Director Archives

Type : Permanent
Hours : Full time
Location : Wellington
Business Group : Archives and National Library
Branch : Partnerships and Commissions
Salary : $175,671 – $218,613

Lead the Future of Aotearoa’s Archival Integrity

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.

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara is entrusted with safeguarding the documentary heritage of government and enabling public accountability across generations. As Director Archives, you will provide strategic leadership of this nationally significant function, overseeing the operations, collections and people who keep the nation’s records safe, accessible and respected.

This role supports the Chief Archivist Poumanaaki in fulfilling statutory obligations under the Public Records Act. You will lead regional teams, manage the national archives collection, guide shared services like metadata and preservation, and work in close partnership with the Director Library Collections to ensure alignment across our national institutions.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a senior leader with experience operating at the intersection of archives, public service, and information management. You will bring:

Deep knowledge of archival systems, regulatory frameworks and the Public Records Act
A proven record of strategic leadership, especially through periods of operational change or transformation
Experience managing cross-site collections and services, including digital transition and long-term preservation
A strong understanding of mātauranga Māori and the ability to build relationships and strategy that give life to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Familiarity with emerging technologies in archives and their implications for national service delivery
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work with iwi, other government agencies and international counterparts
Experience leading high-performing teams, managing risk, and operating at a senior organisational level
You will be both visionary and grounded, able to drive strategy while supporting high quality, practical delivery of archives services across Aotearoa.

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 provide appropriate access to 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, 15 June 2025
Contact : Webber.Hsia@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.

 
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