Whangārei Art Trust Recruiting Chief Executive for Hundertwasser Art Centre and Art Museum
Leadership of two New Zealand visual arts institutions
Whangārei Art Trust in Northland, New Zealand, is recruiting a full-time Chief Executive to lead a period of organisational change. The role brings the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Whangārei Art Museum into a more integrated structure, combining cultural direction, commercial management, collection stewardship and public engagement.
Strategy, collections and organisational change
The Chief Executive will oversee teams, systems and operational integration across the two institutions. They must manage budgets and sustainable funding, maintain appropriate care of the museum's artworks and the city's wider collection and translate the Trust's strategy into a programme visitors and local communities can engage with. The role balances long-term cultural stewardship with day-to-day executive decisions.
Community and partner relationships
The employer identifies important relationships with local government, iwi and Māori organisations, funders, community partners and the Hundertwasser Foundation in Vienna. Strong cross-cultural communication and public representation are therefore important. The selected leader will act as a visible advocate for Whangārei's art, heritage and visitor economy.
Experience and remuneration
Applicants should have credible experience as a chief executive, general manager or equivalent leader, including financial oversight, organisational change, board relationships and staff leadership. Arts, museums or tourism experience is valuable but not a strict prerequisite. The employer describes a competitive salary package without giving a numeric amount; the actual offer and location conditions should be confirmed directly.
Application and deadline
The recruiting announcement lists Monday 16 November 2026 as the deadline, without a fixed time in the public text. Apply through the employer-linked Seek recruitment pathway; confidential enquiries can be made to Anne Herbert of Streamline HR via anne@streamlinehr.com.au. Confirm current availability before sending personal information.
About the institutions
The Hundertwasser Art Centre, developed around the artistic legacy of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and Whangārei Art Museum form part of the city's cultural landscape. The Trust aims to connect art collections, distinctive architecture, local cultural knowledge and contemporary visitor experiences.
Original recruitment source
Employer-supplied Chief Executive vacancy and recruiting contact: https://www.thebigidea.co.nz/job/chief-executive-713791
Important notice
This is an independent edited summary of an external management recruitment process. Candidates must confirm the current deadline, compensation, eligibility, organisational responsibilities and application route with Whangārei Art Trust and its authorised recruiter. Official employer information takes precedence. Reviewed 12 November 2026.