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Reading Room Service

Before you visit Archives New Zealand

If you wish to conduct research at Archives New Zealand there are several steps you should take to help prepare for your research.

Before visiting an Archives New Zealand office you should:

  • Consider your topic or subject of research. Are government records going to deal with your topic?
  • Consider which government office or offices may have dealt with the subject of your research. Who may have created records that are relevant to your research?
  • Consider which Archives New Zealand office may hold records from that government office. For instance if you are looking for court records from the Dunedin High Court these are likely to be held in Archives New Zealand’s Dunedin Office.
  • Consider whether there are other sources of information on your topic. Some sources may be easier to locate, such as published information held in libraries.
  • Gather information on your specific topic. Your research will be improved by bringing as much information with you as you can, such as names of people you are interested in, dates of events and places of events.
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Pre-ordering of records

Should you wish to pre-order items before you visit, please send us the full archives reference/s of the files by email, fax or post to the appropriate office. You can obtain the archives references by searching our online finding aid, Archway. Also please provide your Reader Card number if you are already a registered reader, or supply us with your name, contact details and bring one form of identification when you visit. Please note we need to receive your order at least two full working days before your visit.

There is currently unprecedented demand to view New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives Reference: AABK 18805). These records comprise paper and microfilm and, due to the potential for them to be damaged, the original records may not be viewed. Colour reproductions of the paper records and gray scale prints of the micro film records can be mailed to you or collected from our Wellington Reading Room. To receive such reproductions your request must be received 15 days prior to the date of collection or mailing.

There are limits on how many requests each office can handle in advance and this is generally five files.

Ask for help

The staff in the reading rooms are there to assist and advise you in your research. Do not hesitate to ask for help but please be aware that the staff cannot conduct your research for you.

Our opening hours and locations

View our opening hours and locations »

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