Are you a visionary leader who can shape national cultural conversations and tell the story of New Zealanders through the art of portraiture? The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is seeking an inspiring and future-focused Director to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Based in the heart of Wellington's vibrant waterfront, this is a rare opportunity to shape the direction of a nationally significant institution, championing portraiture and the diverse stories of Aotearoa’s people through dynamic exhibitions, public programmes, and strategic partnerships.

To Kaitono ā Mātou | Our Client

The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata tells the story of Aotearoa through the art of portraiture—enabling audiences to encounter the faces and stories of New Zealanders who, in all their diversity, have shaped our country’s development and influenced the way we see ourselves. Their exhibitions span generations, from cultural icons and national leaders to community champions and contemporary trailblazers. Through portraiture, the Gallery offers powerful perspectives on identity, creativity, history, and New Zealand’s place in the world.  With a commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, championing emerging artists, and fostering meaningful connections between people, art, and nationhood, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata invites all to experience portraiture beyond the frame by furthering an understanding of who we are and what we can aspire to be. 

For more information, please visit: www.nzportraitgallery.org.nz 

Ngā Whakararuraru Matua | Key Responsibilities

Based in Wellington and reporting to the Trust Board, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of the Gallery’s vision and objectives. Your responsibilities will include the development and implementation of nationally impactful programming that deepens public understanding of Aotearoa’s diverse histories, evolving identity, and shared future. You will lead all aspects of the Gallery’s operations—including curatorial direction, financial management, fundraising, marketing, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership—while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven organisational culture. In addition to leading the regular exhibition programme, including through your own periodic curation, you will be responsible for overseeing two prestigious national art awards and ensuring the successful touring of exhibitions to centres across New Zealand, reflecting the Gallery’s responsibilities as a national institution. You will also support the delivery of lecture series, educational initiatives, and a range of public events aligned with the Gallery’s mission. By championing artistic excellence and innovation, you will enhance the Gallery’s profile, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and inspire communities through a dynamic and accessible programme of portraiture and public engagement.

To view the position description, please click here

Ō Pukenga me Ō Wheako | Your Skills and Experience

To succeed in this role, you will be a confident and strategic leader with a deep understanding of New Zealand’s art, history, and heritage, including te ao Māori and the significance of Māori history within Aotearoa’s cultural landscape. Proven experience in a leadership or curatorial role within the arts, heritage, or cultural sectors will be essential, equipping you to successfully navigate the responsibilities of a nationally significant institution. Outstanding communication and public speaking skills are key, enabling you to act as a compelling ambassador for the Gallery across diverse audiences, including donors, sponsors, supporters, and the wider community.  You will bring experience in growing funding and philanthropic giving while also being comfortable engaging with stakeholders to enhance the Gallery’s profile, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.  A natural collaborator with sound judgement and cultural competency, you will demonstrate the ability to lead with mana, nurture relationships, and foster an inclusive and forward-thinking organisational culture. A genuine passion for portraiture, along with an appreciation for the power of visual storytelling, will be vital to your success.

Ki te Tono | To Apply

Be part of shaping the next chapter of one of New Zealand’s most distinctive cultural organisations.  If you are a visionary and strategic leader with a passion for the arts and a commitment to sharing the stories of Aotearoa through portraiture, we invite you to apply for this unique opportunity.  

Please submit your cover letter and CV by clicking Here

Initial confidential enquiries are welcome by phoning Kase Craig on 021 657 328 or Nick Hodgson on 021 190 4191.

Applications for this position close at 9am on Monday 9 June 2025.