Kaiako - Literacy & Numeracy Support Services

About us

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) is New Zealand’s second largest tertiary institution, and we’ve been providing transformational education opportunities to New Zealanders for over 35 years.  Our vision of ‘Whānau transformation through education’ drives our commitment to being at the forefront of tertiary education underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Ko ngā uara (our values) are woven throughout the actions we take to achieve great outcomes for our tauira (students) and kaimahi (employees):

• Te Aroha: Having regard for one another and those for whom we are responsible and to whom we are accountable.
• Te Whakapono: The basis of our beliefs and the confidence that what we are doing is right.
• Ngā Ture: The knowledge that our actions are morally and ethically right and that we are acting in an honourable manner.
• Kotahitanga: Unity amongst iwi and other ethnicities; standing as one.

About the role

We are on the lookout for a dedicated kaiako to join our close-knit team on a permanent full-time (37.5 hours per week) basis based in the Auckland Prison located in Albany, Auckland. 

Delivery in the prison is Monday to Thursday, with Fridays reserved for planning, team meetings, and trainings. 

Te Ara Hihiri is a programme designed to support the development of literacy and numeracy skills for people in prison in New Zealand.   If you have a passion for changing lives and making a profound impact, join us to help support the development of literacy and numeracy skills of people in prison to support successful reintegration into the community and to reduce Māori over-representation in the prison system. 

Strong literacy and numeracy skills provide a foundation for learning and meaningful participation in society.  People who have adequate literacy and numeracy skills and can communicate with others effectively are better able to understand the world around them and engage in their own culture and identity.  These skills help sustain a person’s sense of well-being and that of their whānau and communities.  Confidence in literacy and numeracy also supports people to achieve positive health, wellbeing and employment outcomes.  Education reduces the risk of reoffending following release from prison and allows prisoners to fully participate in and benefit from other rehabilitative programmes.

Te Ara Hihiri is a culturally responsive Literacy and Numeracy programme, incorporating Te Amoranga Mātauranga Māori/ the Tertiary Education Commission’s Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy and Numeracy and embedded within Mātauranga Māori.  It is designed to help tauira (students) improve their literacy and numeracy skills so that they can access, integrate into and contribute to their communities and workplaces.

As an inspiring Kaiako, your responsibilities will include:

• Teaching tauira who have been assessed at step 1 or 2 on the Literacy and Numeracy for Adult Assessment Tool to develop their literacy and numeracy skills
• Developing learning and lesson plans that are tailored to the needs of the individual tauira within the class. 
• Contributing to the development of teaching materials, such as handouts and study resources.
• Maintaining accurate records of tauira assessment results, attendance, progress, and feedback.
• Conducting formative and summative assessments and translating results into actionable insights.
• Ensuring we comply and meet regulatory requirements, including those set out by Ara Poutama Aotearoa/Department of Corrections.

Classes are small, capped at 6 tauira per class.  Options are available for additional one-to-one sessions, if required.  You will work closely with Ara Poutama/ Department of Corrections’ staff, and will report to one of our regional managers, who will provide you with training, advice and support. At most sites, classes are delivered in the prison from Monday to Thursday, and Fridays are reserved for planning, training, and team meetings. 

About you

We are looking for someone who has the following:

• A teaching or training background
• National Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education (Vocational) - Level 5.
• Good knowledge of te reo Māori/ tikanga Māori (level 2 or above), or a willingness to learn. As a kaupapa Māori organisation, your willingness to participate in cultural activities and develop an understanding of Āhuatanga Māori (values, culture and tikanga) is desirable.
• A full NZ driver’s license.
• Experience with foundation learners an advantage
• Due to the nature of the position, a stringent police check in mandatory to ensure access to Ara Poutama Aotearoa/Department of Corrections facilities.

If you have teaching or training experience, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa can support you while you undertake additional study/ training to meet the other role requirements.

This ad may close earlier than the closing date deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.

If we’ve outlined a role that matches your skills and capabilities and a work environment that appeals, apply today!  We look forward to meeting you.

A position description can be downloaded below.  For more information, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz