Curator Social and Natural History Collection and Exhibitions
New Plymouth District Council
Puke Ariki, a world-class cultural hub in Ngāmotu/New Plymouth, seeks a new Curator of Social and Natural History, with an emphasis on social history.
Join us at New Plymouth District Council!
Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!
Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?
Puke Ariki, meaning 'Hill of Chiefs', is located on a former pā site of Ngāti Te Whiti hapū (Te Āti Awa iwi). A combined museum, library, and visitors' centre, it brings together the stories of Taranaki's peoples and environment in innovative ways. Along with the Govett Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, Puke Ariki forms part of New Plymouth District Council's Cultural Experiences group.
The opportunity - Te āheinga
Puke Ariki, a world-class cultural hub in Ngāmotu/New Plymouth, seeks a new Curator of Social and Natural History, with an emphasis on social history (up to 90% of your focus).
In this role, you'll care for and promote Puke Ariki's social history collection, helping to ensure access for current and future generations. You'll play a key role in communicating the stories of Taranaki - the place and its people - to broad audiences in Taranaki and beyond.
A particularly exciting aspect is the once-in-a-generation opportunity to be the internal lead on the upcoming redevelopment of Puke Ariki's long-term social-history gallery, a three to four year project. This will involve close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including iwi and hapū, and engagement with diverse audiences, especially whānau/families. It's a chance to ensure that Taranaki's important stories are told, by those with the knowledge, to encourage understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.
Key responsibilities - Ngā haepapa matua:
- Lead or contribute to high-impact exhibitions and associated audience experiences, across the various phases involved. This includes research, concept development/interpretation, and delivery - with an emphasis on the redevelopment of the long-term social-history gallery
- Manage the social-history collection, including appropriate handling, cataloguing, and housing, with support from the team's Supervisor and Registrar
- Contribute to publications and publish new research related to the role
- Support public-programme and education-programme development and delivery
- Support internal and external activities that broaden access to the collections and their stories - inquiries, research, presentations, publications, and exhibitions
- Support digital initiatives to preserve and promote access to the collection
- Maintain accurate databases and catalogues of the collection
- Ensure requests are answered in a timely and appropriate manner
- Help to establish and report on budgets, and to prepare grant and sponsorship proposals
- Contribute to museum plans and policies as they relate to the collections
- Contribute to a positive gallery team culture and collaboration across the Cultural Experiences group
Essential skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako:
- Knowledge of the history of Taranaki - the place and its peoples (at a minimum, strong interest and a desire to learn more)
- Five years experience as a curator, exhibit developer (ie, interpreter/concept developer), and/or historian, with expertise in exhibition interpretation
- Some knowledge of or experience in collection management (can be supported by the team's Supervisor and Registrar)
- Capability in research, writing, and public speaking, especially for broad, non-expert audiences
- Commitment to developing experiences in collaboration with community knowledge holders/stakeholders
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Familiarity with databases (ideally Vernon)
What we offer - Ngā ratonga
At New Plymouth District Council, we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff.
This includes the following:
- Solid career pathways
- Learning and development opportunities
- Personal and professional growth
- 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition
You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with a salary of between $81,545 and $87,887.
Why join us? - Ngā hua o tō hono mai?
We value the wellbeing of our team and provide an inclusive workplace that recognises and rewards your contributions. Together, we're building a better New Plymouth - one step at a time.
Applications close on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
For questions about the role, please contact lucy.macfarlane@npdc.govt.nz
Apply Now
