Curator Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 79,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Professional development opportunities

Two wellbeing days per year

Health insurance through Unimed

Job summary

Hamilton City Council's Waikato Museum & Gallery invites applications for a curator to join the curatorial and collections team. The Curator will develop the Museum’s collections, undertake and share research, and contribute to education and public programmes.

You should have a tertiary qualification, a Master’s preferred, at least five years in a similar role, strong research skills, and excellent written and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• The candidate has a tertiary qualification in a relevant field; a Master’s or similar postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional museum ethics and standards.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a museum, art gallery, or similar setting with exhibition ideation, development and publications.
• Evidence of strong research skills and networks at local, national, and international levels.
• Superior verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative exhibitions that enhance visitor experience and engagement.
• Develop the Museum’s collections and conduct and share research as a subject specialist.
• Support care of objects within the collection and contribute to education and public programmes.
• Collaborate with colleagues across History, Tangata Whenua, Art, and Science.

Skills

Exhibition ideation

Publications

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification

Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Tools

Vernon or similar museum software

Job description

• Full-time
• Group: Destinations

Company Description

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of our region. We have four main collecting areas – taonga Maaori, social history, art and science. Our exhibitions and programmes are focussed on these and the development of cross-disciplinary experiences. Our team are committed to developing, caring for and sharing collections, enhancing the visitor experience, and lifting engagement with communities.

Job Description

The Museum is seeking a curator to join the curatorial and collections team. The Curator plays a key role in creating innovative exhibitions that enhance visitor experience and engagement.You will develop the Museum’s collections, undertaking and sharing research, as a specialist in an area of expertise related to the Museum’s collections. You will help support the care of objects within the collection and actively contribute to the Museum’s education, public and other programmes.

Each member of our curatorial team is expected to offer specialist skills across one or more of the following: History, Tangata Whenua, Art, and Science.

Collectively, the team operates in a manner that reflects the need for flexibility agility and development at Waikato Museum and Hamilton City Council

This role is for you if:

• You have a strong track record in exhibition ideation, development, and publication.
• You know the value in engaging audiences through the agency of collections.
• You enjoy working as part of a team, but also can work independently.
• You have a passion for sharing, translating, and unlocking knowledge.
• You love having variety in your work.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field, a Master’s degree or other post graduate professional qualification is preferred.
• Knowledge and commitment to professional museum ethics.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role in a Museum, Art Gallery, or similar environment, including a strong track record in exhibition ideation, development, and publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in research.
• Evidence of strong networks and working collaborative partnerships at local, national, and international levels.
• Proficient working knowledge and experience of Vernon (or similar) is preferred.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa$88k dependent on skills and experience.

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Applications close on the: 23/10/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short‑listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.