There are 2 job opportunities at Opua School at the moment. Both are listed in the Education Gazette.
1. Principal’s role
We are a settled, happy and thriving school of choice in a beautiful location with a rich history and culture. Would you like to be our next inspiring leader? We are farewelling our principal of the last 12 years and so a very exciting opportunity has become available. This is a sought-after position in a unique place.
We would like to appoint a tumuaki who:
- Is a calm, compassionate and nurturing leader who will respect and build upon the school’s traditions, values and ethos;
- Puts akonga, staff and whanau well-being at the centre of the school’s operations;
- Who inspires others each morning with their welcoming smile, kind words, and enthusiasm;
- Recognises and supports actively and unreservedly our commitment to biculturalism, diversity and equity for all;
- Has current and deep pedagogical knowledge;
- Has a real commitment to fairness and fostering a diverse and equitable school culture and learning environment;
- Has operational expertise and strengths in systems and processes;
- Is genuine, approachable, inclusive and is an effective communicator who builds authentic, rich relationships;
- Is values-based and principled ready to advocate for all stakeholders in the school community, basing decisions on consultation, insight and professional intuition aligned to the school’s ethos.
What we offer:
- A supportive Board that works alongside their tumuaki in a collaborative and positive manner;
- A dedicated, creative, hard-working team who enjoy and are used to an inclusive, open and happy working environment;
- A settled and respectful student body who enjoy their learning and love their school;
- A well-resourced, attractive school in a fabulous location;
- A friendly and actively involved parent community that supports the school in providing a wide range of activities on and off-site;
The position commences in Term 1, 2025, with opportunities to connect with the current principal to allow for a smooth transition.
Here is the Application pack:
Here is the Principal’s Job Description:
Here is the Application Form:
2. Classroom teacher role
Opua School is a popular Year 1 to 8 Full Primary school of approximately 110 children and an exciting opportunity has arisen to teach at our unique school in the beautiful Bay of Islands. One of our teachers is relocating south and we need someone positive, practical and inspiring to replace her. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic educator who is forward-looking, innovative, reflective and passionate. The year level[s] / room will be determined according to the successful candidate’s skills and interests. Skills in Te Reo, Music and Science would be advantageous. The ideal candidate must have Full NZ Teacher Registration and:
- Love children, get a buzz out of helping them thrive and be able to build strong learning partnerships with children and their whanau;
- Be caring and sharing – it is our motto and we all live by it – and be culturally responsive;
- Understand children and the practical, creative art of teaching above educational jargon and theory;
- Have a sense of humour and fun and the desire to support children’s well-being and love of learning;
- Be resourceful, resilient, self-motivated and empowering;
- Have high expectations and be enthusiastic with strong curriculum knowledge;
- Be a genuine team player, collaborative, collegial and inclusive of and sensitive to others;
- Be proficient in Digital Technology and able to extend, challenge and excite children with lessons that integrate STEAM thinking and problem-solving activities;
- Be flexible, adaptable, open to new learning and possess a growth mindset;
- Be committed to confidentiality and ethical conduct.
The successful applicant will join an experienced, professional, united and happy team in a well-resourced school with a positive culture where children are nurtured and encouraged to be the best they can be.
The position commences in Term 1, 2025. If you would like to apply, please note that we require teachers to have full NZ teacher registration and be permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand. Also, we require a covering letter, your C.V. and a completed application form. The latter can be accessed via this link:
Classroom Teacher Application Form
Here is the associated Job Description: Classroom Teacher Job Description

