Regional Manager, Central South | Wellington

Job Description

• Permanent
• 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
• Based in Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara)

Ko wai mātou | About Us

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's largest school and state distance education provider, supporting over 16,000 ākonga (students) at any one time and more than 30,000 ākonga throughout the year. We provide personalised and authentic learning programmes through distance education from early childhood level to NCEA Level 3, including to young adults 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

We have a rare opportunity to join the Learning Delivery Leadership Team as Regional Manager, Central South at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura).

This is a School Principal-equivalent educational leadership role reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Learning Delivery. Operating within a national learning delivery model, you will balance the needs of the region with Te Kura-wide priorities and strategic direction.

The Central South Region supports approximately 5,000-6,000 ākonga and has approximately 219 kaimahi. Leading a team of experienced leaders, kaiako and learning support professionals, you will create the conditions for every learner to access high-quality education through Te Kura's distance learning model, regardless of where they live or the barriers they may face.

Like a principal in a face-to-face school, you will be accountable for educational outcomes, learner engagement, culture, and the performance and development of your people. You will build strong relationships with whānau, iwi, communities and education partners, while fostering a culture that keeps ākonga at the centre of every decision and supports excellence in teaching and learning in a distance education environment.

The Central South Region spans the upper South Island and lower North Island, including offices in Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North and New Plymouth, alongside kaimahi who work remotely and within local communities.

This is an opportunity to influence educational outcomes at scale while maintaining a strong connection to learners, whānau and communities. Leading across a geographically diverse region, you will play a key role in supporting Te Kura's vision and the success of ākonga across Aotearoa.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of leaders and educational professionals, creating a positive, high-performing culture focused on achieving the best outcomes for ākonga.
• Monitor, analyse and respond to learner engagement, wellbeing, progress and achievement, with particular focus on Māori, Pacific, learning support and at-risk ākonga.
• Strengthen relationships with whānau, iwi, community organisations, education partners and government agencies to support learner success.
• Contribute to Te Kura-wide priorities and national portfolios, helping shape educational practice and service delivery across the organisation.
• Work with other Regional Managers and teams to ensure consistency, quality and equity of educational experiences for all ākonga.

The role will require travel (air and land) within the Central South Region on a regular basis.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You are an experienced educational leader with a passion for improving outcomes for learners and supporting others to succeed.

You may currently be a Principal, Tumuaki, Associate Principal, Deputy Principal, Area School Leader, Kāhui Ako leader, or hold another significant educational leadership position. You have successfully led people, culture and change while maintaining a strong focus on learner achievement, wellbeing and engagement.

You are a collaborative and strategic leader who builds strong relationships, inspires others, and understands how to create the conditions for both learners and kaimahi to thrive.

Most importantly, you believe in the potential of every ākonga and are motivated by the opportunity to make a difference on a broader scale.

Your strengths and experience

• A successful track record in senior educational leadership, including leadership of people, culture and organisational change.
• New Zealand Teachers Registration and Current Practising Certificate or ability to renew
• Ability to lead across a large geographical area and ensure consistent delivery and outcomes for ākonga.
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable educational outcomes and improving learner achievement.
• Understanding of te ao Māori, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, with a commitment to developing kaimahi capability, confidence and culturally responsive practice.
• Experience working with learners from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be disengaged or face barriers to education.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with whānau, communities, iwi, education partners and stakeholders.
• Expertise in curriculum delivery and educational practices across Years 1-13 with an interest in a Big Picture inspired approach to curriculum

Hei whakautu | In return

This is an opportunity to lead with purpose in a unique national organisation that supports ākonga to achieve their aspirations and realise their potential.

As a Regional Manager, you will influence outcomes of learners, support and develop dedicated kaimahi, and work alongside a passionate team of educational leaders committed to making a meaningful difference across Aotearoa New Zealand. In return, Te Kura offers a collaborative and values-driven culture, genuine flexibility, and the opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches that expand access to education for learners wherever they are or the challenges they may face.

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now via our careers portal before the closing date, including your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd be a great fit for Te Kura.

For this role must have the right to live, reside, and work in New Zealand.

Please note we have partnered with Beyond, a trusted recruitment agency, to support this appointment. Your application will be shared with their team, and one of their consultants may contact you as part of the recruitment process.

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

For more information, check out the position description, or contact our recruitment team by email Kathy.Claridge@beyond.co.nz.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 8 November 2026.