Senior Programme Lead

Date: 3 Nov 2025

Location:
Auckland Wide, NZ, 1010

Description:

Lead the coordination of Auckland Live's annual programme of performing arts, events, and experiences across Tāmaki Makaurau

Drive collaboration and integration across venues, teams, and citywide initiatives, including the Aotea Arts Quarter project

Deliver culturally rich, strategic programmes for Auckland audiences

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Live's purpose is to bring people together through exceptional, inclusive and transformative performing arts programming, events and experiences—across our venues and public spaces—that celebrate Tāmaki Makaurau's rich diversity, express its unique identity and enrich the lives of all who live in and visit the city. We create memories that last a lifetime.

As New Zealand's largest multi-venue performing arts centre, Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region's leading producer of cultural, entertainment, sporting and wildlife experiences. We are custodians of iconic venues including The Civic, Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, Bruce Mason Centre, Queens Wharf, and Aotea Square—making us the home of performing arts and entertainment in Auckland.

Te mahi: The role:

As Senior Programme Lead – Public Realm Programming, you'll lead the strategy and delivery of creative events, experience and activations in Aotea Square and Te Komititanga, while supporting programmes in other city centre sites. Reporting to the Director, Performing Arts, you'll shape a vibrant annual calendar of events.

You'll lead the development of the annual program of events in Aotea Square and Te Komititanga, co-ordinate logistics, and build strong relationships with Mana Whenua and Mataawaka, artists, cultural partners, and community groups to co-create inclusive programmes. Collaboration across Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and council teams will be key to delivering seamless, engaging public experiences.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the design and delivery of a dynamic annual programme of events and activations for Aotea Square and Te Komititanga
• Manage inbound enquiries, contracting, budgeting and event delivery to ensure seamless coordination with internal and external stakeholders
• Foster inclusive partnerships with Mana Whenua and Mataawaka, artists, cultural organisations, property owners, and community groups to co-create meaningful public programmes
• Collaborate across Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, council teams, and marketing/comms to deliver unified activations and drive audience engagement

Find a copy of the position description here

He kōrero mōu: About you

You're a seasoned cultural programmer and strategic leader with a strong track record in curating and delivering live performances, events, and public realm experiences. You bring creative vision and operational rigour, with the ability to turn bold ideas into impactful, well-executed programmes.

Your collaborative mindset and ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders will ensure programming reflects the unique stories and identities of Tāmaki Makaurau.

You will also bring:

• 5+ years' experience in public realm programming, with a proven ability to deliver large-scale events or festivals
• Experience developing strategic frameworks and annual programming calendars
• Strong relationship-building skills, including engagement with mana whenua and Mataawaka, and diverse communities
• Expertise in budgeting, contracting, project management, and end-to-end event delivery
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• A strong commitment to bicultural practice, equity, and inclusion
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Live, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Me Tono Ināianei: Apply Now

Applications close: 16th November 2025

#LIVE #workingforauckland

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Tātaki Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Tātaki Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Unlimited terms and conditions

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is part of the Auckland Council whānau, responsible for Auckland Live, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Conventions, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Stadiums, and many of the festivals and events that make Auckland a great place to live and visit.

Our people are driven by passion and a sense of service to Aucklanders. What we share is our love of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and our passion about the work we each do to make it a dynamic and exciting place.

Each part of Tātaki is important, but when we come together, we bind into something more powerful than the sum of our parts. We all work in partnership with each other and our delivery partners, to make Tāmaki Makaurau a vibrant place where everyone can thrive.