Tēnei te mihi o te Tai o Araiteuru ki kā pukeka e tiaki ana i kā taoka tūturu ō kā iwi Māori

Are you passionate about taoka Māori, mātauraka, and sharing stories that connect people, place, and history?

At Tūhura Otago Museum, we are responsible for an internationally significant Taoka Māori collection, and we’re looking for a Curator Māori to help lead its care, development, and storytelling in a way that reflects tikanga, honours relationships, and inspires connection.

This is a four year fixed term position as part of current staff research backfill.

About the role:

This is a meaningful and varied role where you’ll work closely with collections, communities, and colleagues to invigorate mātauraka Māori across the Museum and communities in southern Te Waipounamu.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring the Taoka Māori collection is cared for, researched, and shared in ways that uphold tikanga Māori and reflect the interests of mana whenua and wider iwi and hapū.

From supporting exhibitions and programmes to contributing to research and publications, your work will help strengthen how we connect people with taoka and the stories they hold.

What you’ll be doing:

Caring for and developing the Taoka Māori collection in line with tikanga and best practice

Working closely with Te Pae Ārahi, mana whenua, iwi and hapū to guide collection care, access, and use

Undertaking and contributing to research, interpretation, and publication

Supporting exhibitions, galleries, programmes, and events relevant to Te Ao Māori

Contributing to collection documentation, digitisation, and accessibility through our Vernon system

Supporting repatriation work and culturally appropriate collection management

Building strong, respectful relationships with communities, researchers, and partner organisations

Sharing knowledge and supporting learning across the Museum and wider community

What we’re looking for:

You bring a thoughtful, respectful approach to working with taoka Māori and strong experience in research, collections, and community engagement.

You’ll likely have:

Five years or more experience working with taoka Māori, Māori archaeology, Māori history and/or traditional toi Māori

A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as Māori Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or Indigenous Studies

A strong understanding of tikanga Māori in a museum context, including working with taoka Māori and wāhi tūpuna

Competency in te reo Māori is strongly preferred

Proven ability to work constructively and collaboratively with hapū, rūnaka, and partner organisations

Strong research, writing, and communication skills

A collaborative approach and the ability to work across teams and projects

Why you’ll love working here:

Work with taoka Māori of national and international significance

Be part of a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and meaningful engagement

Build strong relationships with communities and contribute to kaupapa that matter

Help shape how mātauraka Māori is shared within the Museum and beyond

Join a workplace that genuinely cares about people, wellbeing, and learning

Ready to apply?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to work with taoka Māori, contribute to meaningful research, and build strong connections with communities, especially in southern Te Waipounamu, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please select the role you wish to apply for and submit your CV along with a cover letter telling us why the role caught your eye.

For more information, please contact our Head of People and Culture at HR•@tuhura.nz

Applications close Tuesday 2 June at 5pm.