Positions: Primary School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher / Secondary School Teacher / STEM Teacher / English Teacher / Subject Teacher
Employer: To Be Announced (TBA)
Country: New Zealand
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: Qualified Teachers / Overseas-Trained Teachers
Salary: According to Qualification, Experience, School & Applicable New Zealand Teacher Pay Scale
2026 Trained Teacher Base Scale: Generally from approximately NZD $62,862 to NZD $105,686 per year in state-school agreements, depending on qualification and salary step
Accommodation: Provided
Lunch: Provided During Working Days
Teacher Registration Assistance: Provided Where Applicable
Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Straight to Residence: Potentially Available for Eligible Primary, Intermediate & Secondary Teachers
WORK AS A TEACHER IN NEW ZEALAND
Applications are now open for qualified Primary, Intermediate and Secondary School Teachers interested in full-time employment in New Zealand.
New Zealand schools may recruit teachers across a wide range of subjects and age groups.
Potential opportunities include:
- Primary School Teacher
- Intermediate School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Mathematics Teacher
- Physics Teacher
- Chemistry Teacher
- Biology Teacher
- Science Teacher
- Computer Science / Digital Technology Teacher
- English Teacher
- English Language Teacher
- Geography Teacher
- History Teacher
- Business Studies Teacher
- Economics Teacher
- Technology Teacher
- Design & Technology Teacher
- Health & Physical Education Teacher
- Other qualified subject teachers
Internationally qualified teachers are welcome to apply where they meet New Zealand professional-registration and immigration requirements.
These are professional teaching positions.
Applicants must have appropriate teacher education, qualifications and professional suitability.
AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
Teaching opportunities may be available throughout New Zealand, including:
- Auckland
- Hamilton
- Tauranga
- Wellington
- Palmerston North
- Napier / Hastings
- Nelson
- Christchurch
- Dunedin
- Invercargill
Additional vacancies may be available in smaller towns, regional communities and rural areas.
Candidates who are flexible regarding location may have access to a wider range of teaching opportunities.
The final workplace will be confirmed in the formal employment offer.
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Primary School Teachers normally work with younger students and may teach several curriculum areas rather than specialising in only one subject.
Typical duties may include:
- Planning daily lessons
- Teaching literacy
- Teaching numeracy
- Teaching science
- Teaching social studies
- Supporting creative subjects
- Assessing student progress
- Preparing learning resources
- Supporting different learning abilities
- Communicating with parents
- Maintaining student records
- Participating in school activities
Primary Teachers are responsible for helping students build strong foundations in learning, communication and personal development.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL TEACHERS
Intermediate Teachers generally work with students transitioning between primary and secondary education.
Depending on the school, teachers may:
- Teach a general classroom programme
- Specialise in particular subjects
- Teach technology subjects
- Teach science
- Teach languages
- Teach mathematics
- Support literacy development
- Prepare students for secondary education
Teachers must create age-appropriate lessons and maintain a positive learning environment.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Secondary Teachers generally specialise in one or more academic or vocational subjects.
Potential specialist subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- General Science
- Computer Science
- Digital Technology
- Engineering-related subjects
- English
- Geography
- History
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Accounting
- Languages
- Design Technology
- Physical Education
Teachers may work with students across several year levels.
STEM TEACHERS
Applicants qualified in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects are particularly encouraged to apply.
Potential STEM positions include:
- Mathematics Teacher
- Physics Teacher
- Chemistry Teacher
- Biology Teacher
- Science Teacher
- Computer Science Teacher
- Digital Technology Teacher
- Technology Teacher
STEM Teachers may prepare students for further study, vocational education, university and technical careers.
MATHEMATICS TEACHERS
Mathematics Teachers may teach subjects including:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Trigonometry
- Functions
- Calculus
- Mathematical modelling
- Problem solving
Typical duties may include:
- Preparing mathematics lessons
- Explaining concepts
- Setting exercises
- Marking work
- Preparing tests
- Supporting struggling students
- Providing extension work
- Preparing students for examinations
SCIENCE TEACHERS
Science Teachers may specialise in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
Responsibilities may include:
- Classroom teaching
- Laboratory demonstrations
- Preparing experiments
- Supervising practical work
- Teaching scientific theory
- Assessing practical skills
- Preparing students for examinations
Teachers must follow all laboratory and school safety procedures.
COMPUTER SCIENCE & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Teachers with experience in computing and digital technology may teach areas such as:
- Programming
- Coding
- Computer systems
- Digital technologies
- Software development
- Databases
- Networks
- Algorithms
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Digital projects
Applicants should provide details of technologies and programming languages they are able to teach.
