Summer Student - Collections Information Access; Artificial Intelligence
10/08/2026
02/09/2026
$7,000.00 - $7,000.00
Internship
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
Auckland Museum’s Summer Student Programme is open to promising undergraduate students from a range of disciplines. Students will join a cohort-style programme for ten weeks over the summer to gain career-relevant experience and have the opportunity to train alongside Museum professionals and to gain an insight into the culture and heritage sector. Our Summer Studentships provide an opportunity to undertake a project tailored to your interests and aspirations.
About the programme:
-Summer studentships will run over 10 weeks from 16 November 2026 to 12 February 2027 (with a 3-week break over the Christmas and New Year period)
-Cohort-style programme, with tours and talks from staff at Tāmaki Paenga Hira
- A wide-range of interesting and unique research projects
- A stipend of $7,000 will be awarded to each successfully selected student
Project Description:
Using Artificial Intelligence to Support Collection Cataloguing
This project explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to support the cataloguing of museum collections by improving the efficiency, consistency, and visibility/accessibility of collection records. Rather than replacing museum professionals, the project investigates how AI can assist with routine cataloguing tasks such as generating descriptions, extracting metadata, suggesting keywords and improving searchability across digital platforms. The project will compare the benefits and limitations of different AI tools when generating importable data and develop recommendations for its responsible and effective use. From this evaluation the student will provide a report outlining findings, limitations, and future opportunities for AI in collection cataloguing.
Desired Skills and Experience
This project will best suit a student with:
Confidence using digital tools and software, with an interest in exploring emerging technologies such as generative AI, machine learning, or data analysis.
Previous experience with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Claude) is advantageous but not essential.
An understanding of ethical considerations surrounding AI, including bias, transparency, copyright, and cultural sensitivity.
Critical thinking to question AI-generated outputs and understand when human expertise is needed.
Closing Date: 2 September 2026
You must be currently eligible to study in New Zealand to apply for this student training opportunity.
Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling environment 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 including 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
