Āhua Gallery Manager

Nau mai ki Te Puia
Te ūkaipō o te whare pūmau i ngā taonga tuku iho
Tomo mai ki te whare i whakaarahia i roto i te pā tūwatawata o ngā tūmanako.

Mō mātou | About us:

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), located within Te Puia in Rotorua, is the custodian of traditional Māori arts, crafts, and cultural knowledge. Established to preserve and protect these taonga, NZMACI operates under the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Act 2020, continuing its mission to safeguard and promote the legacy of Māori culture for future generations.

NZMACI focuses on fostering mastery in traditional skills, developing leaders in Māori arts, and enriching the cultural and educational experiences of its tauira and kaimahi. It offers a proactive, values-driven workplace, encouraging personal and professional growth in a culturally fulfilling environment.

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

As the Āhua Gallery Manager, you will bring together cultural leadership and commercial expertise to position the Āhua Gallery as a premier destination for Māori arts, storytelling, and cultural exchange.

You'll lead the delivery of NZMACI commissions, while also managing gallery operations, financial performance, digital engagement, and a skilled team.

This role is commercially driven as much as it is kaupapa-driven. You will be accountable for growing gallery revenue, maximising profitability of the Āhua range, building strong partnerships, and identifying new market opportunities that enhance both cultural reach and financial sustainability.

Key areas of focus include:

• Gallery growth – delivering on revenue and profitability targets by aligning product offerings with market demand while retaining cultural integrity.
• Commercial partnerships – developing funding, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities that support exhibitions, commissions, and international initiatives.
• Market insight & innovation – analysing industry trends, expanding e-commerce, and using digital tools to grow reach and sales.
• Commission oversight – managing NZMACI commissions to deliver both cultural authenticity and commercial success.
• Exhibition leadership – curating and managing exhibitions across Āhua Gallery, Te Taki, and the Wānanga precinct to attract, engage, and convert audiences.
• Team & customer experience – leading gallery staff to deliver exceptional service and a high-quality visitor experience that drives repeat visitation and sales.

A full position description is available on request.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:

• Strong understanding of Māori culture, including Toi Māori, Te Reo Māori, and Tikanga.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural integrity and respectful representation of Māori arts and traditions.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate a team.
• Experience in curating exhibitions and telling cultural stories in engaging, innovative ways.
• Strong organisational skills in inventory, logistics, and financial management.
• Proficiency in digital engagement, including social media and e-commerce.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence representing Te Puia in public forums.
• A tertiary qualification in Arts, Museum Studies, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) is advantageous.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and funeral insurance cover.
• Enjoy a complimentary free lunch once a week, along with other exclusive food offerings.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, including a Wellbeing Allowance and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• A chance to contribute to and learn from a legacy of culture and tourism excellence.
• Additional benefits and rewards apply.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

If you're excited about joining our team, apply online today with a covering letter explaining why you're the perfect fit, along with an up-to-date CV. Please only apply if you have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Preferred applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including Ministry of Justice and drug testing.

We may begin interviewing strong candidates as applications are received, so don't wait until the advert closes, apply now

For more information about Te Puia, visit

Join us at Te Puia and be a part of the legacy

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