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Announcements

Shared reading rooms at Te Puna, National Library

From 1 September, some of our high-use collections will be available through the new shared reading rooms at the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa.

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New way of working begins for National Library and Archives New Zealand

From today, a new joint leadership structure bringing the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa closer together takes effect.

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Important changes to the Government Loan process in the Wellington reading room

Please note the upcoming changes to the Government Loan process due to the closure of the 10 Mulgrave Street Wellington reading room from Monday 30 June to Friday 29 August 2025 (inclusive).

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Message to customers from Poumanaaki Chief Archivist

The construction of the new archival building in Wellington is complete, and we are now preparing for what will be a large-scale and progressive move there of staff, equipment and holdings from July 2025.

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State of Government Recordkeeping Annual Report 2023/24 tabled in the House of Representatives

The Poumanaaki Chief Archivist’s Annual Report on the State of Government Recordkeeping 2023/24 was tabled in the House of Representatives today.

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We've released the digitised archival transfers as the default setting report

Read the report about digitised archival transfers as the default setting for the public offices.

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Decisions announced on new way of working for Archives New Zealand and National Library

Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua, has announced the final decision for organisational change to bring Archives New Zealand and National Library closer together in the way they work.

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Wellington Archives reading rooms update

The construction of the new archival building is completed, and we are now preparing for the move in July 2025.

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Kei te hiahia mātau ki te rongo kōrero i a koe mō te pēheatanga o ngā pūranga tiaki We want your feedback on what should happen to care records

Kei te hiahia mātau ki te rongo kōrero i a koe mō tēnei mahi hira i tēnei wā e kōkiri tonu ana te Karauna i te utu paremata me te urupare ki te Kōmihana Uiui a te Karauna mō ngā Tūkinotanga i te Wā Tiaki.

We need your feedback on an important piece of work as the Crown continues its redress and response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.

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Te Whakapāha nā Te Poumanaaki ki ngā mōrehu o te tūkino i te wā tiaki Chief Archivist apology to survivors of abuse in care

Ka nui te pono o te whakapāha a Te Poumanaaki, mō ngā mahi a Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga (ko National Archives i mua) mō tana mūhore ki te aroturuki tika i ngā mahi pupuri mauhanga Kāwanatanga.

The Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu sincerely apologises on behalf of Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand (previously the National Archives) for failing to effectively monitor Government recordkeeping

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Amendment to the Care Records Definition's Glossary of terms used

We've made amendments to the Care Records Definition's Glossary of terms used

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Announcements

Survivors of abuse in care are invited to attend a public apology

Survivors of abuse in care are invited to register their interest to attend a public apology event at Parliament - Tuesday 12 November

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Announcements

Printed copies of Royal Commission of Inquiry report ‘Whanaketia’ now available to public

Printed copies of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report ‘Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light’ available to the public.

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Digitisation at our regional offices – April to June 2024

Our teams across the motu worked hard to get digitised material online and available for researchers.

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Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry publishes final report

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions has published its final report — 'Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light'.

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Moving to the new archival building

Our new archival building in Wellington is set for kaimahi to begin occupation from the middle of next year. We'll keep you updated on any impacts the shift may temporarily have on our services.

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Survey of public sector information management 2024 is now open

The Survey of public sector information management 2024 is open from 8 July to 29 July 2024.

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Work stopped on Levin site intended for a proposed regional repository

Te Tari Taiwhenua the Department of Internal Affairs has stopped work on a proposed regional repository in Levin, due to funding constraints.

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Poumanaaki Chief Archivist's closing comments on Te Maeatanga digitisation programme

After the closure of Te Maeatanga digitisation programme on 30 June, I’d like to acknowledge the important mahi undertaken by all kaimahi involved in the programme since its inception in 2017.

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Release of hundreds of previously classified MFAT files to the public

We're releasing over 700 previously classified Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) files held by our Wellington office, in a joint process between the two organisations.

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Upcoming 2024 Survey of public sector information management

Our 2024 survey of public sector information management will be open from 8 July – 29 July 2024.

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Join us for our 'Sharing good practice beyond audit' webinar

You’re invited to join our webinar on information management – Sharing good practice beyond audit.

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Poumanaaki Chief Archivist's annual report 2022/23 tabled in the House of Representatives

The Poumanaaki Chief Archivist’s annual report on the State of Government Recordkeeping 2022/23 was tabled in the House of Representatives.

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Answers to your questions about our Te Maeatanga Digitisation programme closure

On this page you'll find answers to some of the questions you may have about the closure of our Te Maeatanga Digitisation programme and options you have.

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Release of revised List of protected records for local authorities

The updated List of protected records of local authorities has now been published as a Supplement to the New Zealand Gazette Notice, 15 May 2024, Number 2024-go2240.

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Poumanaaki update on Digitisation

Te Maeatanga Digitisation programme closure update from Poumanaaki Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu.

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Announcements

Closure of Te Maeatanga Digitisation Programme and on demand service

Update from Poumanaaki Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu

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New temporary care records protection instruction issued

Learn more about the new temporary care records protection instruction issued by the Chief Archivist.

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New guide to navigate MFAT historical records

A new guide will help researchers and members of the public navigate thousands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s historical records.

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The care records definition is now available

Using your feedback, we’ve now published the care records definition.

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A welcoming and inclusive digital experience for all

We’re rolling out some new features on archives.govt.nz based on recommendations from user research. Find out more about this mahi and learn how we’re working towards creating a welcoming and inclusive digital experience for all our users.

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Have your say on our refreshed Archives 2057 Strategy

Read about how we're refreshing our long-term institutional strategy, Archives 2057, and have your say on our future direction .

