Curriculum Advisor

Overview

The Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a permanent, full-time Curriculum Advisor to work from the Invercargill office in Southland. This role is suited to someone based in, or able to commute from, the surrounding Southland area.

In this position, you will help drive educational change by supporting schools, kura, and early learning services across the region. Your focus will be on the implementation of curriculum, assessment, and aromatawai changes, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for all ākonga.

Role purpose

You will work closely with leadership teams, teachers, and kaiako to support whole-school approaches to curriculum and assessment change. The role calls for strong experience in leading system-wide curriculum transformation, along with sound knowledge of one or more national curricula and a solid grasp of the science of learning, pedagogy, and assessment and aromatawai practice.

Key duties

As part of a regional Curriculum Advisory Service, you will help schools, kura, and early learning services adopt a knowledge-rich curriculum using effective practices that improve learner outcomes. You will also support tailored implementation plans that reflect local needs and national priorities, help teams access quality support resources, and contribute to professional learning that strengthens pedagogical content knowledge.

What you need

To succeed in this role, you should bring deep expertise in curriculum planning and delivery, the ability to support professional change in education settings, and practical experience working with the New Zealand Curriculum. A strong background in the science of learning and effective teaching practice is essential, as is the ability to apply and develop pedagogical knowledge. The role also requires partnership-building skills, confidence in facilitation, diplomacy, and the ability to coach and motivate teachers and leaders.

For Curriculum Advisors working in Kura Kaupapa Māori and Māori Medium settings, familiarity with te ao Māori and understanding of Te Reo, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori are essential. You must also hold a full current New Zealand driver licence, as travel is required, and be willing to follow Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Salary

The salary range is NZD 100,296 to NZD 121,490 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final appointment salary will depend on the successful candidate’s skills and experience.

About the team

Te Mahau is a frontline group that provides leadership and integrated services across the education sector, including learning support, education advice, and regulatory functions for kōhanga, schools, kura, and early learning services. The team works closely with communities at regional and local levels and maintains strong relationships with iwi and hapū. It also supports Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga, learners with additional support needs, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application process

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV through the application button. Email applications will not be accepted. In your cover letter, the employer would like to hear about your values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspectives you would bring to the role. For further information, contact Annie Nelson at [email protected].

Additional information

Advertised on 4 June 2026. This is a permanent role. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 28 June 2026. If you need help or adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, you are encouraged to request support. The organisation values individuality and belonging for its people.