Help shape the future of manaakitanga at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Our story: More than just a museum

When Te Papa first opened its doors in 1998, it did more than welcome manuhiri (visitors) - it pioneered a new way of engaging with them. The Host role was created with a uniquely Aotearoa approach to visitor engagement and hospitality, grounded in the Māori concept of manaakitanga: taking the very best care of people and going out of one's way to enhance the visitor experience.

Over the last 27 years, Te Papa Hosts have become as iconic as the museum itself - always present, knowledgeable, warm, and helpful. This dedication to manaaki has defined the way millions have experienced the museum.

As the world has changed, so too has the role of the Host. In recent years, guided tours have emerged as one of the most powerful ways for us to connect with our manuhiri. Through interpretive storytelling, we've opened hearts and minds to the dynamic nature of or geological story, the unique flora and fauna of Aotearoa, and our rich multicultural social history.

About the role

We are looking for energetic and engaging individuals to join our casual pool to help us deliver in our high season. You'll start as a Te Papa Host and train to become an accredited Tour Host in time for the high season which starts in October.

As a Te Papa Host, you'll be part of the team delivering extraordinary Manaaki. Welcoming visitors, providing information about exhibitions and taonga on display, supporting access to Te Papa's services, and helping create a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich environment. You'll also support and delivery special experiences like Story Place.

As a Tour Host, you'll go a step further: researching, planning, and delivering both commercial and non-commercial tours. With a visitor focused approach, you'll craft structured, meaningful visitor journeys through our spaces - sharing knowledge, stories, and insights that enrich each visit.

When not delivering tours, you'll work in a general Host capacity, ensuring continuity of manaaki and excellence in all visitor interactions.

Please see links to the position descriptions below:

Te Papa Host PD

Tour Host PD

What we're looking for:

A natural communicator with presence, warmth, and professionalism
Strong sense of manaakitanga and commitment to exceptional service
Experience in customer service, tourism, hospitality, events or audience engagement is a plus - but a genuine passion for people and storytelling is essential
Ability to interpret and share stories with depth, clarity, and cultural sensitivity
Confidence to lead groups, connect with a wide range of people, and be flexible in your delivery
Cultural awareness, particularly in relation to Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
An ability to speak and/or sign another language is desirable, in particular those with a fluency in Te Reo Māori or Mandarin

Preference will be given to those available to work weekends and public holidays as we head into the busy high season. There may also be opportunities for fixed term work during this period.

To be considered you must be available to attend one week of induction training beginning the week of Monday, 18 August 2025. This induction is essential for the position.

Why join Te Papa?

Working at Te Papa means being part of something bigger than yourself. It's a place where culture, history, science, and storytelling intersect - and where people like you help make that come alive.

Gain unique skills in cultural storytelling and visitor engagement
Contribute to the future of museum experiences in Aotearoa
Work in a beautiful, purpose-filled environment on Wellington's waterfront

The hourly rate for this position will be a minimum of $27.80 with further growth as you become Tour accredited.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

Creating extraordinary experiences for all our manuhiri - 100% of the team, 100% of the time. It's the foundation of how we show up for every visitor, every day.

Apply today and help us bring Te Papa's stories - and your own - to life.

Applications close: Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa jobs

Te Papa Host / Tour Host (Casual) | Wellington