Our Programmes
The Teach First
NZ Programme
Join a community of changemakers committed to creating a fair Aotearoa in which all young people can realise their full potential.
Our Mission
Growing leaders for change
The Need
Too many young people in Aotearoa do not have equal access to opportunity. Our education system is among the most unequal in the OECD, and the effects are carried across communities and generations.
33rd of 38
OECD countries for educational equity.
Our Response
Ako Mātātupu exists to disrupt these inequities. Through our programmes, we invite passionate people to step into classrooms and communities, where they grow as leaders and work alongside rangatahi to create lasting change.
1’000’s
of young people across Aotearoa have already been reached by our programmes.
The Vision
We believe every young person should thrive in their identity, culture, and aspirations. By moving together — teachers, community leaders, and kairapu — we can build an Aotearoa where all tamariki have the chance to flourish.
33rd of 38
OECD countries for educational equity.
1,000’s
of young people across Aotearoa have already been reached by our programmes.
Ko te piko o te māhuri, tērā te tupu o te rākau.
The way the sapling is shaped determines how the tree grows.
Programme Overview
A practical pathway for changemakers to learn, grow, and make a real impact.
This programme combines real-world experience with academic learning. Participants grow their skills while contributing directly to communities across Aotearoa.
- Practical, hands-on experience
- Flexible structure to suit your life
- Expert mentorship & wraparound support
- Accredited qualification
Key Benefits:
Why this programme could be the right next step for you.
Earn While You Can
Receive financial support or a salary while completing your qualification.
Accredited Qualification
Gain a fully recognised and respected qualification.
Wrap around Support
Access mentorship, cultural guidance, and a community of care.
Make Real Impact
Contribute directly to classrooms and communities across Aotearoa.
Eligibility Requirements
This pathway is designed for individuals who:
- Hold New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
- Have a recognised Bachelor’s degree (Level 7 or higher) or equivalent qualification.
- Be ready to serve in communities where your skills are needed most.
- Meet any subject area or project requirements specific to the programme.
Who is this programme for?
This pathway is designed for individuals who:
- Are committed to addressing inequity and serving community.
- Are passionate about social justice, leadership, and kaupapa Māori & Pasifika frameworks.
- Want to grow as educators, leaders, and change-makers.
- Believe in the potential of every young person and want to help them thrive.
- Value resilience, cultural intelligence, and collective impact.
How to Apply
Complete Application Form
Submit your application online, including your CV and a short statement about why you want to join.
Attend an Ako Center
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to kōrero with our team, share your motivations, and connect your aspirations to our kaupapa.
Final Selection & Enrolment
Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the next cohort, with enrolment confirmed once documents and checks are complete.
Your Ako Mātātupu Journey
From first application to long-term impact, here’s what your journey with Ako Mātātupu looks like.
Inspiring Voices from Our Community
“Now I’m 6 years in and I can see the impact this teaching practice has for our communities. If you’re on the fence about joining this programme, I say just do it.
You won’t regret it. I chose the Teach First NZ Programme so I could teach in a way that allows rangatahi to stand strong in their cultural identity.
I wanted to use my Biomedical Science degree to be
of service to my community, so I decided to train as
a teacher.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Requirements
Do I need to be Māori or Pasifika to apply?
No. We are looking for participants who will champion all young people throughout their education journey.
What kind of background do I need?
We are looking for people with a Level 7 Qualification or higher against the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. You will require knowledge equivalent to 300-level in a secondary school curriculum area.
How recent should my academic qualifications be?
As long as you hold a Level 7 qualification or higher and have sufficient papers to teach your subject, you would be deemed to have suitable subject knowledge. We offer support for people to update their curriculum knowledge if they have studied a long time ago.
Is professional experience required?
While professional experience is an advantage, it is not an entry requirement.
Do I need to speak Te Reo Māori?
No. Speaking even a little Te Reo Māori can be beneficial but you do not need to speak Te Reo Māori to gain entry onto the programme.
Do I need to have completed my degree to apply?
No. However, you do need to be in the final year of your degree to apply.
How many subject-specific papers do I need?
You will require at least 4 papers in a secondary school curriculum area. At least one of these papers must be at 300-level to have sufficient knowledge to teach senior students in your subject area.
Programme Details & Structure
Do I need to have prior teaching experience?
Some of our applicants are already working in schools, but this is not a requirement!
Is the programme available online?
Teach First NZ Programme participants are employed full time in a secondary school. However, we provide the opportunity to access large parts of the programme online so that you can serve in a secondary school in your local area.
How much will I earn during the programme?
Teach First NZ Programme participants are paid on the Untrained Teacher Pay Scale which ranges from $51,160 and $85,529. Which step you would start on would be determined by the level of qualifications you hold and relevant work experience you bring.
How long is the programme and is it full-time?
The Teach First NZ Programme is 2 years, full-time.
Is the teaching qualification recognised in New Zealand?
Yes, the Teach First NZ Programme offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching which is a Level 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). You will be registered as a teacher with the New Zealand Teaching Council with provisional certification on completion of this programme.
Is the teaching qualification recognised overseas?
As the Teach First NZ Programme is recognised at Level 8 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), it will be recognised as equivalent to any other Level 8 qualification on the Framework.
What language is the programme taught in?
The Teach First NZ Programme is taught in English. As an organisation committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and with primarily indigenous staff members, our Teacher Educators will use kupu (words) in Te Reo Māori and the Pacific languages on a semi-regular basis, but every effort is made to ensure you understand, and your language proficiency will grow even stronger as consequence!
Which subjects are prioritised in the programme?
The Teach First NZ Programme exists to support our partner schools serving low-income communities to find teachers in subjects that are difficult to staff. These subjects typically include the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Technology and Digital Technology, Mathematics & Statistics, English (Literature), Te Reo Māori and Pacific Languages. If your background is in a different subject you are still welcome to apply, please just note that scholarships are awarded based on the subject needs in our partner schools.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Teach First NZ Scholarship covers the fees for the Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Schools teaching and associated programme costs. This means no student loan!
Programme Logistics & Support
Will I need to relocate for the programme?
The Teach First NZ Programme exists to support our partner schools, who serve low-income communities, to find teachers in subjects that are difficult to staff. The largest number of partner schools is in Tāmaki Makaurau, and we have partner schools spotted throughout the rest of the country. The more flexible you are in where you are able to live, the higher your employment opportunities would be, but you do not have to be open to moving to apply for the programme.
Can I balance the programme with family commitments?
The Teach First NZ Programme is an intensive training programme, given that you are completing a Postgraduate Diploma while teaching in a school. Everyone’s circumstances will be different so it comes down to the individual determining what’s possible for them and their whānau, but we do have many participants who are parents and caregivers on the programme.
Which schools do you partner with?
We work with secondary schools serving low-income communities across the motu. Contact us if you would like to know if there is an existing partner school – or a school there is potential to partner with – in your area.
Can I get financial support from StudyLink?
The Teach First NZ Programme is recognised by StudyLink. StudyLink has their own requirements to determine where they are able to offer financial support. We would recommend that you contact StudyLink to see if financial support is available.
Teach. Lead. Change.
Join our movement of change makers committed to building a fair Aotearoa.
