People and Culture Business Partner at Te Papa, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

People, Safety & Culture Team | Enabling Services Directorate Te Papa Tongarewa – Wellington

Te Papa is searching for a People & Culture Business Partner who is energised by meaningful work, trusted relationships, and the opportunity to shape the future of one of Aotearoa's most iconic institutions.

Our People, Safety & Culture team partners across all directorates to support Te Papa's diverse and talented kaimahi — from world‑renowned specialists and collection managers to exhibition creators, event professionals and front‑of‑house teams - “It takes collaborative and innovative frameworks, products and services to support all of this important mahi on behalf of the people of Aotearoa.”

The Purpose of Your Role

You will work alongside the Executive Leadership Team and people leaders to provide trusted strategic advice, influence organisational priorities and strengthen leadership practice. You'll bring both breadth and depth in people‑centred leadership, helping shape capability, culture and performance across your portfolio.

Your approach will reflect manaakitanga, build whanaungatanga, and encourage auahatanga — ensuring our people feel supported, valued and empowered.

What You Will Bring

You are an experienced senior practitioner who thrives in complex, dynamic environments. You bring strong judgement, strategic clarity and a proactive, forward‑looking mindset - You are “credible and known for your ability to influence, respectfully challenge and advise at the highest levels.”

You will also bring:

• Significant experience in senior HR generalist or People & Culture partnering roles
• Strong employment relations capability, with confidence coaching leaders through nuanced situations
• A passion for people and a drive to create practical, meaningful outcomes
• Adaptability and composure when navigating ambiguity, change and competing demands
• The ability to build trust quickly and work collaboratively across diverse teams
• Strong business and commercial acumen, with the ability to communicate organisational trade‑offs
• A willingness to mentor others and contribute to a strong, capable team culture
• Familiarity with te reo Māori and tikanga Māori

What We Offer

• A supportive, values‑driven team environment
• A workplace deeply committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions
• A role where your expertise directly shapes leadership performance and organisational outcomes

This is a part‑time role (30 hours per week) based at Te Papa Tongarewa, Cable Street, Wellington. Salary range: $111,510 – $132,418, depending on experience and internal relativities.

Applications close: Wednesday 15 July 2026

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pre‑employment checks will be undertaken.