Archives are contemporary records created by individuals and organisations that are kept for their long-term value. These records are a witness to the past. They provide evidence, explanation and justification for past actions and current decisions. They support society to undertake a wide range of roles that enable civilised communities to take root and flourish, from education and research, entertainment and leisure, to protecting human rights and confirming identity.

Unlike library collections, archives are unique. Once lost, they can’t be replaced. It's only through proper identification, care and wide access that the vital role that archives have can be fully realised to the benefit of society.

Archives can come in a wide range of formats, from written documents to photographs, moving image and sound, both digitally and analogue.

Archives New Zealand manages public archives. These are the records of the New Zealand Government that have been regarded as having long-term value.

The Chief Archivist is a statutory role under the PRA. The Chief Archivist has the power to set standards and direct the actions of public agency chief executives in respect of records and information management. The Chief Archivist also reports to Parliament on the quality of information management and compliance with the PRA across the state sector. The Chief Archivist is duty bound to act independently in relation to the disposal of public records. This statutorily independent role is needed to assure the integrity of the record of government.

The Chief Archivist is also the General Manager of Archives New Zealand.

Previous chief archivists

• 1957-62: Secretary of Internal Affairs exercised Chief Archivist powers

• 1962: Michael Standish

• 1963-72: John Pascoe

• 1972-82: Judith S. Hornabrook

• 1982-91: Ray Grover

• 1991-98: Kathryn Patterson

• 1998-2000: Chris Hurley (Acting Chief Archivist)

• 2000-01: Lyn Provost (Acting Chief Archivist)

• 2001-09: Dianne Macaskill

• 2009-11: Greg Goulding (Acting Chief Archivist)

• 2011-14: Greg Goulding (Chief Archivist and General Manager Archives New Zealand)

• 2014-17: Marilyn Little (Chief Archivist and General Manager Archives New Zealand)

• 2017–2018: Richard Foy (Acting Chief Archivist and General Manager Archives New Zealand)

• 2018–2020: Richard Foy (Chief Archivist and General Manager Archives New Zealand)

The Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand is the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti

The Archives Council Te Rua Wānanga is an unincorporated body established under the PRA. They provide independent advice to the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand on recordkeeping and archives matters, including those for which tikanga Māori is relevant.

Council members are appointed by the Minister after consultation with the Minister for Māori Development and the Chief Archivist. The Department of Internal Affairs runs the appointment process.

The Council reports directly to the Minister on its functions during the preceding year. The Minister, as soon as practicable, presents the report to the House of Representatives.

The Archives Council is not defined as a public office for the purposes of the Public Records Act 2005. The Archives Council is also not subject to the Public Finance Act 1989, the Ombudsmen Act 1975, and the Official Information Act 1982.

Current members are:

• Liz Sinclair (Chair)

• Peter Adds (Deputy Chair)

• Dougal McKechnie

• Karaitiana Taiuru

• Nina Finigan

• Gareth Winter

• Aroha Chamberlain

Read the Archives Council Charter (PDF 182 KB)

For earlier Archives Council reports please contact us.

Te Pae Whakawairua is the Chief Archivist’s appointed Māori consultative group. Te Pae Whakawairua’s focus is on the medium to long-term direction of Archives New Zealand. The group assists the Chief Archivist by providing independent advice and perspective. They provide feedback on:

• The aspirations of Māori, and how Archives can contribute to achieving these within its frameworks.

• The provision of services that are relevant and appropriate to Māori.

• Communication to Māori about Archives’ services.

• Matters of concern or other issues.