Co-Curatorial Lead - Mātauranga Māori (New Plymouth)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – PUKE ARIKI MUSEUM
CO-CURATORIAL LEAD, MĀTAURANGA MĀORI FOR LONG-TERM EXHIBITION REDEVELOPMENT
Puke Ariki Museum is seeking a mātauranga/history expert to be part of a bicultural partnership focused on redeveloping the long-term social-history exhibition Taranaki Life. This new exhibition is anticipated to open in 2028.
The contract will be phased since the nature of services and amount of input required are expected to vary across different development stages, from Research/Consultation and Concept Development through to Delivery. We estimate 10 to 20 hours per week, with the highest input likely up front.
We’re looking for someone highly collaborative, with a broad knowledge of Taranaki history and strong relationships with local iwi and hapū. This person will work with the partnering social-history role to identify and develop key stories for the exhibition, with support from the wider project team and guidance from a local iwi/hapū advisory group and other community partners.
PROJECT
Grounded by the Tupuna Maunga, Taranaki plays a central role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history – from its stories of resistance in the face of colonisation, to its innovative contributions to engineering and the arts. A long-term exhibition redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share these stories with visitors, inspiring and empowering them for years to come.
Proposed term (development time): 2.5 to 3 years – new exhibition anticipated to open 2028 (Puke Ariki’s 25th anniversary)
Display duration: 15–20 years, with strategic areas of change built in
Location: Permanent social-history gallery (600m2) – includes related content across platforms (eg, website content, public programmes) along with ideation for a new experience in Richmond Cottage (60m2)
Content: Nuanced, bicultural representation of Taranaki’s history and relationships over time, expressed in a way that’s relevant to and inspiring for young people
Languages: Te Reo Māori and English throughout
Team: Core team of four (covering curation, experience development, and spatial design) with support from many others in different stages, both internal kaimahi and external experts
SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUIRED
We expect the supplier to provide the following services:
Collate or carry out research for the project, connecting with relevant knowledge holders.
Contribute to planning for iwi/hapū input into the project and lead that input, supported by Puke Ariki’s Pou Tikanga and Project Leaders.
With input from the iwi/hapū advisory group, identify potential ao Māori content for the exhibition, liaising with associated knowledge holders.
Assess and filter content ideas to create a cohesive, powerful, balanced exhibition concept.
Co-present the concept in various forums, assessing and integrating feedback.
Write or contribute to relevant briefs, including label briefs.
Publicly represent the exhibition.
ABOUT YOU
You will need to have:
Excellent research skills
Broad knowledge of Taranaki history
Strong relationships with local iwi/hapū
A collaborative spirit, with eagerness to draw on complementary skillsets
A passion for sharing important stories
Experience coordinating people and activities
Strong communication skills, verbal and written
A proven track record of delivering projects to expected time frames and quality goals
Ideally experience in exhibition or experience development for general, non-expert audiences (there’s some flexibility here, since others in the team will bring this experience).
If you live or spend time outside Taranaki, you’ll need to arrange your own travel and accommodation within the funds provided. While some project work can be done remotely, you’ll need to be in Taranaki for at least key mahi and milestones.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Please send the following to frith.williams@npdc.govt.nz with the subject ‘Co-Curatorial Lead, Mātauranga Māori’:
A cover letter expressing your interest, outlining your relevant experience, and giving your expected hourly rate for a multi-year project
Your current CV
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 18 January 2026
QUESTIONS?
Until 19 Dec 2025, and from Mon 12 Jan to Fri 16 Jan 2025, please email frith.williams@npdc.govt.nz (Director, Puke Ariki Museum).
