School Counsellor - South Canterbury

We have the opportunity for a qualified school counsellor to join the school counselling team in South Canterbury. You’ll support tamariki in Yrs 1 – 8 in schools in Timaru on a rostered basis, during term time. 

This position is Fixed Term Part-Time (@0.8 FTE equivalent), Annualised Hours Arrangement up to 1,320 Hours Per Annum.

Full safety checks are required for working with Tamariki. 

Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone with:

• A Minimum of 3 years of counselling experience

• An Understanding of the issues of grief, loss, and trauma on children, teens, and whānau

• Is passionate about the wellbeing of tamariki

• Holds a counselling qualification and registration with NZAC (or equivalent)

• Can work collaboratively with colleagues and school staff

• Brings creativity and innovation to support Tamariki wellbeing

• Can provide both individual (one-to-one) therapy and group programmes

• Understands Te Tiriti o Waitangi and can work in bi-cultural and multi-cultural contexts

• Can work independently while being part of a wider team

• Holds a full drivers’ license.

 

Benefits

• Be part of a respected, values-based, child centric organisation

• Make a real difference for Tamariki and their whānau

• Supportive colleagues and school communities

If you have the required skills and would like to be part of the team, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter via email to [email protected] 

For more information about the role, or to have a confidential conversation please contact Vonnie Marshall, Counselling Team Leader. Tel. 04 595 5872. 

Trust Board Vacancies - Tangata Whenua Co-Chair and Trustee

Skylight is seeking two people to join its Board: a Tangata Whenua Co-Chair and a Trustee.

These appointments offer an opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of an organisation committed to supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through trauma, loss, grief, change and tough times. You will help guide Skylight’s future direction, strengthen its sustainability and cultural capability, and support meaningful, equitable outcomes for the communities it serves.

Tangata Whenua Co-Chair:

The Tangata Whenua Co-Chair will be an experienced and accomplished governance leader with the strategic capability, judgement and leadership skills required to guide a national organisation through growth, change and long-term sustainability. As a Māori leader, they will bring deep knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring these perspectives are authentically reflected in governance, decision-making and organisational direction. The successful candidate will have established credibility within Māori communities and a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, while contributing as an equal governance leader responsible for the overall stewardship and success of Skylight.

Trustee:

The Trustee will contribute to the collective governance and strategic direction of Skylight, bringing sound judgement, strategic insight and a strong commitment to its purpose, values and future direction. Trustees play an important role in providing stewardship, oversight and accountability, helping ensure Skylight remains sustainable, effective and responsive to the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Skills and Competencies we are Seeking:

We welcome applications from experienced governance leaders and board members across Aotearoa who can bring energy, commitment, sound judgement, professionalism, critical thinking and diverse perspectives. We are particularly interested in people who offer one or more of the following:

• Strong governance leadership, strategic thinking and an ability to contribute effectively to shared leadership and decision-making.

• Fundraising, partnerships and sponsorships skills and experience strengthening organisational sustainability and growing revenue in a not-for-profit setting

• Human resources and people leadership experience, including organisational development, employment relations, workforce capability and supporting a healthy organisational culture.

• Digital literacy, technology experience and an ability to contribute to strategic technology discussions and decisions around increased cyberthreats, AI, data, regulatory compliance, investments and risk.

• Risk management, organisational oversight and strategic planning experience.

• Experience strengthening cultural capability, Te Tiriti-based governance and meaningful relationships with Māori communities.

• Chairing experience

Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our commitment to equity, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We particularly encourage Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, people from ethnically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals to apply.

Applications close Monday, 30 November 2026

Initial interviews will be conducted by a Board sub-panel by teleconference, followed by final interviews with the full Board. An induction programme will be provided for successful candidates. For further information or a copy of the relevant role description, as either Tangata Whenua Co-Chair or Trustee please email [email protected]

Professional development 

Explore Skylight’s professional development opportunities – tailored training, webinars, and presentations to support those working with children, young people, and families. Learn more.