About the role:

This is a dynamic and creative role where you’ll lead the curatorial development of taoka Māori exhibitions and programmes across the Museum.

A key focus of this role will be the redevelopment of our Tangata Whenua Gallery, alongside supporting other exhibition initiatives including Māori rock art displays and shorter-term installations such as tīkumu and hei-tiki displays.

You’ll work closely with Te Pae Ārahi, mana whenua, and the wider community to ensure all exhibitions and programmes reflect tikanga Māori, uphold the integrity of taoka, and tell stories that are meaningful and authentic.

From concept through to delivery, you’ll help shape how taoka Māori are experienced by our visitors grounded in mātauraka Māori and demonstrating scholastic rigour.

What you’ll be doing:

Leading the development and delivery of kaupapa Māori exhibitions and programmes

Project managing curatorial components of major exhibition work, including the Tangata Whenua Gallery redevelopment

Researching, developing, and translating Māori content into engaging exhibitions, media, and publications

Working closely with Te Pae Ārahi, mana whenua, iwi and hapū to guide exhibition content and approach

Supporting the development of the Māori rock art exhibition and other short-term displays

Collaborating with internal teams to deliver high-quality gallery, exhibition, and programme outcomes

Ensuring taoka Māori are cared for and presented in line with tikanga and best practice

Building strong relationships with communities, researchers, and partner organisations relevant to exhibitions and programmes.

What we’re looking for:

You’re a strong and creative storyteller, researcher, and collaborator who brings both cultural understanding and practical experience in delivering kaupapa Māori centred exhibitions or similar public interpretations.

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

· Demonstrated experience researching aspects of Māori culture and translating this into iwi and public interpretation through exhibitions, media production, and/or publication

· Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to bring complex projects to life

· A collaborative, positive approach and the ability to work across teams and disciplines

Why you’ll love working here:

Be part of shaping major kaupapa Māori exhibitions and experiences

Work closely with communities and contribute to meaningful storytelling

Help invigorate mātauraka Māori among wide and diverse community interests and audiences

Join a team that values curiosity, collaboration, and connection

Work in a place that genuinely cares about people, wellbeing, and learning

Ready to apply?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead kaupapa Māori exhibitions, work with taoka, and create meaningful experiences for our communities in southern Te Waipounamu , we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please visit otagomuseum.nz/jobs, select the role, and submit your CV and a cover letter telling us why this role caught your eye. For more information, please contact our Head of People and Culture at HR@tuhura.nz

Applications close 2 June at 5pm.