About Us

The Whangārei Central Library provides a full range of library services and activities for all ages, in the heart of our CBD, with branches at Kamo, Onerahi, Tikipunga, plus a mobile library. Hosting over 200,000 items, ranging from books to movies, magazines and newspapers as well as eBooks and online resources; our libraries offer community-based services our district can be truly proud of!

Just last year our Central Library welcomed 373,138 visitors through its doors and hosted 211 events! You can see why it is often described as a bustling, lively, and vibrant community hub, offering an integral space to gain knowledge, sanctuary, and connection in our community.

About the Role

In this role, you'll be the go-to person for all things heritage at Whangārei District Libraries. You'll help shape and grow our Heritage, Genealogy, and New Zealand collections—making sure they're not only well cared for but also accessible and engaging for our community. This is your chance to make a real impact in preserving and sharing the stories of our district.

Here's a taste of what your days might look like:

• Curating and maintaining our heritage collections so they stay relevant, rich, and well-preserved.
• Leading projects around digitisation, preservation, and promotion of our collections.
• Networking into the community to build strong relationships and boost engagement with our heritage programmes.
• Answering reference inquiries and helping people connect with their whakapapa and local history.
• Running public programmes, events, and training sessions that bring our collections to life.
• Supporting your colleagues by sharing your expertise and helping them feel confident with heritage resources.
• Creating eye-catching displays and promotional material that celebrate our collections.
• Embracing Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural protocols in everything you do.
• Providing frontline customer service (including some weekend shifts), helping us deliver great service across the board.

What You'll Bring

• A Diploma in Information and Library Studies (or equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge and interest in local history, genealogy, and NZ studies.
• Excellent communication, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with cataloguing standards (AACR2, RDA, MARC), classification schemes, and Te Puna/OCLC.
• Understanding of Māori Subject Headings (Ngā Ūpoko Tukutuku) and cultural protocols.

Why Join Us?

As well as living in an amazing part of the world, we tick a lot of boxes when it comes to looking after our people. We reward good performance, celebrate diversity, encourage continuous improvement, and treat everyone with respect - honoring Te Tiriti and practicing Manaakitanga in everything we do.

Our permanent employees enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities, flexibility when required, health insurance, life insurance and paid professional memberships. With a stunning natural environment, great schools, and short commutes, working with us here at Whāngarei District Council will be the positive change you have been looking for!

Ready to make history? Please send through your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining why this is the perfect next step in your career!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the People and Capability team on 0800 932 463.