Deputy Principal

Our school vision embraces ‘Kia Ngatahi Te Hoe, Kia Whakatere te Waka ki Uta’ (Navigate Together for Success), a statement proudly crafted by our community. This vision guides all we do at Taipa Area School and reflects our commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging, safety, and achievement for every student.

We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Principal with proven teaching and leadership experience who role models whanaungatanga as a core practice. The ideal candidate will nurture strong, genuine relationships that build trust and unity within our senior leadership team and whole school community. They will bring leadership experience as an outstanding Kaiako, a deep understanding of Matauranga Māori, and a proven ability to enable Māori to achieve as Māori. Additionally, they will promote school-wide growth in pedagogy and inclusion, develop a culture of well-being, and create opportunities for cross-curricular, transdisciplinary, authentic learning—not only within the school but also in a wananga setting at our local Marae.

Our school’s roll has increased by 35% in the last three years. While there are many contributing factors, we believe that offering the right courses for our students has been key to keeping them engaged. This includes the addition of a Te Ao Māori course that connects with Music, Hospitality, Art, Trades, and Adventure Tourism.

Doubtless Bay is an incredible place to live and work. Our school backs onto Taipā Beach, which is the best open-air classroom in Northland. With immediate access to the ocean, estuary, and local whenua, our students enjoy opportunities for authentic learning. A schoolhouse is available with this vacancy.

We live by three strong values—Manaakitanga, Painga, and Mahitahi—daily. Most of our ākonga whakapapa back to the iwi of Ngāti Kahu.

Food technology/hospitality teacher (possible leadership opportunities)

Construction Trades and Hard Materials Technology Teacher

Taipa Area School is seeking a skilled Construction Trades and Hard Materials Technology Teacher. Our Trades Academy is thriving, with significant investments made in resources over the past two years. The Academy features a purpose-built facility (established in 2021), equipped with modern tools and machinery.

Our students have achieved excellent results in BCITO Level 1, 2, and 3, acquiring valuable work-related skills that have led many into apprenticeships with local employers. The Trades Academy also benefits from dedicated administrative support and 25 funded Te Tai Tokerau Trades Academy placements.

In addition to teaching Construction Trades, the successful candidate will also teach Hard Materials Technology, providing students with practical skills in a well-resourced environment.

The school is currently undergoing significant building work to expand our facilities, enabling the construction of small homes to accommodate and support living arrangements for our local communities.

A 3-bedroom schoolhouse is available with this position, offering a convenient living option in a stunning location.

The ideal candidate will have sound curriculum knowledge (BCITO Level 1, 2, and 3 standards) and a proven ability to build strong relationships that foster student achievement.

Doubtless Bay is a fantastic place to live and work. Our school is located next to Taipa Beach, offering one of the best open-air classrooms in Northland. Our core values—Manaakitanga, Painga, and Mahitahi—are at the heart of our practices, and most of our students whakapapa back to the iwi of Ngati Kahu. Our vision embraces ‘Kia Ngatahi Te Hoe, Kia Whakatere te Waka ki Uta’ (Navigate Together for Success).

This is an exciting opportunity for a NZ registered teacher or someone with relevant experience in both education and the trades sector.

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact Zinnia Smith at the school.

 Job Opportunity: Teacher Aides Wanted at Taipa Area School 

Taipa Area School is currently accepting applications for two Teacher Aide positions (25 hours per week). We are looking for individuals who are dynamic, flexible, proactive, work well in a team, and have strong literacy skills.

These roles involve supporting Junior and Senior High School students with learning needs. The positions are for school terms only, with fixed hours for the remainder of the year and potential for extension.

Immediate start available!
To apply, please send a letter of application and your CV to Zinnia Smith, the Principal’s Personal Assistant, at zinnias@taipa.school.nz. For more info, contact us at 09-4060159.

Deadline for applications: 27th September. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Taipa Area School, rich in the history of Ngāti Kahu, fosters a supportive, culturally responsive learning environment. Our vision, “Kia ngātahi te hoe, kia whakatere te waka ki uta” (navigate together for success), reflects our commitment to collaborative growth and achievement.

We are seeking an experienced leader to guide our Year 9 department. This role is vital in mentoring a team of educators and ensuring that Year 9 students excel both academically and personally. The successful candidate will lead the teaching of NZC Mathematics, Reading, Writing, and Social Sciences to students who whakapapa to Ngāti Kahu, ensuring inclusive and culturally supportive practices that reflect the diverse needs of our learners.

As the Year 9 Department Leader, you will oversee curriculum delivery aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum to achieve positive student outcomes. You’ll also demonstrate excellent classroom teaching, with a proven record of raising student achievement and creating a dynamic, engaging learning environment. This role involves actively promoting our core values of manaakitanga (respect), painga (positivity), and mahitahi (teamwork) within the department and the wider school.

You will engage with the Ngāti Kahu community, integrate te ao Māori into teaching, and build strong relationships with students, staff, and whānau. We offer an opportunity to lead a team in a school that values cultural identity and collaboration. The role includes the option to rent a three-bedroom schoolhouse, allowing you to become part of our community.

If you’re a passionate leader with a commitment to relational and culturally responsive teaching, we invite you to apply. For a tour or further conversation, feel free to call Principal David Lowe or arrange a visit. Join us in shaping the future of our students and community.

How to apply

Music teacher (possible leadership opportunities)

Our vision embraces ‘Kia Ngatahi Te Hoe, Kia Whakatere te Waka ki Uta’ (Navigate Together for Success), a statement proudly crafted by our community. This vision forms the foundation of everything we do at Taipa Area School.

We are excited to be in the position of employing a passionate and dedicated music teacher for Y7-13. We are looking for a teacher who shares a passion for whanaungatanga and can work collaboratively as part of a cohesive and supportive team. Previous experience teaching NCEA would be a significant advantage. Additionally, for the right candidate, there is an opportunity to receive middle management units to support leadership within the faculty.

Due to our school’s unique nature, the Music Department collaborates closely with Art and Technology. The successful candidate will have strong curriculum knowledge and pedagogical expertise across the Music curriculum. Experience in guiding and supporting teachers while advancing student achievement will be essential if applying for the additional leadership position.

Our Music Department is on an exciting journey of incorporating Māori music into the curriculum. We have established strong connections with MENZA and have developed meaningful relationships with our local marae. We are focused on rejuvenating Taonga Puoro and ensuring this knowledge is passed on to our students.

Doubtless Bay is an incredible place to live and work. Our school backs onto Taipa Beach, offering what we believe is the best open-air classroom in Northland. Our school operates on a waka that places student well-being and achievement at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we live by three core values—Manaakitanga, Painga, and Mahitahi.

This is an exciting opportunity for an NZ registered teacher to add value and grow within a thriving and well-resourced department. A schoolhouse is available with the position.