Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Location: Wellington
Business Group: Library Collections
Branch: Archives and National Library
Salary: $92,425 - $115,018
Shape Aotearoa's Documentary Heritage Through Specialist Curatorial Leadership
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o ngā hau e whā, nau mai, haere mai.
Greetings to the many authorities, voices, and experts of the world.
This is an opportunity to take up a Curator role within the Alexander Turnbull Library, with the Māori portfolio.
As a Curator, you'll be responsible for the strategic development of your portfolio, working with other curators and colleagues across the Library to acquire material across formats, including published works, manuscripts, visual media and digital material. You'll work closely with iwi, hāpu, whānau and rōpu Māori to build collections that reflect the diverse histories, realities and aspirations of Māori.
You'll also be responsible for deepening public and researcher engagement with the collections through promotion, research support, interpretation and outreach. You will take a leading role and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that Taonga and Mātauranga Māori under the Library's stewardship is well understood and cared for.
What we're looking for
We're seeking passionate, experienced professionals who bring:
- A deep understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and proven experience working with and building relationships with iwi and Māori communities
- Experience working in a documentary heritage setting such as a library or archive, including acquisition, research, collection development and promotion
- Experience in researching and using mātauranga Māori collections and engagement with the research community
- An understanding of tikanga and kawa and Māori customary concepts in order to operate effectively in Māori spaces, and in the context of Māori relationships to taonga
- Proficiency in te reo Māori sufficient for researching and promoting the collections and meeting with whānau, hapū, iwi and other rōpū Māori
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to share knowledge to a variety of audiences through writing, public speaking, and curatorial outreach
- Familiarity with descriptive practices, provenance, legal and ethical considerations, digitisation processes and preservation principles. Knowledge of current and evolving best practice in librarianship, archival theory, and associated disciplines
- Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively and to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness within the Library and across the Department.
A post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject area or equivalent professional experience is required.
About us
As part of the Department of Internal Affairs, we act as kaipupuri, holders of Aotearoa's documentary heritage. At Archives New Zealand and the National Library, we care for the records, stories, and knowledge that shape who we are as a nation. We collect, protect, and share everything from government records to treasured taonga, working with communities, libraries, and archives across the motu and beyond to make sure the history and information that matter remain accessible for generations to come.
Applications close: 5pm, 7 July 2025
Contact: Anna.Henry@dia.govt.nz
Job description: Click here to view the full job description
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to providing a workplace where all employees are supported to succeed.
Hikoia te whetu, hikoia te marama, ka rere, ka rere.
Stride over the stars. Stride over the moon, take flight.