- Do you have a postgraduate qualification in Art History, Museum Studies, or similar?
- Have you got knowledge of New Zealand art history, and experience working in art galleries/museums?
- Are you familiar with Vernon Systems, cataloguing procedures, and copyright, insurance and valuation processes?
Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a Kaiwhakarākei (Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka) - Curator Collections to join the Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery team on a permanent, full-time basis.
The role of the Kaiwhakarākei - Curator Collections is to care for the University’s art collection, Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka, a nationally significant collection of more than 600 art works by modern and contemporary New Zealand artists. This collection of New Zealand art has been built since 1947 and is displayed throughout the University’s campuses for the benefit of staff, students and the wider public. This role also holds responsibility for the registration elements of the Gallery’s regular exhibition delivery, working closely alongside the Head Technician and Production Coordinator.
Key responsibilities:
- Management of Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection, with responsibility for comprehensive collection management processes, research and interpretation including the upkeep of the online catalogue, handling loans and reproduction requests, educational and public-facing initiatives, and contributing to the strategic development of the Collection, working with the Manutaki - Director.
- Contribution to the planning and delivery of Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery’s regular exhibition programme and to touring projects, including the organisation and management of loan documentation, condition reporting, freight logistics, advising on packing and crating, monitoring the appropriate display of artworks in the gallery and oversight of the environmental control system.
- Collection advocacy and engagement within the University and beyond, including offering tours of the Collection, contributing to public programmes, Museum and Heritage Studies and Art History teaching, and generally being the public face for the Collection.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
You will:
- Have a strong track record working with collections, and excellent knowledge of Aotearoa’s New Zealand’s art histories.
- Have substantial experience working in gallery/museum contexts, including familiarity with Vernon Systems and cataloguing procedures, understanding of copyright, insurance and valuation processes.
- Have demonstrated commitment to the work of collection management in all its dimensions, and be skilled in art handling, condition reporting and loan documentation.
- Be an exceptional communicator, and an informed, enthusiastic advocate for the arts and art histories with the ability to work well with artists, collectors, contractors, University staff, scholars and students, and the wider arts community.
Key requirements:
- Postgraduate qualification in Art History, Museum Studies, or similar.
- Knowledge of New Zealand art history.
- Experience working in art galleries/museums, especially in collection management and/or exhibition development and delivery.
- Experience working with Vernon Systems, familiarity with cataloguing procedures, understanding of copyright, insurance and valuation processes.
- Skills and experience in art handling, condition reporting, packing and the movement of works.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to closely follow best practice collection management procedures.
- Understanding of health, safety and wellbeing requirements, with commitment to upholding risk management and emergency planning protocols.
- Able to be contacted out of work hours in case of emergencies.
Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: 25 May 2026.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Abby Cunnane (abby.cunnane@vuw.ac.nz).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.
We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