ENGLISH TEACHERS
English Teachers may be responsible for:
- Reading
- Writing
- Literature
- Grammar
- Communication
- Essay writing
- Academic analysis
- Oral presentations
- Examination preparation
Candidates should have the qualifications appropriate to the level and type of teaching position offered.
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?
Teachers are responsible for planning, delivering and assessing education according to the curriculum and policies of their school.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing lesson plans
- Delivering classroom lessons
- Preparing teaching resources
- Assessing students
- Marking work
- Providing feedback
- Recording progress
- Supporting students
- Managing classroom behaviour
- Participating in staff meetings
- Communicating with parents
- Supporting school activities
- Undertaking professional development
- Following safeguarding requirements
The exact duties will depend on the school and teaching position.
LESSON PLANNING
Teachers prepare lessons according to:
- Curriculum requirements
- Student age
- Learning objectives
- Student ability
- Available resources
- Assessment requirements
Lesson preparation may involve:
- Worksheets
- Presentations
- Reading materials
- Practical activities
- Digital resources
- Homework
- Assessment tasks
Teachers should be organised and prepared before each class.
CLASSROOM TEACHING
Classroom responsibilities may include:
- Introducing topics
- Explaining concepts
- Demonstrating examples
- Asking questions
- Leading discussions
- Providing individual assistance
- Encouraging participation
- Managing behaviour
- Reviewing learning
Teachers should create a supportive and respectful environment.
ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS
Assessment may include:
- Homework
- Coursework
- Projects
- Presentations
- Practical assessments
- Tests
- Examinations
- Classroom observation
Teachers may be responsible for maintaining accurate records and reporting student progress.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Teachers work with students of different abilities.
This can involve:
- Helping students who need additional support
- Preparing additional exercises
- Providing extension work
- Supporting learning differences
- Helping students develop study skills
- Supporting student wellbeing
- Referring concerns to appropriate school staff
Teachers should encourage students to become confident and independent learners.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.
This may include:
- Establishing classroom expectations
- Managing behaviour
- Encouraging respectful communication
- Addressing inappropriate behaviour
- Following school discipline procedures
- Maintaining professional boundaries
SAFEGUARDING & CHILD SAFETY
Teachers work directly with children and young people.
Applicants should expect professional and background checks.
These may include:
- Identity checks
- Police vetting
- Criminal-history checks
- Employment references
- Qualification verification
- Professional conduct checks
- Registration checks
Teachers must comply with New Zealand child-safety and professional standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
Overseas applicants will normally require a recognised teacher-education qualification.
This may include:
- Bachelor of Education
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching
- Postgraduate teaching qualification
- Master of Teaching
- Subject degree plus recognised teacher training
- Other comparable overseas teaching qualification
Applicants should provide complete details of:
- University degree
- Teacher-training programme
- Teaching practicum
- Teaching licence
- Subjects qualified to teach
- Previous professional registration
OVERSEAS-TRAINED TEACHERS
Teachers who completed their qualifications outside New Zealand generally need to demonstrate that their teacher-education qualification is comparable with an approved New Zealand qualification.
An overseas-trained teacher will normally need a Teaching International Qualification Assessment (Teaching IQA) from the appropriate New Zealand qualification-assessment authority before applying for teacher registration.
The assessment considers whether the overseas qualification is comparable with New Zealand Initial Teacher Education requirements.
TEACHING COUNCIL REGISTRATION
Teachers working in New Zealand generally need registration and an appropriate practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Overseas-trained applicants may be required to provide:
- Teaching IQA
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Teacher-training qualification
- Identity documents
- Professional references
- Evidence of satisfactory teaching experience
- Police or background information
- Professional declarations
- Language evidence
The Teaching Council makes the final registration decision.
Neither an employer nor recruitment company can guarantee registration.
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE COMPETENCY
Teachers must demonstrate appropriate competency in English or te reo Māori.
The Teaching Council requires evidence of language competency for registration and certification.
Evidence can potentially include approved:
- Education history
- English-medium study
- Language testing
- Other evidence accepted by the Teaching Council
Applicants should be able to:
- Explain academic concepts clearly
- Understand student questions
- Communicate with parents
- Participate in staff meetings
- Prepare written reports
- Complete school documentation
Strong communication skills are essential.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Teachers are expected to comply with professional and ethical requirements.
