Part of the beauty of being part of Footsteps is that we have our own unique culture, where we all care for each other just like family do. But don’t just take our word for it, we have been twice voted one of the best small to medium workplaces in New Zealand by JRA in 2010 & 2011 reflecting our commitment. 

We have over 60 qualified early childhood education kaiako nationwide, as well as a team of 15 in our Support Office in Tauranga, where we manage the business side of things. As we grow, we are always on the look out for passionate new kaiako or Support Office members to join our whānau

Why is working for Footsteps a great experience?

• A role that will make you smile read more >

  We're not claiming it will be a breeze, but we do promise you this, when you join us, you will find it an incredibly rewarding experience. With Footsteps, every day is different; you will help children from different backgrounds and communities; and you will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone.

• A sunny warm welcome to Footsteps read more >

  Because our teachers/kaiako are nationwide, we never want them to feel like they are on their own. That’s why, when you first arrive at Footsteps, we will bring you up to sunny Tauranga for three days to welcome you in whānau, meet the Support Office team, learn the ropes and get to know everyone.

• A robust package with important benefits like medical insurance read more >

  We offer a competitive salary as well as some great additional benefits including medical insurance (after 6 months), mobile phone, internet allowance, business fuel and lots of other perks. However, being part of the Footsteps whānau is not just about the numbers, it’s about the whole experience and the ability to make a difference in childrens lives in a supportive environment.

• A genuine commitment to community read more >

  Footsteps is very different to other organisations because we are committed to helping everyone in the community nurture and educate children. We have a close relationship with organisations such as Child, Youth and Family, Plunket and Open Home Foundation to ensure all children have access to quality Early Childhood Education. 

• A place where people are rewarded for the great work they do read more >

  Each year, we recognise and celebrate the achievements of one individual within the Footsteps whānau with the Footsteps Poutama award. All our staff put forward nominations to honour a person who has taken steps towards success whether that be in their personal or working lives. The award is given out at Footsteps National Conference in the company of the whole whānau to mark the special achievement. 

• An opportunity to all come together at national conference read more >

  We hold a national conference annually to bring the whānau together. It is a very special time for us as an organisation as it provides an opportunity to learn and grow together. It allows us to learn from each other and share our success stories to build for the future. Over the course of three days, we organise key speakers, workshops and challenges as well as leaving plenty of time to have fun. To see more about this year's conference, click here.

• A place where all cultures are respected read more >

  We bring the treasures of Māori and NZ European cultures together through Ara Poutama, our bi-cultural journey by providing all our people with a tailored training programme, no matter what level they are. By appreciating both cultures, we form the foundations for multi-culturalism by exploring what makes each one unique through ideas, cultural concepts and language.

• An industry leading number of training days read more >

  We focus on quality and excellence so we ensure our teachers/kaiako are given up to 20 days professional development a year. This programme is different and aims to take you "outside your comfort zone which is the place you really grow" (Sir Edmund Hillary) including guidance and training in areas such as brain development, attachment, affects of trauma and child protection.

Interested in becoming part of the Footsteps whānau? Click here to view our current vacancies.