Kaiāwhina Ako | Kura Toa
Expression of interest
UPANE KA UPANE, WHITI TE RA!
Advancing together into a brighter future
Learning without limits
Support ākonga to participate, connect and thrive.
Kura Toa is creating a new model of education grounded in Ngāti Toa Rangatira identity, whānau, belonging and opportunity.
We’re looking for a Kaiāwhina Ako | Learning Support Worker to join our growing team and provide practical, learning and pastoral support to ākonga who need additional assistance to engage and participate in their learning.
This is an opportunity to work closely with kaiako and the wider Kura Toa team to help ākonga build confidence, develop their skills and experience success — both in the classroom and across the wider kura environment.
You will:
Provide individual and small-group support to ākonga alongside kaiako
Support ākonga to develop literacy, numeracy and other foundational learning skills
Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and participation
Help ākonga develop greater independence and confidence in their learning
Build positive, respectful and trusting relationships grounded in manaakitanga and whanaungatanga
Support ākonga with transitions, routines and changes within the learning environment
Work collaboratively with kaiako, whānau and the wider Kura Toa team
Contribute to an inclusive, safe and culturally responsive learning environment
Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you
You are someone who genuinely enjoys working alongside tamariki and rangatahi and wants to make a positive difference in their learning experience.
You understand that learning support is about more than helping someone complete a task. It is about building trust, recognising strengths, encouraging independence and helping ākonga feel confident in who they are and what they can achieve.
You will bring:
Experience supporting tamariki or rangatahi in a learning, education or similar environment
A genuine commitment to supporting ākonga with diverse learning needs
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Patience, empathy and the ability to respond calmly to challenging situations
The ability to work collaboratively with kaiako and a wider team
Good organisation and attention to detail
Discretion and sensitivity when working with ākonga and whānau
A commitment to tikanga, kaupapa Māori and the values of Kura Toa
NZ Certificate in Education Support and Care Level 4, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
A full New Zealand driver's licence
Te reo Māori proficiency at beginner level or above
Ko te tūranga mahi | About the role
As a Kaiāwhina Ako, you will work alongside kaiako to provide targeted support to individual and small groups of ākonga.
You will help put agreed learning, behaviour and support strategies into practice, provide encouragement and positive reinforcement, and share observations with kaiako about ākonga progress, engagement, behaviour and wellbeing.
A key part of the role is supporting ākonga to become increasingly independent. You will help create the conditions for success without creating reliance on adult support.
You will also contribute to the wider life of the kura, working collaboratively with kaiako, whānau and other Learning Support staff to create consistent and positive learning experiences.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Ngāti Toa is a vibrant and influential iwi committed to enhancing the mana, wellbeing and prosperity of our people.
Kura Toa is part of that long-term vision — a learning environment shaped by identity, belonging and excellence, where ākonga are supported to grow in confidence, capability and connection.
We are building something new, and our people are at the heart of it.
What sets you apart
You understand the importance of relationships.
You know that when ākonga feel safe, supported and valued, they are better able to engage and learn.
You bring patience, warmth and a strengths-based approach to your mahi, and you are excited by the opportunity to contribute to a kura where manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and the wellbeing of ākonga sit at the centre.
Most importantly, you want to be part of a team that is helping shape a different kind of learning experience for our tamariki and rangatahi.
What we offer
Ongoing professional development
Commitment to kaimahi wellbeing
Free access to a gym
The opportunity to contribute to the establishment and growth of Kura Toa
The opportunity to serve our community and be part of something bigger
Excited? We are — because we’re up to big things!
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
To express your interest, please submit your CV, cover letter and completed application form to mahi@ngatitoa.iwi.nz.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 2 October 2026