Conservation Technician Kaihangarau Tauwhiro

Full job description

Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Location: Flexible

Business Group: Access and Collection Care | Archives and National Library

Branch: Strategy, Regulatory and Support

Salary: $71,767 - $8+,310

Help Preserve Aotearoa’s Documentary Heritage

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o ngā hau e whā, nau mai, haere mai.

Greetings to the many authorities, voices, and experts of the world.

We are looking for a hands-on and detail-oriented Conservation Technician | Kaihangarau Tauwhiro to join the Preservation team at the National Library and Archives New Zealand. In this role, you will help protect and preserve Aotearoa’s heritage collections for future generations by supporting conservation programmes

Depending on your skills and experience, you may work on heritage objects like books, manuscripts, photographs. and paintings.

Your mahi will help ensure that taonga are safely stored, prepared for digitisation and exhibitions, and cared for using the highest standards of conservation practice.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a careful, proactive, and collaborative conservation technician with:

Experience supporting conservation or heritage projects, or working with heritage collections or materials

Strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a practical, methodical approach to work

Knowledge of conservation principles and handling techniques, including cultural materials and taonga

The ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of accuracy

Good communication and relationship-building skills, with a strong service ethic

A commitment to working effectively with Māori, and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent industry experience, such as bookbinding, woodworking, engineering, framing, or conservation

You will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively, takes pride in your work, and is passionate about preserving New Zealand’s heritage.

About us

As part of the Department of Internal Affairs, we are the kaitiaki of Aotearoa’s documentary heritage. At Archives New Zealand and the National Library, we care for the records, stories, and knowledge that shape who we are as a nation. We collect, protect, and share everything from government records to treasured taonga, working with communities, libraries, and archives across the motu and beyond to make sure the history and information that matter remain accessible for generations to come.

Applications close : 5pm, + June 2025

Contact : Peter.Whitehead@dia.govt.nz

Job description : Click here to view the full job description

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to providing a workplace where all employees are supported to succeed.

Hikoia te whetū, hikoia te marama, ka rere, ka rere.

Stride over the stars. Stride over the moon, take flight.