About the role
Full Time – Permanent
Commencing Term 4, 2025 or Term 1, 2026
Northern Health School is a Ministry of Education funded school that provides education and transition support for year 0-14 students whilst ill health prevents them attending their regular school. School management and administration is predominantly based in Auckland with school units in centres throughout the north island from Kaitaia to Gisborne, Taupo and Taranaki.
We seek a Unit Leader to lead our school unit in Starship children’s hospital, leading a team of teachers delivering learner focused programmes to ākonga with high health needs. You will be working in a trauma-informed educational role within a hospital setting which will require a high level of adaptability, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence. We are also looking for warmth, empathy, the ability to build positive relationships with key stakeholders, and a commitment to inclusive, relationship-based practice.
You will be an experienced, fully registered teacher with a highly developed knowledge of school curriculum and pedagogy, with experience in teaching across all year levels (or comfortable in doing so).
Recent leadership experience and an ability to support students with Te Ao Māori and Te reo Māori an advantage.
Giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is embedded in our strategic plan. A full NZ driving licence is essential for this position.
For further information about this challenging, but deeply rewarding role, please contact Deputy Principal Siobhan Harrod by email sharrod@nhs.school.nz.
Close date for application: 12 October 2025
Starship Unit
The Auckland region is serviced by several health school units and includes Starship and KidzFirst hospitals.
The Starship unit is located within Starship Children’s Hospital which is part of the Auckland Hospital complex in Park Road, Auckland. NHS employs the teaching personnel and provides the associated resources, equipment and furniture. The hospital management is responsible for the building, fittings and maintenance.
All NHS staff working at the hospital are required to have the appropriate District Health Board accreditation and are subject to the various hospital administrative and safety processes and procedures as well as those of Northern Health School.
Teachers at Starship work with students while they are in hospital only but may also very occasionally assist with their transition back to their regular school. Education programmes are planned in association with staff of the student’s regular school and may include Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu (Correspondence School) subjects. An ILP is developed for each student in association with their school of enrolment, parents and others who may be involved in their wellbeing.
When a student is discharged from Starship but is not immediately returning to school, they may be transferred to an NHS community unit and supported by a community based teacher.
ICT is an integral part of Northern Health School’s administration, programme development and student record activities. All staff in our units must be prepared to use ICT extensively in the course of their work.
Teachers are responsible to the unit leader/associate principal and supported by a teacher aide/office administrator.
Download the full job description
About Northern Health School
About the role
Full Time – Permanent
Commencing Term 4, 2025 or Term 1, 2026
Northern Health School is a Ministry of Education funded school that provides education and transition support for year 0-14 students whilst ill health prevents them attending their regular school. School management and administration is predominantly based in Auckland with school units in centres throughout the north island from Kaitaia to Gisborne, Taupo and Taranaki.
We seek a Unit Leader to lead our school unit in Starship children’s hospital, leading a team of teachers delivering learner focused programmes to ākonga with high health needs. You will be working in a trauma-informed educational role within a hospital setting which will require a high level of adaptability, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence. We are also looking for warmth, empathy, the ability to build positive relationships with key stakeholders, and a commitment to inclusive, relationship-based practice.
You will be an experienced, fully registered teacher with a highly developed knowledge of school curriculum and pedagogy, with experience in teaching across all year levels (or comfortable in doing so).
Recent leadership experience and an ability to support students with Te Ao Māori and Te reo Māori an advantage.
Giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is embedded in our strategic plan. A full NZ driving licence is essential for this position.
For further information about this challenging, but deeply rewarding role, please contact Deputy Principal Siobhan Harrod by email sharrod@nhs.school.nz.
Close date for application: 12 October 2025
Starship Unit
The Auckland region is serviced by several health school units and includes Starship and KidzFirst hospitals.
The Starship unit is located within Starship Children’s Hospital which is part of the Auckland Hospital complex in Park Road, Auckland. NHS employs the teaching personnel and provides the associated resources, equipment and furniture. The hospital management is responsible for the building, fittings and maintenance.
All NHS staff working at the hospital are required to have the appropriate District Health Board accreditation and are subject to the various hospital administrative and safety processes and procedures as well as those of Northern Health School.
Teachers at Starship work with students while they are in hospital only but may also very occasionally assist with their transition back to their regular school. Education programmes are planned in association with staff of the student’s regular school and may include Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu (Correspondence School) subjects. An ILP is developed for each student in association with their school of enrolment, parents and others who may be involved in their wellbeing.
When a student is discharged from Starship but is not immediately returning to school, they may be transferred to an NHS community unit and supported by a community based teacher.
ICT is an integral part of Northern Health School’s administration, programme development and student record activities. All staff in our units must be prepared to use ICT extensively in the course of their work.
Teachers are responsible to the unit leader/associate principal and supported by a teacher aide/office administrator.
Download the full job description