Job Description

Head of Curatorial and Collections - Natural History (Permanent - Full-time)

Te Papa is Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum and a world-leading cross-disciplinary institution. Our work is grounded in our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the philosophy of Mana Taonga, ensuring communities are actively involved in the care, development, research and interpretation of collections.

We're looking for an experienced leader to set the strategic direction for Natural History at Te Papa and lead a talented team of curators, researchers and collection professionals.

This is a significant opportunity to shape how Te Papa's natural history collections, research and expertise contribute to our understanding of the natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, help address the challenges it faces and connect Te Papa's Natural History collections with communities and audiences.

The role will also provide Natural History leadership for Te Papa's new Biodiversity Research Centre, helping shape new ways of working and creating opportunities for research, collections access, collaboration and public value.

In this role, you will 

• set and implement the strategic direction for the development of our Natural history collections and research.
• lead and develop a high-performing team of curators, researchers and collection professionals. 
• embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities and Mana Taonga in Natural History strategy, practice, relationships and decision-making.
• foster innovation and excellence in curatorial practice, supporting new ways of interpreting, researching and sharing collections with communities and audiences.
• ensure Natural History collections, research, knowledge and expertise contribute strongly to Te Papa's exhibitions, experiences, digital channels and public engagement.
• work closely with iwi, hapū, source communities and Māori partners to uphold responsibilities to taonga and strengthen access to mātauranga and cultural heritage.
• build strategic partnerships and networks that strengthen collections, research, knowledge, capability, funding and public value.
• provide Natural History leadership for Te Papa's new Biodiversity Research Centre, helping shape new ways of working and creating opportunities for research, collections access, collaboration and public value.
• identify and manage strategic, operational and emerging risks, ensuring appropriate oversight, mitigation and escalation.
• contribute as a senior leader to the direction and priorities of the Collections, Knowledge and Communities directorate and Te Papa more broadly. 

Who we're looking for 

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience in natural history, te taiao, science, research, collections, museums or a closely related environment. 

You will understand the opportunities that come from bringing together collections, research and specialist expertise, and be able to translate organisational strategy and changes in the external environment into clear priorities for a diverse team of experts. 

You must also be: 

• an experienced and supportive people leader, able to lead, develop and empower teams of subject matter experts. 
• a strategic thinker who can establish direction, make clear choices and translate strategy into achievable priorities and plans. 
• experienced in collections-based research, development, stewardship or access with an understanding of the standards, ethics and infrastructure that support this work. 
• confident working collaboratively across organisational boundaries.  
• an excellent relationship builder, able to develop trusted partnerships with iwi and hapū, research organisations, universities, government agencies, museums, communities and other partners.
• able to provide credible professional leadership and influence within the museum, natural history, research or science sectors. 
• experienced in managing resources, competing priorities, change and risk in a complex environment. 
• confident in exercising business ownership of exhibitions and products. 
• committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taonga and strengthening bicultural practice in the way teams, collections, research and relationships are led. 

Knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori is also an advantage, together with experience developing cultural capability in others.  

A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable. 

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 permanent position, 40 hours per week, based at Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 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 $154,343- $183,282 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: Sunday 1 November 2026

If you have questions, please ask

For a confidential discussion, contact PhilipE@tepapa.govt.nz