Job Description

Assistant Curator, Art

Fixed Term – Until July 2027

Te Papa is offering a rare opportunity to join our art curatorial team in a fixed-term role designed to support the development of your curatorial expertise in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

As Assistant Curator, you will work closely with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Māori and Indigenous Art, as well as other members of the curatorial team and wider Te Papa staff, to:

• Contribute to the development and planning of the modern and contemporary Māori and Indigenous art collection.
• Undertake research under the guidance of senior curators to support acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, and digital content.
• Assist with acquisition and loan processes, including liaising with artists, museums, galleries, cultural organisations, dealers, and private collectors both nationally and internationally.

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about art and eager to grow their curatorial career. The ideal candidate will bring:

• A postgraduate qualification in art history, fine arts, curatorial studies, Māori and Indigenous studies, or museum studies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research capabilities and attention to detail.
• Experience contributing to exhibitions or writing about art in a gallery or art-related context.
• A deep interest in modern and contemporary Māori and Indigenous art, and a commitment to working with collections, artists, and communities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Understanding of tikanga Māori, particularly in relation to contemporary Māori and Indigenous art practices and processes.
• A commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
• Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to plan, meet deadlines, and report accurately on activities.

Salary & Conditions

The starting full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for this role is between $67,669 – $80,357, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate and internal equity considerations.

The role is part-time, two days a week (0.4FTE), days worked to be negotiated. The role is based in Wellington CBD. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand or be able to obtain it.

All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks, including criminal conviction history and reference checks.

Applications close at 12pm on 14 October 2025