Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the position

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington is seeking a Kaihāpai Wheako Manuhiri | Experience Lead to champion exceptional visitor engagement across our front of house team for Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum and Nairn Street Cottage. Reporting to the Kāiarahi Wheako Manuhiri | Manager, Visitor Experience and supporting the Kaiwhakahaere Hāpai Whare | Site Manager in a 2IC capacity, this role ensures every interaction reflects our values and sets the standard for excellent service.

At Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington, we create experiences that connect, resonate, and endure. As Kaihāpai Wheako Manuhiri | Experience Lead, you’ll shape the visitor journey across the museum, ensuring our spaces are vibrant, safe, and full of meaningful engagement.

We’ll be shortlisting and interviewing potential candidates before the closing date. Apply now and help us bring magic to every moment. This role is full time at Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum and Nairn Street Cottage, starting in early 2026.

Tā mātou e kimi nei | Our ideal candidate will:

• Champion invigilation: Maintain high standards of supervision and ensure kaimahi are visible, engaged, and actively present in our visitor spaces.
• Empower the team: Drive onboarding, training, and coaching so staff deliver confident, inclusive, and accurate content.
• Foster collaboration: Work closely with our Kaiwhakahaere Hāpai Whare | Site Managers, Kaiārahi Wheako Manuhri | Manager Visitor Experience and other members of the Visitor Experience leadership team to align daily operations with organisational goals.
• Lead the front of house experience: Oversee front-of-house delivery, tours, and activations that bring our stories to life.
• Embed safety and wellbeing: Promote a zero-surprises culture and ensure compliance with health and safety practices.

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako | The essential skills and experience for the role

• Strong leadership presence with a collaborative, supportive style.
• Detail-oriented and committed to operational excellence.
• A confident communicator passionate about public engagement and storytelling.
• Confidence leading dynamic teams on the floor, in a public facing environment.
• Commitment to a full-time role, Tuesday - Saturday with flexibility to work evenings as and when required.

Ko wai mātou | Who are we

At Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington we lead Wellington in remarkable experiences. We offer incredible audience experiences across our six sites: Te Whare Toi City Gallery Wellington, Nōku Te Ao Capital E, Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum, Te Ara Whanui ki te Rangi Space Place, Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support tāngata whenua as kaitiaki.

If you want to work with like-minded community builders, passionate about art and culture, we would love to hear from you. To join our team, please submit your CV, a cover letter and complete our online application form for our consideration.

For further information on the role please contact the People and Culture team. Applications close Friday, 19 December 2025. Applicants may be shortlisted as they come in.

Applicants for these positions require the eligibility to work in New Zealand, have current NZ citizenship, residency or a valid work visa.