Collection Technician - Melanesian Collection Cultural Enrichment Project

About Auckland Museum and the Role

Auckland War Memorial Museum, a cornerstone of cultural heritage and research in New Zealand, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of its people and region. This institution notably houses significant collections, including one of the country's most important Melanesian collections.

We are seeking a Collection Technician to join the Melanesian Collection Cultural Enrichment Project on a full-time, two-year fixed-term contract. The role involves collaborating closely with project and community leaders to enhance documentation, care, and accessibility of the museum's Melanesian artifacts while supporting public and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately catalog and document Melanesian collections within the Museum's Vernon collections management system following established standards.
• Handle, retrieve, prepare, and rehouse collection items for research access, community visits, and sessions with Expert Knowledge Holders, adhering to museum guidelines and cultural protocols.
• Assist in organizing and delivering community engagement activities such as visits, public programs, and collection inquiries.
• Record cultural insights and project results gathered through community involvement to enrich collection data.
• Manage logistical arrangements including venue bookings, catering, visitor access, parking, and travel coordination for project events.
• Maintain exemplary standards of collection care contributing to the success of the Melanesian Cultural Enrichment Project.

Skills and Experience Required

• Previous experience in cataloguing and database management of collections, preferably in museum or library settings.
• A genuine interest and preferably experience with Western Pacific and Pacific cultural materials.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and their application within museum contexts, coupled with respectful engagement with communities and understanding of Pacific cultural protocols.
• Proficiency or familiarity with a Melanesian language highly advantageous.
• Strong digital competencies, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and collection data entry systems.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications such as Museum Studies or demonstrable equivalent museum/library practical experience.
• Respect for taonga care with readiness for physical demands including manual handling (up to 10kg), working at heights, and cold storage environments.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management abilities with capability to balance competing demands independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.
• Possession of a full, clean New Zealand driver's license.

Additional Information

• This is a fixed-term contract lasting 24 months, based onsite in Auckland.
• The salary range is $62,000 to $66,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Flexible work arrangements and an award-winning wellbeing programme are offered to support work-life balance.
• Auckland Museum provides life insurance from day one, discounted health insurance, free membership to the museum, and various staff discounts, including parking.
• The organisation upholds bicultural workplace values through the He Korahi Māori and Teu Le Vā strategies and is accredited with the Rainbow Tick.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand to be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 16 August 2026, with the possibility of early closure if a high volume of applications is received.

This role is a unique chance to contribute to the preservation and enrichment of one of New Zealand's most treasured cultural collections within a respected national institution.