Unqualified Early Childhood Kaiako

Mahuri (3–4 Year Olds) | Young Farmers Childcare

Are you an experienced ECE teacher who believes childhood should be muddy, meaningful and full of wonder?

Having opened our doors in August 2025, we are in an exciting season of growth. We are now seeking a passionate, experienced (unqualified) teacher to join our Mahuri preschool room (3–4 year olds) and help us continue building something truly special.

What Makes Young Farmers Unique?

Our centre sits on six acres, with five acres dedicated to our farm. Our tamariki head out on a daily farm hikoi, where they:

• Help care for 18 chickens
• Feed and observe 5 sheep
• Visit 4 kunekune piglets
• Spend time with our 2 dwarf Nigerian goats

Children are involved in the day-to-day responsibilities of animal care and sustainability practices, strengthening their connection to te taiao, the living world.

This is childhood grounded in nature, responsibility and curiosity.

Our Philosophy – Every Child Has the Right to Reach Their Full Potential

At Young Farmers, we believe every child has the right to grow, explore and thrive as a unique learner.

In partnership with whanau, their first and most influential teachers, we honour each child’s mana and nurture their holistic wellbeing.

Ako (reciprocal learning) sits at the heart of our practice. We walk alongside tamariki as co-learners, balancing child-led exploration with intentional teaching. We see children as capable researchers, creative thinkers and confident communicators.

We are committed to:

• Fostering belonging and inclusion
• Celebrating cultural identity and diversity
• Upholding the principles of Te Whariki
• Authentically weaving te ao Maori into daily practice
• Supporting sustainability and care for people, place and planet

Young Farmers is a whanau, a community where children, families and teachers are respected, valued and empowered.

About the Role

This full-time position (40 hours per week) is based in our Mahuri room (3–4 year olds), commencing Wednesday 12th March.

While primarily in Mahuri, we pride ourselves on being a whole-centre team. Flexibility to support across rooms when needed is essential.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience working in early childhood education
• Builds strong, respectful relationships with tamariki and whanau
• Is confident supporting play-based, inquiry-led learning
• Is comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
• Sees the value in farm-based, nature-rich education
• Brings warmth, professionalism and a nurturing presence
• Is reflective and committed to ongoing growth

A Police Vetting check is required prior to employment.

What We Offer:

• A unique rural learning environment unlike any other
• The opportunity to help shape a growing centre community
• A supportive, heart-led leadership team
• Professional growth opportunities
• Pay aligned with experience

If you are ready to be part of a centre where relationships matter, nature leads, and children are seen as capable and valued learners, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and cover letter to Katie Hoppe, Centre Manager, centre.manager@youngfarmerschildcare.co.nz