Puna Manager

Mō mātou | About us

As a proudly kaupapa Māori tertiary educator, ‘tauira success’ is our mission and ‘whānau transformation through education’ is our vision, guiding our commitment to delivering quality education programmes underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Our kaimahi (employees) enjoy a whānau-friendly workplace and a great range of benefits to support their wellbeing and that of their whānau:

• Free Southern Cross health insurance and life insurance.
• Four extra leave days each year to celebrate Matariki and Christmas, plus special leave available for those involved in cultural or sporting events.
• Free car parking at our main campuses.

Mō tēnei mahi | About this job

Do you believe in leading with strength, warmth, and purpose? Ready to inspire a team and uplift tamariki through high-quality education rooted in te ao Māori?

We’re looking for a passionate, people-centred leader to step into the pivotal role of Puna Manager at Apakura Te Kākano Puna Reo in Te Awamutu. This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours per week) where you'll play a central role in nurturing excellence, relationships, and cultural integrity.As a Coach – Youth Servies, you will work closely with rangatahi providing personalised, wrap around support, to help them step confidently into education, training, or work-based learning.

At Apakura Te Kākano, we don’t just care for tamariki — we grow future leaders grounded in identity, language, and culture. As our Puna Manager, you’ll be more than a manager — you’ll be a mentor, a connector, and a changemaker. This is your opportunity to lead with aroha, empower a passionate team, and shape a learning environment where everyone thrives — from our littlest learners to our kaiako and whānau.

As our Puna Manager, you will:

• Lead & Inspire: Guide and mentor our team of Kaiako, our dedicated Administrator and Cook. Support their growth through supervision, professional development, and a strong sense of whanaungatanga.
• Drive Quality: Champion best practice in early childhood education, ensuring programme planning, teaching quality, and internal evaluations reflect excellence and meet all regulatory standards.
• Build Connections: Cultivate strong relationships with whānau, iwi, community partners and funders. Promote open communication and shared aspirations.
• Strategic Oversight: Manage the day-to-day running of the puna – enrolments, compliance, budgets, funding, and workforce planning. You’ll be the kaitiaki of our puna’s smooth operation.
• Celebrate Culture: Ensure our puna remains a vibrant, culturally rich space grounded in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.

Mōu | About you

You’ll hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), be fully registered with the Teaching Council of New Zealand, and have a current practising certificate. A First Aid Certificate, Full NZ Driver Licence, and a NZ Certificate in Te Reo me Tikanga Māori are also required.

You’ll bring 4–7 years of experience in early learning, with at least 2–4 years in centre management and staff leadership. You’ll also have experience managing budgets and funding, and a strong understanding of regulatory and compliance standards.

You’ll be confident in te reo Māori, holding at least TARM Level 4 or an equivalent qualification. You’ll be committed to continuous learning and support your team to grow their confidence in te reo me ōna tikanga. As a kaupapa Māori organisation, your willingness to participate in cultural activities and develop an understanding of Āhuatanga Māori (values, culture and tikanga) will be key.

Above all, you’ll bring a passion for tamariki, whānau, and kaupapa Māori, and be someone who leads with aroha, integrity and purpose.

Kua whati te tai, tono mai! | Apply today!

If we’ve outlined a role that matches your capabilities and aspirations, and a workplace that appeals, apply today as applications will close as soon as we have a suitable shortlist.

A position description is available on our career’s website.  For any other queries, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz