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Doing Research

Access to Public Archives | Services | Directory of Archives in New Zealand

Public archives are records created in government offices from the normal operations and activities of those offices that have been appraised as having long term value and which have been transferred to one of the four offices of Archives New Zealand.

Public archives have a wide variety of research uses. Archival research has assisted with:

  • historical publications
  • television documentaries
  • university theses
  • evidence for legal cases
  • evidence for rights and entitlements, such as citizenship applications
  • information for personal interests
  • family histories and whakapapa
  • local history
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Access to Public Archives

People wishing to access public archives held by Archives New Zealand can undertake research in the four reading rooms that operate in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Contact Us

Each office generally holds public archives from the government offices located within their catchment area. For Auckland this is government offices north of Taupo, including Gisborne. For Wellington, this is government offices in the lower half of the North Island (south of Taupo) plus Nelson and Marlborough. For Christchurch, this is government offices in Canterbury and Westland, for Dunedin this is government offices in Southland and Otago. The majority of records are held in Archives New Zealand's Head Office in Wellington.

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Services

The two services that provide access to archives are:

  • The Reading Room Service, where archivists assist individuals who visit the four reading rooms to consult the finding aids and order archives for viewing. Research Info and Advice
  • The Remote Reference Services, where people can write or e-mail specific enquiries to Archives New Zealand and staff will conduct the research and advise on the results in writing. Remote reference Service

Copies of archives can usually be provided through either service, provided that copying will not damage the original archive.

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Directory of Archives in New Zealand

The Directory of Archives in New Zealand / Nga Pae Mahara lists nearly 200 repositories around New Zealand, providing contact details and an outline of the archival material they hold. Repositories listed include museums, public libraries, historical societies, government departments, schools and private research facilities, among others. Printed copies of the directory are available from your nearest Archives New Zealand office or through directory@archives.govt.nz. We would also welcome any new entries, updates or corrections for future editions.

View DirectoryPDF Document (1.2 Mb)

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