This includes:
- Treating students respectfully
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Protecting student safety
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Acting professionally
- Following school policies
- Meeting Teaching Council expectations
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Teaching is a professional full-time career that involves substantially more than classroom teaching.
A working week may include:
- Classroom lessons
- Lesson preparation
- Marking
- Meetings
- Student support
- Parent communication
- School activities
- Professional development
- Administrative work
Some responsibilities may need to be completed outside direct classroom hours.
WORKING HOURS
These positions are full-time.
Working hours will depend on:
- School
- Teaching position
- Timetable
- Employment agreement
- Applicable collective agreement
For employment requiring an Accredited Employer Work Visa, the offer must provide at least:
30 HOURS PER WEEK
The formal employment agreement will specify the teacher’s working arrangements.
SALARY
Teacher salaries depend on:
- Qualifications
- Previous recognised experience
- Salary step
- School type
- Responsibilities
- Management duties
- Applicable employment agreement
For 2026, the unified trained-teacher salary scale used in major state-school agreements begins at approximately:
NZD $62,862 PER YEAR
and currently reaches approximately:
NZD $105,686 PER YEAR
at the top trained-teacher step, before additional eligible allowances.
The exact starting point is determined according to the teacher’s qualifications, recognised experience and applicable employment agreement.
Additional allowances may potentially apply for:
- Management responsibilities
- Specialist responsibilities
- Leadership
- Other qualifying duties
The final salary will be clearly stated in the employment offer.
ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED
Accommodation will be arranged for successful employees under the recruitment package.
Depending on location, this may include:
- Shared apartments
- Shared houses
- Staff accommodation
- Employer-arranged housing
- Other suitable accommodation
Any applicable accommodation costs, utilities or lawful deductions will be disclosed before employment is accepted.
MEALS PROVIDED
Lunch will be provided during scheduled working days according to employer arrangements.
Exact arrangements will be confirmed before commencement.
ACCREDITED EMPLOYER WORK VISA
Qualified international teachers may potentially work in New Zealand through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) where applicable.
The employment offer must generally:
- Come from an accredited employer
- Be genuine
- Be for at least 30 hours each week
- Have an approved job check where required
- Meet applicable employment requirements
The teacher must satisfy:
- Professional registration
- Qualification requirements
- Employer requirements
- Immigration requirements
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION BEFORE VISA
Teaching is an occupation requiring professional registration.
Applicants must obtain the occupational registration required to perform the particular teaching job before relying on that profession for their work visa.
Candidates should therefore begin qualification assessment and Teaching Council registration as early as possible.
GREEN LIST – STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE
New Zealand provides an important immigration opportunity for eligible overseas teachers.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Eligible Secondary School Teachers are on the Green List Tier 1 Straight to Residence pathway.
This means an eligible overseas Secondary Teacher may potentially apply directly for residence when they have an appropriate job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer and meet all applicable requirements.
They do not first need to complete two years of employment in New Zealand under the Green List pathway.
PRIMARY & INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL TEACHERS
Primary and Intermediate School Teachers were added to the Straight to Residence pathway from 26 March 2025.
Eligible teachers may therefore also potentially apply for residence from outside New Zealand after securing a qualifying job offer.
STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
The Straight to Residence pathway is not automatic.
Applicants generally need to satisfy requirements including:
- Eligible Tier 1 Green List teaching occupation
- Accredited employer
- Full-time qualifying employment
- Required teacher registration
- Applicable salary requirements
- Appropriate qualifications
- English-language requirements
- Health requirements
- Character requirements
- Age requirement
For Straight to Residence, applicants must generally be:
55 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER
when applying.
RESIDENCE SALARY REQUIREMENT
Where the Green List occupation does not specify another occupation-specific wage, Straight to Residence employment must currently pay at least New Zealand’s immigration median wage.
The current threshold is:
NZD $35.00 GROSS PER HOUR
Eligible teaching positions must meet the applicable Green List salary requirement when residence is being sought.
New Zealand’s immigration guidance specifically notes that the teaching Straight to Residence pathway is designed for experienced teachers earning at least the applicable median wage, rather than newly graduated teachers who have not yet reached that salary level.
WORK VISA VS RESIDENCE
Applicants should understand the difference between:
- Teacher registration
- Employment
- Work visa
- Straight to Residence
Receiving registration does not automatically guarantee employment.
Receiving a job offer does not automatically guarantee a visa.
Similarly, being a teacher does not automatically guarantee Straight to Residence.
All applicable requirements must be satisfied.
