_{04th September, 2026}

Strengthening Education
The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand's education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. We are reshaping how the Ministry is organised to sharpen our focus on core priorities, be outward-facing and evidence-led, and build a strong organisational culture. We are seeking exceptional leaders who can navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners and educators across Aotearoa.
  
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki is a senior leadership role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre. Reporting to the Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications, you will lead the planning, design and delivery of the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, alongside teaching, learning and assessment activity that supports learner progress and achievement across Aotearoa.
  
You will develop medium to long-term strategies for curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment and service delivery, ensuring work programmes are connected, evidence-based and aligned to Ministry priorities — bringing together investment, innovation and specialist expertise to deliver a coherent curriculum system.
  
You will oversee curriculum products, services and supports that enable teachers, kaiako, leaders and the wider education workforce to confidently implement the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, and ensure the aspirations of Ka Hikitia, the Pasifika Education Plan and the Learning Support Action Plan are reflected across your portfolio.
  
Success requires strong strategic leadership, a deep understanding of teaching and learning, and the ability to work collaboratively across the Ministry, sector and government, operating with sound judgement and resilience in a dynamic, highly visible environment.
  
About you | Mōhou ake
You are an experienced, influential leader with a proven track record of delivering complex programmes and driving improvement across large organisations or systems, combined with a strong understanding of effective teaching and learning practice.
  
As a people leader, you build a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture and invest in the growth of others. You are highly collaborative and politically astute, using evidence to inform decisions and build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders — motivated by ensuring every learner has the foundations they need to succeed.
  
You will bring:

• Curriculum development experience or a strong background in education
• Senior leadership experience in a complex environment, including delivering high-quality products and services and building high-performing teams
• Experience developing and implementing strategic programmes that improve outcomes and deliver organisational priorities
• Strong understanding of the evidence on teaching, learning and assessment and their role in learner achievement
• The ability to lead through ambiguity and organisational change
• Proven experience building trusted relationships and influencing stakeholders, including educators, sector leaders, whānau, hapū, iwi and Ministers
• Strong political awareness and understanding of government processes
• The ability to use data, evidence and insights to inform strategic decision-making
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in educational system design
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

  
About the group | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Poutāhū, the Curriculum Centre, leads the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on excellent and equitable outcomes for learners. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence to develop and review inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA with strengths across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability and inclusive learning support.
  
Key functions include: New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, Curriculum Integration, Māori Medium, Te Uepū Reo Māori, Qualifications and Pathways, and Sector Engagement.
  
Ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of education in Aotearoa New Zealand and make a lasting impact on learner success. If you are a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for education, we'd love to hear from you.
  
This recruitment is managed exclusively by Rothley. Please email info@rothley.co.nz for a position description or call Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 or Hannah Anderson on 027 637 1382 for a confidential conversation.
  
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Applications close Friday 25 September 2026.
  
  
  
We want our candidates to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
 

Apply For Job