Exhibitions Programme Curator

Overview

As the Exhibitions Programme Curator at Rotorua Museum - Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, you will play a crucial role in shaping the museum's future by developing an engaging programme of short-term exhibitions alongside supporting the long-term displays. This position offers a unique chance to influence a landmark cultural institution and reconnect the local community with its treasured heritage, stories, and artistry.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the curatorial vision, helping design and execute the museum's exhibition strategy. Your work involves research, content creation, storytelling, and design to produce exhibits that resonate with diverse audiences. Collaboration with artists, community groups, and guest curators is essential to co-create exhibitions that showcase the vibrancy of Rotorua's populace and raise the museum's presence nationally. Additionally, you will oversee the logistics of exhibition production, budget management, and timing, while fostering relationships with other museums and cultural entities to broaden our exhibitions' reach and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate is a creative, community-oriented museum professional with extensive experience in exhibition development and curating. A tertiary qualification in Fine Art, Art History, Māori Studies, Social History, or a related discipline is required, alongside proven exhibition programming expertise. Strong skills in project management, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement are vital. Knowledge and respect for te reo Māori and tikanga relevant to the role are necessary. Experience with museum collections, postgraduate qualifications in a pertinent area, or involvement with Te Arawa or other iwi and hapū is advantageous.

Community and Cultural Commitment

Rotorua, known as the cultural heart of the Te Arawa region, has a population with approximately 40% identifying as Māori. The museum's bicultural foundation guides its values, relationships, and community connection. We seek someone who embraces biculturalism and is passionate about embedding cultural storytelling within exhibitions.

Organizational Values

Rotorua Lakes Council prioritizes people first, fostering an empowering environment where staff can make meaningful contributions, prioritize wellbeing, grow professionally, and collaborate effectively to benefit the community.

Additional Information

Interested candidates should note applications close at 9:59 PM on Sunday, 30 August 2026. Further position details are available through the careers portal of Rotorua Lakes Council.