Aspiring Beginnings ELC

05/05/2026

Are you a passionate Early Childhood teacher or teacher in training who is looking for a centre that embraces:
Tiakitanga – we show care and aroha to Papatuanuku
Mana Manaki – we see the glimmer and make it shine
Kōrero Awhi – we communicate from our hearts
Whanaungatanga – we are connected
If so, we would love to hear from you.

Aspiring Beginnings is a small, community‑owned early learning centre in the heart of Wānaka. We are deeply connected to our community and guided by strong values that place children, whānau, and kaiako wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
Our centre boasts an extensive outdoor environment that reflects and fosters our value of tiakitanga, encouraging children to develop a strong connection with nature and to see themselves as guardians of our world.

Why Join Us?
A warm, supportive, and values‑led team culture
A calm, respectful environment where your voice is heard and valued
Opportunities to further explore your passions within your practice
Strong relationships with whānau and our wider community
A parent governance committee that genuinely values and prioritises quality working conditions and staff wellbeing.

About the Role
As a teacher at Aspiring Beginnings, you will:
Provide thoughtful, play‑based learning experiences aligned with Te Whāriki
Build nurturing, respectful relationships with children and whānau
Support children’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging
Reflect our values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, korero ahwi and tiakitanga in daily practice
Work collaboratively as part of a close‑knit team
Create beautiful environments that foster exploration and creativity
This position is fulltime (37.5 hours per week).

About You
Hold (or be working towards) a NZ recognised Early Childhood Teaching qualification and registration.
Have a passion for teaching and learning in early childhood
Share our commitment to relationships, wellbeing, and nature‑based learning
Bring warmth, reflection, and enthusiasm to your practice

How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter to Kylie – [email protected]
Applications close 5pm Wednesday 20th May. We will review applications as they are received.

17/03/2026

Due to changes in circumstances, we are excited to welcome some new families to our centre, with limited spaces for children aged 2-5 years available.
Our waitlist is now open for both our under 2's and over 2's room.
Please email [email protected] for more information or to organize a time to pop in and have a look around.

12/03/2026

Double your donation today 😊

Today only - your impact is DOUBLED! 🌟

Every donation made to House to House today will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a $60,000 match from our generous partners at Rapid Relief Team NZ (RRT). That means twice the support for families with a child in hospital. If you’ve been thinking about donating, today is the day. Your gift will go twice as far in helping keep families together when it matters most.

Donate now and make it count ❤️
https://bit.ly/40rgHZX

03/03/2026

Kia ora everyone.

We're taking part in House to House, fundraising for Ronald McDonald House, to help families stay close to their child while they’re in hospital. Every step we take and every dollar raised makes a real difference for families when they need it most.

As a team we've committed to walking at least 500km for the month of March.

If you’d like to support us, you can donate online here:

Make a donation today to support RMHC New Zealand House for House 2026

23/02/2026

As we prepare to farewell our adored Izzy back home to UK, we are looking for another kaiako to join our whānau. Please spread the word 💕

23/02/2026

Spreading the ❤️
Thank you to Sarah The Joy Farmer for the beautiful flowers today. We put some around the centre and did up some bunches for our amazing teachers to take home.
If you need some joy, check out her little flower locker just across the road from us, or message her on her page.

23/12/2025

Aspiring Beginnings prides itself on being a community owned, not for profit Early Childhood centre, where we see our teaching team as one of our greatest taonga. We offer great conditions – including additional annual leave, generous non contact and pay parity.
Due to some changes to our team in 2026 we are able to offer a role for either 4 or 5 days (permanent.) We invite certificated or in training kaiako passionate about both infants & toddlers, and older children to enquire. There may also be potential for this to be a leadership position for the right person.
Start date in early 2026 is negotiable.
For more information or to apply, please email Kylie [email protected]
We are not an accredited employer, so unable to offer sponsorship for VISA pathways.

23/12/2025

We are so grateful to Shannon at LJ Ho**er Wanaka, and Tara & Cam, an ABs family for their generous donation to our not-for-profit centre. Thank you, and we’re glad you love our honey! 🐝

22/12/2025

Today we held a very bittersweet whaariki for Jackie’s last day. We gathered and sang ‘Happy farm days’ and gave Jackie some presents and cards filled with aroha. Jac shared about how she was going to learn to drive the tractors and loaders, and that she would come back to ABs and read stories!
We wish you all the best for this next exciting chapter Jac, and look forward to you coming back to visit. 💕🚜

05/12/2025

We have an opportunity for an in-training or certificated kaiako to join our team. Please note, this is a permanent, full time position that replaces the fixed-term vacancy previously advertised.
Applications close Friday, December 12th.
Please contact Kylie on [email protected].