• Lead Rokowhiria, our Art Gallery and Museum team, and shape the cultural heart of Whakatere Ashburton
• Strategic leadership role driving curatorial excellence, inclusive programming, and outstanding collection care
• Rare and exciting opportunity, with great employee health and wellbeing benefits on offer

What the job involves

This 12-month fixed-term role (parental leave cover) will see you lead the Art Gallery and Museum team, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration. You will be responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring operational and financial excellence, and supporting the continued success of exhibitions, collections, learning, and community engagement programmes.

You will also build strong relationships with iwi, cultural and minority communities, and key stakeholders, ensuring Rokowhiria remains connected to and reflective of Whakatere Ashburton’s diverse population.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a visionary leader who brings:

• A relevant tertiary qualification
• Significant experience in a senior cultural or museum leadership role
• Sound knowledge of legislative requirements and standards for collections management
• A collaborative leadership style with exceptional communication skills
• A strong commitment to biculturalism and an understanding of te ao Māori

As the resident expert in museum practice, you will have proven knowledge and experience of legislative requirements and professional standards relating to art, archive, and object collections management, along with a demonstrated interest in regional museums and Aotearoa New Zealand history. You will be an outward-looking communicator with a leadership style that empowers teams to achieve shared goals.

What’s in it for you

We are all about making mahi meaningful and enjoyable. When you join our whānau, you will enjoy:

• A supportive and passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes
• Health and wellness benefits to support your wellbeing
• Birthday leave - because cake tastes better when you are not at work

You will be based in Whakatere Ashburton, where the mountains meet the plains, Lake Hood is just around the corner, and Christchurch is a short commute away.

A bit about us

Ashburton District Council is proud to provide opportunities for our community and visitors to connect with our district’s past, while recognising the present and showcasing local and national art.

For more information about this role, please view the position description.

If you would like to learn more about working at Ashburton District Council, we encourage you to watch our recruitment video.

If this sounds like your ideal role, we would love to hear from you.

Click on the APPLY button to submit your application now or see our website for more information.

Applications close 14 January 2026. We will be reviewing applications as they are received. Should we identify a suitable candidate early in the process, we reserve the right to close applications ahead of the advertised closing date.