Archives New Zealand

Kia ora and welcome

We hold over seven million official records, from Aotearoa New Zealand’s constitutional documents to government papers, data, maps and films.

We can help you access records, discover stories from the archives or find guidance about managing government information.

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E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e rau rangatira mā.

Ko Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga tēnei e mihi atu nei.

Nau mai, haere mai.

Tēnā koutou katoa

To the many authorities, voices and esteemed leaders.

Archives New Zealand is hereby greeting you.

Welcome, welcome.

Greetings to you all

Stories from the archive

Brosco the Robot walking down a road with traffic

Discover

80 years of the National Film Unit

Over six decades in the mid-twentieth century, the National Film Unit (NFU) made thousands of films about life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover the NFU’s work and history in our online exhibition.

Discover the National Collection of War Art

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Long Story

Capturing creativity in the Copyright Applications

A look at some of the unique material contained in Copyright Applications between 1886-1963

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Discover

LGBTQIA+ illuminated

A collection of stories in the archives that touch on lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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View more stories

New Zealand's constitutional documents

The Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand

Long Story

He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni

The Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand

He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni – known in English as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand – is a constitutional document of historical and cultural significance

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Long Story

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is not a single large sheet of paper but a group of nine documents. Together they represent an agreement drawn up between representatives of the British Crown and representatives of Māori iwi and hapū.

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Quick Read

Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wāhine

The Women's Suffrage Petition

In 1893 Aotearoa New Zealand became the first country in the world in which all women gained the right to vote in general elections — thanks to the women who created, organised and signed the Women’s Suffrage Petition.

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