ABOUT US / MŌ MĀTOU

Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand is the national provider of education services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing ākonga across Aotearoa. We work in partnership with ākonga, whānau, schools and communities so Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners can thrive and succeed.

Our work recognises the importance of identity, language and culture in education. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, promote New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and are committed to ensuring all ākonga experience inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments where language, identity and culture are celebrated.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Culture and Language to lead and strengthen cultural responsiveness, bilingual education and language development across our national school.

THE ROLE / TE MAHI

Reporting to the Deputy Principal - Culture & Language, this permanent full-time senior leadership role can be based in Christchurch or Auckland and includes national travel as required.

This role is responsible for leading and developing our school's commitment to celebrate Deaf Culture, promoting bilingualism including NZSL, Te Reo Māori and English, and ensuring cultural identity and language acquisition are central to our school services, teaching, learning and community engagement.

You will provide strategic and professional leadership across cultural programmes, language initiatives and inclusive pedagogical practices, using allyship as an underpinning concept. You will also lead a team of Cultural Advisors and our Interpreter Team to support organisation-wide capability building.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and influencing the development and implementation of culturally responsive and bilingual learning environments
• Strengthening the integration and use of NZSL across the organisation
• Supporting staff capability in culturally sustaining pedagogy and language development
• Building strong partnerships with Deaf communities, iwi, whānau and cultural organisations
• Leading cultural events, language initiatives and community engagement activities
• Supporting inclusive education practices that improve outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing ākonga
• Using data and evaluation to inform programme development and learner success
• Leading change initiatives and contributing to the organisation’s strategic direction

ABOUT YOU / MŌ KOE

You are a collaborative and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of Deaf Culture, bilingual education and inclusive practice.

You will ideally bring:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally within education or culturally responsive environments
• Fluency in NZSL and lived experience in the Deaf world
• Strong understanding of Deaf Culture and bilingual education principles
• Experience working within Deaf education settings
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
• Excellent relationship management, communication and facilitation skills

Most importantly, you will bring integrity, authenticity and a passion for creating inclusive learning environments where Deaf and Hard of Hearing ākonga can thrive.

HOW TO APPLY / ME PEHEA TE TONO

If you are passionate about strengthening culture, language and learner success across Aotearoa, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Applications close: 5pm, Sunday 7 June 2026

Position description Apply now

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