Collection Technician, Melanesian Collection Cultural Enrichment Project
31/07/2026
16/08/2026
Fixed Term
Auckland
Advertising, Media, Arts & Entertainment
Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Tui tui hono tangata, whenua me te moana.
Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas.
Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections, developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.
Job Description
The Collection Technician, Melanesian Collection Cultural Enrichment Project supports the documentation, care and accessibility of Auckland Museum's Melanesian collections. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 24 months, working closely with the Project Lead to facilitate collection access for Expert Knowledge Holders and descendant communities and support community engagement activities.
The role creates and enhances collection records to core standard, accurately cataloguing cultural material, incorporating knowledge shared by communities, and maintaining information within Vernon, the Museum's collections management system. It also strengthens connections between object, archival and pictorial collections, improving online discovery and ensuring collection records reflect community knowledge and perspectives.
As part of Auckland Museum's bicultural workplace, the successful candidate will uphold the principles of He Korahi Māori and Teu Le Vā while contributing to the care, documentation and accessibility of one of New Zealand's most significant Melanesian collections.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
This role is responsible for:
Cataloguing and documenting collection information within the Museum's collections management system, ensuring accuracy, consistency and adherence to agreed standards.
Preparing, retrieving, safely handling and rehousing collection material for Expert Knowledge Holder sessions, community visits and research access in accordance with Museum procedures and cultural protocols.
Supporting the delivery of community engagement activities, including Expert Knowledge Holder visits, public programmes and collection enquiries.
Recording cultural knowledge and project outcomes gathered through community engagement activities to enhance collection documentation.
Coordinating project logistics, including venue bookings, catering, visitor access, parking, travel, accommodation and other administrative support as required.
Maintaining high standards of collection care while contributing to the successful delivery of the Melanesian Collection Cultural Enrichment Project.
Desired Skills and Experience
Ō pūmanawa | What you will bring
Experience in collections cataloguing, collections databases and the handling of cultural heritage material, ideally within a museum or library environment.
An appreciation of, and proven interest in, Western Pacific collections, with experience handling Pacific cultural material highly desirable.
An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a museum context, together with experience working respectfully with communities and an appreciation of Pacific cultural protocols.
Knowledge of, or fluency in, a language spoken in island Melanesia would be a strong advantage.
Strong digital literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office, data entry and working with digital collection records.
A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Museum Studies) and/or equivalent practical museum or library experience.
A respectful approach to the care of taonga and a willingness to undertake the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling (up to 10 kg), working at heights and in cool-store environments.
Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.
A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
Flexible work arrangements to enhance your work and home life.
An award-winning wellbeing programme including free membership with Boost app and Myeveryday wellbeing.
An active social club which is part of the fabric of Museum life.
Life insurance from your first day and discounted Health Insurance.
Free museum membership and other staff discounts.
Discounted onsite parking.
Accredited by Rainbow tick.
Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.
Tono mai i tēnei rā! | Apply today!
Closing Date: Sunday 16 August 2026. We may consider closing the advertisement prior to the date advertised, should we receive an excessive number of applications.
You must be eligible to currently work in New Zealand to be considered for this two-year fixed term position. Please view the position description here or select the apply button to view if on the seek platform. Starting salary guide: $62,000 to $66,000pa dependant on relevant experience.
Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be part of a fabulous New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.
He Oranga Tangata ka ao
Enriching lives. Inspiring discoveries