FAMILY MEMBERS & RESIDENCE
Eligible Straight to Residence applicants may potentially include:
- Partner
- Dependent children aged 24 or younger
subject to Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This can make New Zealand particularly attractive for established teachers seeking a longer-term international career.
REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE
Eligible shortlisted candidates will receive guidance concerning the teacher-registration process where required.
Assistance may include information relating to:
- Teaching IQA
- Academic certificates
- University transcripts
- Teacher-training qualifications
- Teaching licences
- Employment references
- Professional registration
- Police documentation
- English-language evidence
- Certified translations
- Teaching Council application preparation
The final professional decision belongs to the appropriate New Zealand authorities.
VISA & IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
Teachers successfully selected by an eligible employer will receive assistance with the applicable immigration process.
This may include guidance concerning:
- Employment offer
- Employment agreement
- Employer accreditation
- Job-check documentation
- Teacher registration
- Qualification evidence
- Work experience
- English evidence
- Police certificates
- Medical requirements
- Work visa application
- Straight to Residence application where eligible
- Supporting documentation
- Pre-departure requirements
Visa and residence approval cannot be guaranteed.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should begin by completing the online application form available on this website.
Provide complete information concerning:
- Teaching qualification
- University degree
- Teacher-training qualification
- Teaching registration
- Subjects taught
- Age groups taught
- Years of experience
- Current school
- Previous schools
- English-language ability
- Current country of residence
- New Zealand registration status, if applicable
Teachers should clearly identify the subjects they are professionally qualified to teach.
SHORTLISTING
Applications will be assessed against:
- Available vacancies
- Qualifications
- Teaching experience
- Subject specialism
- Registration eligibility
- English ability
- Employer requirements
- Immigration eligibility
Candidates whose backgrounds match an available vacancy may be shortlisted.
Submitting an application does not automatically mean the candidate has been selected.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to:
- Online interviews
- School interviews
- Panel interviews
- Teaching demonstrations
- Sample lessons
- Subject-knowledge interviews
Depending on employer and recruitment arrangements, shortlisted candidates may also be invited to interviews in:
- Asia
- United Kingdom
- Another formally designated recruitment location
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Candidates should not purchase flights, reserve hotels or make travel arrangements simply because they submitted an application or were shortlisted.
Where an in-person interview is required, candidates will receive a formal invitation.
Candidates must confirm that they are legally eligible to travel before making arrangements.
EMPLOYMENT OFFER
Candidates successfully selected will receive formal employment documentation.
This should identify:
- School
- Employer
- Teaching position
- Subject
- Location
- Salary
- Salary step
- Working arrangements
- Contract type
- Registration requirements
- Accommodation arrangements
- Meal arrangements
- Proposed starting date
Candidates should carefully review the employment agreement before accepting the position.
POSITION SUMMARY
Positions: Primary / Intermediate / Secondary School Teacher
Country: New Zealand
Employment: Full-Time
2026 Trained Teacher Salary Scale: Approximately NZD $62,862–$105,686 Per Year Depending on Qualification & Step
Residence Wage Requirement: Applicable Green List Requirement, currently generally at least NZD $35.00/hour where no occupation-specific rate applies
Teacher Registration: Required
Teaching IQA: Normally Required for Overseas-Trained Teachers
Accommodation: Provided
Lunch: Provided During Working Days
Registration Assistance: Provided Where Applicable
AEWV Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Straight to Residence: Potentially Available for Eligible Primary, Intermediate & Secondary Teachers
Employer: TBA
APPLY FOR TEACHING JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND
Qualified overseas-trained teachers interested in building a professional career in New Zealand are invited to submit an application.
Applications are welcomed from Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Teachers, with particular interest in candidates teaching subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Science
- Computer Science
- Digital Technology
- Technology
- English
- Other high-demand subjects
New Zealand offers a particularly attractive immigration pathway for qualifying teachers because eligible Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Teachers may potentially access the Green List Straight to Residence pathway.
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND WAIT TO BE CONTACTED IF YOUR APPLICATION IS SHORTLISTED.
Submitting an application does not guarantee Teaching Council registration, an interview, employment, an Accredited Employer Work Visa or New Zealand residence. Overseas-trained teachers must satisfy the applicable qualification-assessment, Teaching Council registration, language, professional, employment and immigration requirements. Straight to Residence eligibility depends on the exact occupation, qualifying job offer, accredited employer, registration, salary, age, English, health, character and other Immigration New Zealand requirements in force at the time of application.