Teacher aides and SENCOs from across Aotearoa New Zealand share practical strategies, real experiences, and professional learning insights to support inclusive education. Explore topics including belonging, behaviour, de-escalation, wellbeing, teamwork, and supporting diverse learners. This podcast series was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
Nurture the Seed: Teacher Aide PLD
"Te mātai i ngā whakaaro o te minenga | Reading the room"
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about practical ways teacher aides can support students with physical, sensory and communication needs through observation, collaboration, inclusive practice and meaningful everyday interactions.
Our guests this time are Cassie Welsh, Occupational Therapist, and Felicity Merritt, a Speech Language Therapist, both at the Ministry of Education.
Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child's safety, you must not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school's Child Protection policy.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
7 Oct 2026
Kaiāwhina in a Māori-medium Kura
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about pathways into the Kaiāwhina role, supporting disabled Tamariki, and what genuine inclusion looks like day-to-day.
Our guest is Jacqueline (Jacks), kaiāwhina and Limited Authority to Teach holder at Te Kura o Te
Pāroa, who brings extensive kapa haka knowledge and community connections to her mahi.
Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatanē has both a rūmaki (Māori immersion) and auraki (English immersion) stream, with a curriculum deeply connected to the local iwi, Ngāti Awa. Whether you work in a Māori-medium setting or not, the practice here is relevant to any classroom.
Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child’s safety, you must not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school’s Child Protection Policy.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
7 Oct 2026
Kaiako and Kaiāwhina
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about building relationships with Tamariki, supporting children who arrive carrying big feelings from home, and how kaiāwhina look after their own wellbeing.
Our guest is Celia Rakuraku-Ranapia, kaiāwhina and registered kaiako at Te Kura o Te Pāroa.
Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatanē has both a rūmaki (Māori immersion) and auraki (English medium) stream, with a curriculum deeply connected to the local iwi, Ngāti Awa. Whether you work in a Māori-medium setting or not, the practice here is relevant to any classroom.
Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child’s safety, you not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school’s Child Protection Policy.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
29 Sept 2026
Holding the space
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about the Teacher Aide role, supporting ākonga carrying trauma, nervous system co-regulation, and high needs support.
Our guest this time is Bex Te Maro, Kaiāwhina at Kenakena school in Paraparaumu Beach.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
29 Sept 2026
Wired differently
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about the Teacher Aide role, supporting neurodiverse ākonga, the importance of communication and managing your wellbeing.
Our guest this time is Nikki Hammonds, Teacher Aide at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
29 Sept 2026
In your corner
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about the SENCO role, creating a supportive team and inclusive schools.
Our guest this time is Liz Logan, SENCO at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.
This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
29 Sept 2026
The long game
Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this episode, we talk about the journey into the Teacher Aide role, working across multiple classes and her top tips for Teacher Aides.
Our guest this time is Hayley Davies, Teacher Aide at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.
This podcast was produced by the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.
Contact Nurture the Seed: Teacher Aide PLD
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Nurture the Seed: Teacher Aide PLD?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
