Curator - Māori

Are you passionate about Te Ao Māori and committed to sharing the stories and taoka of Murihiku Southland?

Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

We are looking for a Curator - Māori to join our Museum and Heritage Services team and help shape the experiences delivered through Te Unua Museum of Southland, a landmark cultural destination currently under development in Waihōpai Invercargill.

The Curator - Māori is central to ensuring mana whenua voices are recognised and embodied in the museum's exhibitions, programmes and digital content. You will work closely with the four Rūnaka of Murihiku and other iwi Māori organisations to develop and deliver authentic, inclusive and engaging experiences that reflect the richness of Māori heritage in Murihiku.

What you will do:

• Lead the integration of Te Ao Māori and mana whenua perspectives into exhibitions, programmes and digital experiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the four Rūnaka and other iwi Māori organisations.
• Undertake curatorial research and contributing to publications, presentations and online content.
• Support the care, management and access to Taoka Māori within the museum's collections.
• Champion accessible and inclusive design principles in experience delivery.
• Support Te Unua Museum of Southland project delivery, including fundraising, marketing and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to strategic planning and development of bicultural service delivery models.
• Provide advice and support for the enhancement of regional heritage collections.
• Support the museum's digital strategy and online presence, including social media.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Arts or Social Sciences, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working in a museum, gallery or heritage organisation, preferably in exhibitions and programming.
• Demonstrable experience working with Taoka Māori and understanding of cultural, physical and spiritual care.
• Competency in both written and verbal Te Reo me ōna tikanga.
• Proven experience working with mana whenua in a museum context.
• Strong research, writing and public presentation skills.
• Understanding of collection management principles and relevant legislation, including the Museums Aotearoa Code of Ethics.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. Doctor, bank, dentist

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, primarily 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, although flexibility to work outside of these hours is required.

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

Invercargill City Council is committed to the safety of children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. As this position involves working with these groups, Police Vetting (under the Children's Act 2014) and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test are required to ensure a safe environment for all.

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council.

Applications close 18 January 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.