphasis on supporting children and young people who face the greatest vulnerability, ensuring their safety and wellbeing remain central to Te Kura's culture, decision making, and everyday operations. 

Ko koe tēnei | About you: 

 As Te Kura's safeguarding specialist, you will have a strong working knowledge of key legislation — including the Education and Training Act, Oranga Tamariki Act, and Children's Act. You apply a demonstrated commitment to children and young adults wellbeing in Aotearoa, equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally responsive practice.   

Additionally, you hold: 

• Experience working within or alongside government agencies and public sector accountability frameworks. 

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a relevant field such as safeguarding/violence prevention, education, social/community sector, health and wellbeing, or the justice sector. 

• Proven skills in programme management and development 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and build trust across diverse groups. 

• An understanding of Pacific peoples' wellbeing perspectives and culturally appropriate approaches. 

Ngā Uara o Te Kura | Our Values  

At Te Kura, our values guide everything we do: 

• Manaaki — we show respect, generosity, and care in all our interactions. 

• Whanaungatanga — we build strong relationships and a sense of belonging. 

• Tika — we act fairly, honestly, and with integrity. 

• Ākonga at the Centre — we put our ākonga at the heart of every decision. 

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. You will be part of a hardworking, collaborative team that values humour, connection and having fun while getting the job done. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply  

If reading this made you think, “This is the role for me,” we'd love to hear from you! Click the apply button to get started. 

Applications must be lodged via our careers portal, and you must have the right to reside or work in New Zealand. 

Please note that we will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received and may close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are identified. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid missing out. 

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

For more information, check out the position description at the top of the page (link will be orange). If you still have any additional questions, please contact Amy Stewart, Deputy Chief Executive, Ākonga Hauora, via email Amy.Stewart@tekura.school.nz 

For any issues with the application process, please contact jobs@tekura.school.nz 

Applications close at 11:59pm Friday 6 March 2026