Thinking about a career at kindy?

Kindergarten is a great place for a career. Kidsfirst is one of New Zealand's largest early childhood education providers with a proud history dating back a hundred years (the oldest kindergarten in our family actually opened in 1899 and is still in operation today!). We have 62 kindergartens across Canterbury and Westland and an Early Learning Centre in Christchurch.

The Canterbury Westland Kindergarten Association employs approximately 180 permanent teachers, about 100 relieving teachers, and a further 50+ fixed term teacher aides. If you're interested in pursuing a career in this very satisfying field of teaching, whether you're new or returning to the workforce, please contact us for more information.
 
 
 
 
Current Kidsfirst vacancies:
 

Relievers Wanted!

If you’re a qualified early childhood education teacher or near graduate, talk to us about becoming part of the largest early childhood education network in the South Island … and make a difference in a child’s life and in your own. 

Relievers who can work in accordance with our vision of child-centred education are invited to join the Kidsfirst family in a variety of ways. We are looking for:
 
  • Day-to-day relievers who work for a couple hours up to a day
  • Short-term relievers who work up to 6 weeks in one kindergarten, and
  • Long-term relievers who work 6 weeks or longer in one kindergarten.
 
So what to do?
 

There is no need to apply on line for relieving work, you can simply:

  • Visit one of our kindergartens to decide if this setting is right for you.
  • Email or ring 338 1303 to request an information pack.
  • If relieving isn't for you, we still want to hear from you! Just ask that your email address be added to our Vacancy Alert list to receive postings about teaching openings.


Few careers offer such an amazing opportunity or are as personally fulfilling as being a kindergarten teacher.

He iti noa ngā huarahi mahi i te ao hei rite ki te mahi a te kaiako pūtahi tiaki tamariki nohinohi, mō ngā whāinga wāhi ki ngā mahi ātaahua, me te koanga ngākau i roto i ngā tau.