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Careers
An environment that supports teachers as strongly as it supports children.
Doing the right thing, by our teachers
Integrity is central to our values. That means acting fairly and consistently, giving teachers the space and support to do their best work, and never taking shortcuts at the expense of quality. We have been developing early childhood teachers for twenty-eight years, and much of what we have learned is about what teachers need to teach well.
We do not run to
the minimums
Government minimum ratios don't drive our decisions. We start with what is the best use of each space and the right mix of ages and group sizes for it, and how we ensure teachers have the space to do their best work.
We invest in the resources, the non-contact time and the professional development teachers need to do the job properly.
Why join Magic Garden?
Work alongside high quality and passionate leaders and kaiako who are invested in your learning.
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A nine-day fortnight
For full-time teachers, wherever it works operationally. A whole extra day, per fortnight, to rest and recharge.
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Full Pay Parity
We pay qualified teachers according to the Full Pay Parity steps.
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Generous non-contact time
Protected, and spent on planning, coaching and mentoring rather than absorbed by the roster.
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Time to keep learning
Team meetings run around two hours a fortnight, and most of that is development rather than logistics.
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Leave
Twenty days of annual leave and ten days of sick leave each year.
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First aid training
Training and certification, arranged and paid for.
Growth through development
Professional development is led by Adrienne Thomson, our Pedagogical Lead, working with the Centre Managers and Team Leaders. New teachers start with an onboarding session Adrienne runs herself, which is the proper introduction to how we teach and why.
We expect everyone to turn up as both a learner and a peer coach. Teams get better by giving and taking honest feedback, and that only happens where it is routine.
A dedicated group of relievers backs up our permanent teams, and we keep those relationships going for years. Children see familiar faces even when their own teachers are away, which steadies the whole room.
Wherever you are up to
Whichever of these you are right now, we have somewhere to start you.
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Still at high school
Thinking about a career in early education. We work with local Gateway programmes, so you can find out what the job is before committing years to it.
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Studying towards a qualification
We take students as a home centre and for practicums, and we can offer the chance to earn while you study as part of the team. Magic Garden has a history of growing teachers for our industry.
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New or recent graduate
Looking for a first teaching role, and for the mentoring that will give you confidence and the skills to thrive as an ECE teacher. That is what the non-contact time is for.
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Experienced teacher
Looking for your best fit. Come and see how we run a room, meet the team, and decide whether this is where you want to keep teaching.
What our teachers say
Some wrote reviews, some answered our questions.
As a teacher Magic Garden represents a place where teachers are valued members of the early learning community. We are encouraged to share our ideas, aspirations and goals for ourselves, the tamariki, and the environment alongside a team who is supportive and helps us thrive and learn from each other.
CharneInfant teacher
I am proud to work somewhere that genuinely lives its philosophy rather than simply talking about it. We invest in people, value professional growth, and continually challenge ourselves to be better for children. Most of all, I’m proud that children and families experience authentic relationships and know they are valued every day, in their home away from home.
CherieTeacher
Magic Garden is an amazing place to work for! This is my 11th year with MG and I am just so grateful to be able to enjoy going to work everyday! This place truly values relationship and respects all the staff members as MG whānau. Happy kaiako, happy tamariki!
Jay Ji Ae LeeTeacher, eleven years at Magic Garden
Magic Garden was my home for 22 years and what an amazing place it continues to be. I had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible teachers, families and children during this time. Moving away from Auckland was made harder by knowing I would never find another centre as amazing as Magic Garden.
Nikki ReiveFormer teacher, twenty-two years at Magic Garden
Magic Garden is more than just an early learning centre to me—it is a community where children, families, and teachers learn and grow together. It is a place that encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, while also valuing collaboration and meaningful relationships.
LilyTeacher
Being a teacher at Magic Garden means building meaningful and trusting relationships with children, colleagues, and families. It means providing nurturing care that upholds respectful practice, recognising each child as capable, competent, and deserving of kindness and empathy.
AngieTeacher
I work at Magic Garden so I know first hand the exceptional quality of care and learning being provided for the children. It has a lovely homely feel to it and is very welcoming.
Toni AtkinsonTeacher
I love the cultural diversity and learning and growing from each other. Also that age and stage is no barrier.
Arda
A place where I can be myself with children.
DeekshaTeacher