Job Description

We're looking for a Senior People and Culture Advisor (ER/IR) to provide advice and leadership on employment and industrial relations matters across Te Papa, supporting a fair, respectful and high‑trust workplace.

Purpose of the position

This new position works within the People and Culture Operations team to manage people-related risk, ensure compliance with New Zealand employment legislation, and build constructive relationships with our leaders, kaimahi (employees) and the union.

You'll work in a way that reflects manaakitanga (care and respect), builds whanaungatanga (strong relationships), and encourages auahatanga (continuous improvement).

What success looks like

After your first year, people will describe you as someone who has delivered a fit-for-purpose employment policy framework that supports consistent and legally compliant people practices, strengthened leadership capability through targeted ER training, and successfully led the annual collective bargaining process.

Key responsibilities

You will provide ER/IR advice and leadership across the organisation, manage complex employment matters and collective bargaining, and partner with leaders as a trusted advisor to build capability, strengthen relationships, and foster a positive, high-performing and engaging workplace culture.

Skills, experience and behaviours

We're looking for someone who brings strong ER/IR expertise and deep knowledge of New Zealand employment law, with proven experience managing complex employment matters and collective bargaining. You'll be an effective communicator who can influence outcomes and build trusted relationships with leaders, kaimahi and the union, underpinned by sound judgement, analytical thinking, and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.

You operate as a trusted advisor and relationship builder, applying insight to complex issues while working independently, prioritising effectively, and delivering high-quality outcomes. You're culturally responsive, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement.

You bring knowledge of te reo Māori, tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or a strong commitment to building capability in these areas.

What we offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• A workplace committed to Te Tiriti
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions

Other Information

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, based at Te Papa Tongarewa, Cable Street, Wellington.

For more details, please refer to the Position Description. 

If you are viewing this advertisement on a website other than the Te Papa job board, the Position Description may not be accessible. In this case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

The starting salary will be between $91,773 and $126,188 based on skills, experience and internal relativities.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via jobs.tepapa.govt.nz.

Applications close: Wednesday 7 July 2026

If you have questions, please ask

For a confidential discussion, contact Antonia Haythornthwaite on 022 010 7551