Project Cataloguing Assistant

Organisation
New Plymouth District Council
Location
New Plymouth
Role
38 hours per week, on a fixed-term basis for one year from 01 July 2026
Closing date
20 May 2026
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Join Us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who Are We? | Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu – New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is shaping the future of our district. We’re here to serve our community and create a place where people love to live, work and visit. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we’re committed to building strong partnerships that honour and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

Our new vision - Thriving Today, Resilient Tomorrow reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our people and places now, while preparing our district for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Innovation, sustainability and collaboration drive everything we do as we deliver services and initiatives that help our communities flourish.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we’re proud to be an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity and progress. If you’re passionate about making a real impact and being part of something bigger, this is the place for you.

The Opportunity | Te āheinga

We are seeking a Project Cataloguing Assistant to contribute to the care, documentation and public access of the nationally significant Feaver Collection at Puke Ariki. Working 38 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for one year from 1st July 2026, you will play a key role in improving access to the collection through high‑quality cataloguing, digitisation preparation and research support.

In this hands-on project role, you will create accurate and consistent catalogue records in the Vernon collection management system, working to established museum standards. You will be responsible for acclimatising glass plate negatives in preparation for digitisation, demonstrating strong object handling skills and a sound understanding of museum storage methods.

You will assist with releasing catalogue records to the public via Collections Online, ensuring all content is shared in line with cultural considerations and best practice. You will also support research and preparation activities for a forthcoming Feaver Collection exhibition at Puke Ariki (2028), contributing to the interpretation and presentation of this important collection.

This role is ideal for someone seeking practical experience in museum collections management, cataloguing and digitisation projects, and exhibition preparation within a collaborative and supportive cultural environment.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

  • Working from existing museum documentation and digital images, create accurate, appropriate museum database records for the Feaver Collection glass plate negatives.
  • Undertake research to support the accuracy of information about people, places and events, as represented in this collection and associated records.
  • Assist with public enquiries about this collection.
  • Support the Pictorial Curator and Exhibitions team with preparatory work for the project exhibition.
  • In liaison with the Curator, prepare posts, blogs or small articles for the Museum’s project webpages.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

  • Relevant tertiary museum, heritage, curatorial or related qualification is desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience or interest in registration and cataloguing in a museum or gallery environment and understanding of museum databases.
  • Interest in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, and/or photographic collections.
  • Ability to write with accuracy, and to use language terms (English and te reo Māori) in a manner appropriate to the present cultural context.
  • Best practice handling and storage of heritage collection items.

What We Offer | Ngā Ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we’re not just offering jobs – we’re building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you’ll discover:

  • Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed
  • Learning and development opportunities - that keep you ahead of the game
  • Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best self

Plus, our People’s Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars: Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.

Because at NPDC, it’s not just about what you do – it’s about who you become.

You can expect to start in this 1-year fixed-term role with a salary of between $68,351 - $71,322 (pro-rata).

Why Join Us? | Ngā hua o tō hono mai?

Your wellbeing matters to us. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we’re shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close Wednesday 20th May 2026

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.