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Welcome to Te One School

Te One School sits at the heart of Wharekauri / Rēkohu / the Chatham Islands — surrounded by big skies, wild weather, and an even bigger sense of community. With around 60 tamariki, we are a place where everyone is known, learning is shared, and life on the island shapes every school day.

Our school grows from this place. The land, the sea, and the stories of those who came before us guide how we learn and how we care for one another. Knowing who we are and where we come from matters here — it gives our tamariki strong roots and the confidence to look outward.

At Te One School, learning is hands-on, thoughtful, and full of curiosity. Our tamariki are encouraged to give things a go, think creatively, and find solutions — especially when the answer isn’t obvious. Independence grows naturally when learners are trusted, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

Community is not just something we talk about — it’s how we live. Our learners work together, look out for each other, and understand their place locally while staying connected to the wider world. Respect, kindness, and collaboration are part of everyday life here.

We believe learning works best when tamariki feel safe, valued, and well. We place a strong focus on hauora, helping learners develop resilience, empathy, and balance — in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.

When our learners leave Te One School, they carry with them more than academic skills. They leave as confident, capable young people — resourceful, culturally grounded, and ready to meet whatever comes next with optimism and strength.

Staff Vacancies for 2027

Are you ready for more than just a new job? At Te One School, teaching on the Chatham Islands offers a rewarding lifestyle change and a true professional adventure.

Located in the heart of Wharekauri, Te One School is a well-resourced kura where evidence-informed learning meets a vibrant, outdoor-focused community. Our tamariki bring a unique set of life skills to school. They are deeply connected to their environment, highly capable in the outdoors, and grounded in strong whānau ties. Here, relationships run deep, and community is at the center of everything we do.

Our classroom programmes follow the New Zealand Curriculum, with local flavour added. Teaching here requires adaptability, resilience, and a positive mindset. Island living comes with distinct rewards alongside its practical realities, from relying on local shipping schedules to embracing a close-knit, community.

We are looking for a kaiako who:

Is genuinely enthusiastic about living and working on the Chatham Islands.
Brings proven experience and strength in structured literacy and structured maths.
Builds authentic, positive relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues.
Has passion or expertise to share in Te Reo Māori, kapa haka, sports, or EOTC.
Demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and a collaborative spirit.

If you are looking to make a meaningful difference for learners while experiencing a unique part of New Zealand, we would love to hear from you.

Only fully NZ-registered teachers can be considered.

We have 2 positions available:

Full-time, Permanent Teacher. Year 3-4 class
Full-time, mix of permanent and fixed-term components. Role adapted to suit the successful applicant but will include 0.2 LSC.

Selected applicants may be invited to complete a five-day visit to the island over the upcoming school holiday period as part of the appointment process.

Job Application