Qualified Nursery Teacher (BestStart Opihi)
Are you passionate about nurturing infants during their earliest and most important years of learning and development? BestStart Opihi is looking for a qualified and certificated Kaiako to join our warm, experienced nursery team for a one-year fixed-term parental leave cover.
Our nursery is a calm, caring space where strong, responsive relationships are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be working alongside a well-established, collaborative team who value communication, reflection, and plenty of shared laughter along the way.
Located in the small, welcoming community of Temuka, we love getting out and about with our tamariki, exploring our local domain, visiting the library, connecting with the nearby school, and enjoying music and movement sessions. Our philosophy of helping tamariki to “Spring Forth” into their next stage of learning guides our teaching and the meaningful relationships we build with whānau.
About the Role
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) from March 2026 to April 2027. We’re open to flexible scheduling, either four longer days and one shorter day or evenly spread hours across the week.
In this role, you will:
- Build warm, secure, and responsive relationships with pēpi and toddlers
- Support learning through respectful care routines, play, and intentional teaching
- Work closely with whānau to support each child’s individual needs and rhythms
- Contribute to a reflective, supportive team culture
About You
You will bring:
- A BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and current Teacher Certification
- A genuine passion for working with infants and toddlers
- A calm, nurturing, and responsive teaching style
- Strong understanding of respectful, relationship-based infant care
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive practice
- A collaborative approach and willingness to share ideas and learning
Why Join BestStart Opihi?
At BestStart, we’re committed to supporting our teachers to grow and thrive. We offer:
- A small nursery setting with a strong sense of whanaungatanga
- A friendly, experienced, and supportive team
- Ongoing professional learning through our Whare Ako platform
- Full pay parity
- Discounted childcare
- Wellbeing support including EAP services and wellness initiatives
Join BestStart Opihi and make a difference in the earliest years of learning. If you’re looking for a meaningful fixed-term opportunity in a nurturing nursery environment where relationships come first, we’d love to hear from you.
