Collections Manager
Waipā District Council
Fixed-term and full-time, at the redeveloped Te Awamutu Museum.
About Us
The Waipā District, with key locations of Cambridge and Te Awamutu, is categorised as one of the high growth regions of New Zealand. Our Council has a strong vision to cater to this growth, creating and supporting vibrant, thriving communities, while also nurturing and celebrating Waipā's unique culture and heritage. A key part of this vision is our Community Services business unit, which is responsible for community facilities, parks and reserves, cemeteries, playgrounds, libraries, museums and heritage; a team of energetic and dedicated individuals with enormous passion for what they do.
Te Awamutu Museum is returning to its site on Roche Street, and so it is a fantastic time to join the team. Alongside earthquake strengthening, the museum has a new research room, new windows and roofing, improved climate control to help preserve and care for artefacts, and better accessibility throughout.
About The Role
Are you an experienced and passionate collections professional looking for your next career opportunity? This role could be just what you're looking for.
Surrounded by locations of cultural, historical and environmental significance, Te Awamutu Museum is kaitiaki to some of New Zealand's richest heritage - particularly in respect of the New Zealand Land Wars - and we are committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of the history that has shaped the district and its communities.
Our current Collections Manager has booked parental leave, so we are searching for someone to cover for just over 12 months from 24 November, including handovers and supported by a part time Collections Assistant. Our Collections are at the heart of all Te Awamutu Museum's functions, feeding into our exhibitions, digital catalogue, events, research and education programme, so it's vital that we find a candidate with the expertise and drive to protect, nurture and develop them. Te Awamutu Museum is a small team so the key to our success is our ability to pull together, and all contribute to a wide variety of projects.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need:
- A relevant qualification;
- A strong understanding of collection care, conservation and preservation methods;
- A minimum of three years' experience managing museum collections;
- The ability to use technology confidently;
- Excellent planning, communication and teamwork capabilities.
Leadership experience is desirable but not essential - we have an excellent in-house leadership training programme.
What we offer
At Waipā District Council, we pride ourselves on fostering a fun, family-friendly, and community-focused work environment. When you join us, you'll benefit from:
- Wellbeing and lifestyle support:
o Free parking at our offices.
o Access to discounted gym memberships and online wellbeing resources.
o Free annual medical check-ups (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) and flu vaccinations.
o Contributions towards eye tests, lenses, and frames. - Professional growth:
o Financial support and leave for study programs relevant to your role.
o Leadership development and emerging leader programmes.
o Reimbursement for professional memberships with recognised industry bodies - Leave and recognition:
o 4 weeks of annual leave, plus 3 additional special leave days between Christmas and New Year's. (Our offices shut down for 2 weeks over Christmas)
o An extra week of leave after 5 years of service.
o Morning tea and prezzy card recognition for service milestones. - Insurance and remuneration:
o Life insurance scheme.
o Medical insurance.
o Annual performance and remuneration reviews aligned with market benchmarks. - Community and support:
o Employee Benefits Programme with discounts on retail, travel, and more.
o Free confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for personal and professional support.
o A value and appreciation scheme to recognise colleagues at all levels.
If this role excites you, and you're keen to work with a bunch of great people who love what they do, we need to hear from you - APPLY NOW!
Application Closing Date: Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 5.00pm.
Don't delay - apply now to join our team at Waipā District Council!
