Planning Your ECE Year in Hawke’s Bay: Permanent & ECE Reliever Opportunities

January often brings a rare pause for early childhood teachers and centre leaders across Hawke’s Bay. The holidays create space to reflect on the year that’s been and to start thinking about what the year ahead might look like, professionally and personally.

Whether you’re an ECE teacher or educator considering your next step, or an early learning centre planning staffing for the months ahead, this is a great time to take stock of your options.

At Toi Toi Recruitment, we work closely with both educators and centres throughout Hawke’s Bay, and every January we hear similar questions coming up. This blog is designed to help you navigate the year ahead, whether that involves relief work, a permanent role, or a mix of both.

What Does the ECE Landscape Look Like in Hawke’s Bay Right Now?

Early childhood education in Hawke’s Bay continues to face familiar challenges, staffing shortages, increasing pressure on permanent teams, and the need for flexibility when life inevitably happens.

Centres in Napier, Hastings, Clive, Havelock North, CHB and surrounding areas are increasingly relying on trusted relief educators to maintain quality care, meet ratios, and support their permanent teams.

At the same time, many educators are rethinking what they want from work:

• More flexibility

• Better work–life balance

• Less burnout

• Opportunities to experience different centres and philosophies

  
  

This has made relief teaching in early childhood settings an increasingly popular and sustainable option, not just a short-term solution.

Relief Teaching vs Permanent ECE Roles — Which Is Right for You This Year?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the right choice can change from year to year.

Relief ECE roles may suit you if:

• You’re returning to work after time away

• You’re balancing family commitments

• You’re new to Hawke’s Bay and want to explore different centres

• You enjoy variety and flexibility

• You’re easing back from burnout or full-time hours

  
  

Permanent ECE roles may suit you if:

• You’re seeking long-term stability

• You enjoy being part of one team

• You’re looking to grow into leadership or specialist roles

• You prefer predictable routines and hours

  
  

Many educators choose a combination of both, using relief work alongside part-time or permanent roles, something we regularly support at Toi Toi Recruitment.

Why More Hawke’s Bay Centres Are Relying on Trusted Relief Educators

From a centre perspective, having access to reliable relief educators is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s essential.

Relief educators help centres:

• Maintain child–teacher ratios

• Support staff wellbeing and reduce burnout

• Manage sick leave, holidays, and professional development

• Maintain consistency and quality of care

  
  

When centres work with a local early childhood recruitment agency, they benefit from educators who understand the community, local expectations, and centre cultures.

At Toi Toi Recruitment, we focus on building long-term relationships, not just filling shifts.

How Toi Toi Recruitment Supports Educators and Centres

We’re proudly Hawke’s Bay–based and deeply connected to the local early childhood community. That means we take the time to understand what both educators and centres truly need.

For educators, we offer:

• Flexible relief and permanent ECE roles

• Supportive communication and honest guidance

• Opportunities that align with your lifestyle and career goals

  
  

For centres, we provide:

• Reliable, vetted early childhood educators

• Local knowledge and responsive support

• Staffing solutions that prioritise quality and continuity

  
  

Our goal is simple: supporting great outcomes for tamariki, educators, and centres alike.

Questions We’re Hearing This January

How do I start relieving as an ECE teacher in Hawke’s Bay?Getting started is simple. You’ll need relevant qualifications, current practising certification (where applicable), and a passion for early childhood education. Registering with a trusted local agency is the easiest way to access consistent work.

https://www.toitoirecruitment.co.nz/post/how-to-start-relieving-with-toi-toi-recruitment

What does relief teaching involve?

Check out our blog post to deep dive into what to expect when relief teaching: https://www.toitoirecruitment.co.nz/post/what-to-expect-as-an-early-childhood-teacher-reliever-in-hawkes-bay

Can I combine relief and permanent ECE work? Absolutely. Many educators choose to do relief work alongside part-time or permanent roles, especially during busy periods.

What qualifications do ECE relievers need in New Zealand?

Requirements vary by centre, but recognised ECE qualifications and current compliance checks are essential.

What do I put in my CV to showcase my teaching experience to help me put my best foot forward for an application?

Check out our blog post to help you write the perfect teaching CV: https://www.toitoirecruitment.co.nz/post/how-to-write-the-perfect-teaching-cv

How far in advance should centres book relievers?

As early as possible. Planning ahead gives access to the best available educators, especially during peak times.

Planning Ahead for a Successful Year

January is the perfect time to think about what you want the year ahead to look like, whether that means more flexibility, extra support, or a change of pace.

If you’re an ECE educator considering relief or new permanent opportunities, or a centre leader planning staffing support for the year, we’d love to chat.

Get in touch with Toi Toi Recruitment

• Educators: Register with us to explore relief and permanent ECE roles in Hawke’s Bay.

• Centres: Contact our team to discuss reliable staffing solutions for your centre.

https://www.toitoirecruitment.co.nz/post/why-use-a-teaching-relief-agency