MÄori Public Programs Officer

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council
Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu
Nau mai, haere mai, e mihi ana ki te hunga e hiahia ana ki te tono hei kaimahi ki Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu
Ko wai mātou? | Who Are We?
Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here. We are guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district’s rich cultural heritage. Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district. At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress towards a bicultural way of working.
Te āheinga | The Opportunity
As Māori Public Programs Officer, you will work alongside Gallery, Museum and Library teams - and especially Māori colleagues - to develop and deliver public programmes that honour Te Tiriti values. You will engage and at times work with iwi, hapū, artists and makers to create workshops, talks and performances for people of all ages, drawing on Toi Māori research and industry best practice to ensure our offerings are contemporary, relevant and engaging. You’ll manage timelines, budgets and approvals, and contribute to cross-venue planning, evaluation and funding proposals alongside the Public Programmes and Learning Lead. If you’re passionate about Te Ao Māori, collaborating and facilitating opportunities for knowledge exchanges, this role is for you. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate Te Ao, Te Reo and Toi Māori across the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki Museum and Libraries.
Ngā haepapa matua | Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver high-quality Māori public programmes that respond to exhibitions of toi and taonga Māori, significant Taranaki iwi and hapū events, and other occasions. Ensure programmes reflect best practice and are meaningful for communities, audiences, and participants.
Ensure programme plans meet agreed timelines for marketing, promotion, and internal coordination, and are delivered in compliance with NPDC policies, procedures, approval processes and to budget.
Uphold appropriate tikanga and manaakitanga in partnership with the Pou Tikanga and relevant advisors.
Consult and collaborate with Māori colleagues, iwi, hapū, artists, makers, and other contributors to ensure programme content is relevant, inclusive, and community-centred.
Undertake research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of potential programme participants, peer institutional practices, and audience engagement trends across the cultural sector.
Contribute to strategic planning and cross-facility programme development, including collaborative initiatives between Puke Ariki and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre.
Support funding efforts through grant writing or fundraising activities as required for public programmes.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and responsive team culture within the Cultural Experiences unit and across NPDC.
Maintain strong, collaborative relationships across Puke Ariki and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre to support cohesive operations, joint programming, and discretion during development.
Ensure all activities comply with organisational policies, sector standards, and legislative obligations, including health and safety and equity responsibilities.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Essential Skills and Experience
Tertiary qualification in the Arts, Māori, Toi Māori, Museum Studies or a related field - or equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in a gallery or museum context, preferably—but not necessarily—in public programmes.
Demonstrated experience in programming and/or project management, with a focus on public engagement and the sharing of ideas and knowledge.
Proven experience in planning, budgeting and scheduling events, with the ability to manage budgets effectively.
Excellent written and public speaking communication skills.
Knowledge of the cultural sector and ability to research and engage appropriate programme participants.
Experience working with iwi, hapū, or Māori communities in a collaborative or co-design context (desirable not essential)
He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei? | Why Taranaki?
Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it’s a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other. The region boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, an