Looking for a way to build a career in the arts while making a real impact in your community?

We're looking for someone who is passionate about the arts and thrives on working with people. Whether your background is in galleries, tourism, hospitality, events or community engagement, this is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in bringing art and culture to life for our community.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As a Casual Gallery Assistant, you'll help create welcoming and memorable experiences for visitors while supporting exhibitions, events, public programmes and community engagement activities. Whether you're assisting with exhibition installations, supporting school groups, helping at gallery events or engaging with visitors, you'll play an important role in connecting people with art, culture and creativity.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a career in the arts and cultural sector, or for someone with experience in tourism, hospitality, events, customer experience or community services who has a genuine passion for the arts and wants to be part of something meaningful.

Every day is different, and you'll be joining a team that values creativity, collaboration and community connection.

Ko wai koe | About you

You don't necessarily need extensive gallery experience to succeed in this role. What matters most is your enthusiasm for the arts, your ability to connect with people, and your desire to contribute to a vibrant cultural experience for our community.

You might come from a background in tourism, hospitality, events, customer service, education, community engagement or the creative industries. You may already be working in the arts sector, studying towards a creative qualification, or simply looking for an opportunity to turn your passion for arts and culture into a rewarding role.

You'll be someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in art, culture and community
• Enjoys meeting and engaging with people from all walks of life
• Thrives in a team environment and is happy to pitch in wherever needed
• Takes pride in delivering welcoming and positive visitor experiences
• Is organised, reliable and willing to learn
• Brings energy, curiosity and a can-do attitude to everything you do

Experience or qualifications in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Art History, Ngā Toi Māori, museums, galleries or cultural organisations would be advantageous, but are not essential.

Ko wai mātau | About us

At Whakatāne District Council, we love what we do because we do it for our community.

We're proud of the place we call home and the people who make it special. We work hard, celebrate successes together, and are always looking for ways to learn and improve. In return, you'll enjoy a range of staff benefits, including free swimming pool access, and the opportunity to live and work in a place where beaches, rivers, forests and walking tracks are never far away.

If you're looking for meaningful work that connects people, culture and community, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

To download the Position Description and apply, visit: https://whakatanecareers.co.nz/Vacancies and enter reference code 6898817.

Applications close 21 June 2026.

We are keen to recruit for this role quickly, so applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Aimee Ratana, Manager Arts & Heritage, on 07 306 0500.