Mō te tūnga | About the role

Step into a role that protects the stories shaping Aotearoa. As the Archivist for the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, you’ll care for a nationally significant collection, support research, and help bring New Zealand’s military history to life. You’ll be a trusted guardian of taonga, working with a dedicated museum team to influence exhibitions, engage the public, and assist researchers from across Aotearoa and beyond.

Here, meaningful work meets an enviable lifestyle. Waiouru offers wideopen spaces, a close knit community, and nature at your doorstep, from Tongariro National Park to skiing, tramping, biking, and fishing. It’s a place to breathe, recharge, and find balance.

In this role, you will:

• Manage, conserve, and care for the Museum’s archival collections.

• Support exhibitions, research services, loans, and public enquiries.

• Work collaboratively with museum staff, NZDF, and external partners.

• Help shape how New Zealand’s military stories are shared.

• Enjoy a role where lifestyle and purpose come together.

Note: This fulltime position requires working seven weekends per year and includes an additional loading payment.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience 

You bring energy, curiosity, and strong professional skills to your work. Clear communication, critical thinking, and collaboration come naturally to you. You value accuracy, care about preserving history, and thrive in roles where you can organise, prioritise, and make a visible impact. This position suits someone seeking purposeful work alongside a lifestyle that offers balance, space, and room to grow.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in archives, museum collections, or related fields

• Strong research skills and excellent written and verbal communication

• Knowledge of preventative conservation and archival handling

• Confidence working independently with sound judgement and initiative

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in archives, library, or information management

We don’t expect applicants to meet every requirement—if you believe you can contribute, we encourage you to apply.

This role includes occasional travel across NZDF Camps and Bases. A Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence is required.

Mō mātou | About Us

The National Army Museum Te Mata Toa exists to engage New Zealanders with the stories of our soldiers and the history and development of the New Zealand Army. Our mandate is to collect, preserve, and share the material and memories that illuminate how the Army has shaped our national identity and our place in the world. 

As part of the New Zealand Defence Force, we contribute to a broader mission of protecting Aotearoa and supporting the wellbeing of its people. Together with our military and civilian partners, we work to ensure that New Zealand’s military heritage is understood, valued, and accessible to future generations.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Please visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz/civilian/ for more information and how to apply. We would love to hear from you.

Applications close at midnight on Monday 13 April 2026.