Exhibitions Programme Curator

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Museum – Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa seeks a curator with a passion for community-driven exhibitions and bicultural storytelling. You will shape a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions and support long-term planning for reopening.

You will lead research, content development and design, collaborate with local artists and guest curators, and manage production, budgets and schedules to deliver engaging experiences for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Fine Art, Art History, Māori Studies, Social History or a related field.
• Proven experience in curating or programming museum exhibitions.
• Strong project management, budgeting and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Museum’s exhibition strategy and programme.
• Research, content development and storytelling for exhibitions.
• Collaborate with artists, groups and guest curators to co-develop exhibitions.
• Oversee production, budgets, timelines and logistics for exhibitions.
• Foster partnerships with other museums and cultural institutions to extend reach.

Skills

Project management

Research & content development

Storytelling

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in Fine Art/Art History/ Māori Studies/ Social History or related field

Job description

Rotorua Museum - Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the Rotorua Museum by curating a dynamic programme of short-term, changing exhibitions, and supporting the long‑term exhibition programme.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a landmark museum project and help reconnect our community with its taonga, stories, and culture.

You’ll play a key role in crafting and implementing the Museum’s exhibition strategy, providing curatorial expertise and creative leadership as we prepare for reopening. From research and content development to storytelling and design, you’ll help deliver exhibitions that inspire and engage diverse audiences.

Collaborating with artists, local groups, and guest curators, you’ll co‑develop exhibitions that reflect the vibrancy of our community and elevate the Museum’s national profile. You’ll also oversee the production of new works, manage budgets, timelines and logistics, and foster partnerships with other museums and cultural institutions to extend the reach and impact of our exhibitions.

We’re looking for a creative, experienced museum professional who thrives in a collaborative, community-focused environment. You’ll bring a deep understanding of exhibition development and curation, paired with a genuine commitment to bicultural practice and cultural storytelling.

You’ll hold a tertiary qualification in Fine Art, Art History, Māori Studies, Social History, or a related field, and you’ll have proven experience in curating or programming museum exhibitions.

Strong project management, problem‑solving, and relationship‑building skills are essential, as is an appreciation for te reo Māori me ōna tikanga appropriate to the role. Experience working with museum collections, postgraduate study in a relevant field, or a background in working with Te Arawa or other iwi and hapū would be an advantage.

Rotorua is the cultural heart of the Te Arawa region, where 40% of our population identifies as Māori. Our bicultural foundation is at the heart of what we do—it shapes our values, strengthens our relationships, and connects us with our community.

At Rotorua Lakes Council, people come first. We empower our team to make a real difference, support their wellbeing and growth, and work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for our community.

If you’re passionate about creating meaningful, community-driven exhibitions and ready to play a key role in the next chapter of Rotorua Museum’s story, we’d love to hear from you.