Gallery Director - Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who Are We? | Ko wai mātou?

At the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, we are a bold and innovative contemporary art centre, connecting people, communities and cultures and encouraging critical dialogue about the world we live in. Founded in 1970 through the visionary generosity of Monica Brewster, the gallery is an internationally recognised space for contemporary art, with a special focus on Aotearoa and connecting outward into Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa. We are the global home of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye, whose legacy remains relevant through exhibitions, publications and archives in the award-winning Len Lye Centre and Cinema. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and protection by recognising tangata whenua and respecting tikanga and taonga and create opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with art in meaningful ways.

The Opportunity | Te āheinga

This is a rare and prestigious opportunity to step into the role of Gallery Director at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre - Aotearoa’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary art.

This 12-month fixed-term position offers the chance to provide strong leadership during a period of transition, including current and upcoming organisational change and the recruitment of a new Director Cultural Experiences.

As Gallery Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Gallery, ensuring the continued delivery of bold and inspiring contemporary art programmes. You’ll work closely with artists, partners and communities, with a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and meaningful engagement with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, whānau and key advisory groups.

You’ll oversee the Gallery’s programmes and collections, support national and international partnerships, and champion the legacy of Len Lye while supporting contemporary artists across Aotearoa and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.

This role is central to maintaining and strengthening the Gallery’s profile, impact and connection to the communities it serves during this important period of change. If you’re ready to lead one of New Zealand’s most iconic cultural institutions through its next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, ensuring effective and efficient outcomes.


• Collaborate with Cultural Experiences leadership to shape and implement strategic direction, priorities and plans.


• Deliver a long-term, critically important programme that fosters contemporary art and artists, including Len Lye and engages diverse audiences.


• Support and enable strong relationships with Whiringa Toi (Māori leader-to-leader group), Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa Advisory, and local iwi, hapū and whānau.


• Lead and inspire the Gallery’s curators, cinema programmer, registrar, and exhibitions team to deliver meaningful, collaborative programmes.


• Partner with Public Practice, Creative Enquiry, and Community Engagement teams to create inclusive visitor experiences.


• Champion a positive team culture, prioritising wellbeing, professional development and health & safety compliance.


• Oversee reporting, KPIs, budget accountability, fundraising and stakeholder relationships, including with the Len Lye Foundation and Govett-Brewster Friends.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Significant experience leading teams in an art gallery or museum environment or related experience demonstrating excellent outcomes in the cultural sector


• Demonstrated current knowledge of contemporary art in Aotearoa and Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa, and experience in development of critically relevant, impactful programs, their marketing and funding


• Tertiary qualification in museum studies, art history, curatorship or relevant qualification


• Proven ability to project manage and problem-solve, and deliver accountability to KPIs, plans, budgets and timelines


• Knowledge of museum standards and collection best practice


• High level of written and oral communication skills and interest to engage with communities


• Experience in grant and report writing, maintaining excellent relationships with key stakeholders and maintaining a professional, positive team culture

Why Taranaki? | He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki isn’t just a region - it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of career opportunities and lifestyle in one incredible place. Framed by the majestic Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, this is where you can hike world-class trails, surf uncrowded beaches and immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene – all within minutes of each other.

With affordable living, great schools and a strong sense of community, Taranaki is the ideal spot to live, work and raise a family. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving tranquillity or looking for both, life here offers an unbeatable balance that makes every day extraordinary.

What We Offer | Ngā Ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we’re not just offering jobs – we’re building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you’ll discover:

• Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed


• Learning and development opportunities - that keep you ahead of the game


• Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best self

Plus, our People’s Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars:
Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.

Because at NPDC, it’s not just about what you do – it’s about who you become.

You can expect to start in this fixed term, full-time role with a salary of between $120,786 - $130,180.

Why Join Us? | Ngā hua o tō hono mai?  

Your wellbeing matters to us. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we’re shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close Sunday 1 March 2026

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity. 

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.