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Announcements / Information Management

New dataset for public offices’ IM maturity 2021-22 released

Find and use data about the maturity levels of public offices’ information management from audits under the Public Records Act 2005.

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Review of protected records for local authorities update

Read our second update on our work with ALGIM to review the List of protected records for local authorities and accompanying Explanatory notes.

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Announcements / Information Management

New dataset for Public Records Act audit maturity levels

Find and use data about the maturity levels of public offices’ information management from audits under the Public Records Act 2005.

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Reading room hours during the holiday period

Our reading rooms have different opening hours over the holiday period. Get the details and find out how you can continue your research during this time.

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We want your feedback on protecting care records

Archives New Zealand needs your feedback on a key piece of mahi as the Crown continues formulating its redress and response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry findings.

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Maps and plans temporarily unavailable due to building works

Some maps and plans in Wellington won't be available to view for up to 6 weeks due to building works.

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The Utaina project — from shelf to digitisation

Watch our latest video and see how the Utaina project is preserving Aotearoa New Zealand's audiovisual history, capturing this taonga for future generations.

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Intention to issue mechanism to protect care records

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga is working on a new section 20 general notice mechanism to protect care records with the intention to replace the current disposal moratorium by late October 2023.

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Announcements

Event: Utaina — Preserving the nation’s audiovisual heritage

Want to know more about what Utaina is? Come hear about the project that is preserving the nation's audiovisual heritage on Thursday 26 October.

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Review of protected records for local authorities — Update

We’re working with the Association of Local Government Information Managers and those who provided feedback on our first drafts, to revise and improve the List of Protected Records.

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Information Management

Updates on the disposal moratorium

The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry is continuing its activities, but it no longer has an active role in determining what records may be in scope of the disposal moratorium. Here’s what you need to know about your recordkeeping.

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‘School Journal’ exhibition gets to the art of the matter

An online exhibition of recently digitised ‘School Journal’ artworks from our holdings went live today.

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Improving digital experiences for te reo Māori speakers

We’re collaborating with Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa National Library and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to make te reo Māori and taonga Māori more visible and accessible across all our digital channels.

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Release of previously classified MFAT files to the public

Today sees the release of more than 500 previously classified Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) files held by Archives New Zealand’s Wellington office, in a joint process between the two organisations.

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Our reading rooms are closing for a 2-day all staff wānanga

Tēnā koutou e te whānau i whai kōrero i Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga nei. Our reading rooms are closing on July 3 and 4 so kaimahi can attend an all-of-Archives wānanga in Wellington. Read this message from our leadership team to learn more.

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Anahera Morehu appointed as permanent Chief Archivist

Anahera Morehu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu) has been appointed to the permanent role of Poumanaaki Chief Archivist at Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand (Archives NZ).

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Auckland reading room closing for 3 weeks of building works

Our office in Tāmaki Makaurau is temporarily closing for building works. Find out more about which services will be affected.

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Taonga exhibited for Tūtehuarewa centenary

Read about how our Christchurch office contributed to the recent exhibition for the centenary of the whare Tūtehuarewa at Koukourarata Port Levy.

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Survey of Public Sector IM now delivered biennially

Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand (Te Rua Mahara) will now deliver our public sector information management (IM) survey biennially instead of annually.

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Summary of Lessons Learnt from AIMS

In 2019, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand initiated the Archival Integrated Management System (AIMS) Project to replace the previous system, Archway.

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Conservation of the He Tohu documents, new pamphlet released

A new pamphlet is released on the sixth anniversary of the Official Opening of He Tohu in 2017 describing the conservation work that keeps the documents safe.

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Review of protected records for local authorities

We’re working with the Association of Local Government Information Managers (ALGIM) to complete a review of the List of protected records for local authorities and the accompanying Explanatory notes. Now we want to hear your feedback.

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Findings report of fourth survey of public sector IM

Te Rua Mahara o Te Kāwanatanga | Archives New Zealand has released the findings report and data for the fourth survey of public sector information management (IM).

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Direction to Report to the Chief Archivist – MBIE

A report into our findings and recommendations from a Direction to report to the Chief Archivist is now available.

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Previously classified MFAT files released to the public

Today sees the release of more than 400 previously classified Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) files held by Archives New Zealand’s Wellington office, in a joint process between the two organisations.

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Dealing with records lost or damaged during extreme weather

The Public Records Act and dealing with damage or loss of records during extreme weather events

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Upcoming updates to Collections search

We listened to your requests and have made some updates to Collections search have been made to help improve your experience

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Utaina Starts digitising Audio Visual items

The Utaina team has been hard at work over the last year, and the last few months have been full of important milestones for the project.

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Information Management

2021/22 Chief Archivist's report tabled with Parliament

The Chief Archivist’s Annual Report on the State of Government Recordkeeping 2021/22 was tabled in the House of Representatives. 

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Chief Archivist notifies public of privacy incident

This is a public apology and notification of a privacy incident that may have involved some of your personal information held by Archives New Zealand.

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Media

Statement about records breach from Chief Archivist

Archives New Zealand acknowledges there has been a breach of privacy in three sets of Restricted historical health records. When made aware the records were incorrectly made publicly accessible, we immediately restricted access to them.

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'This is NZ' Added to the UNESCO Memory of the World

The National Film Unit film 'This is New Zealand' has been added to the Memory of the World Register.

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Statement about Collections search from Chief Archivist

A statement from the Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu about the recent outages on Collections search

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Utaina! project update

Utaina! is a multi-year project to preserve and protect the Crowns Audiovisual taonga.

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Stephen Clarke resigns as Chief Archivist

Stephen Clarke has resigned as Chief Archivist, to pursue other opportunities more closely aligned with his passion for digital technology and transformation.

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Surveying our audiovisual holdings

Find out how we're surveying our audiovisual holdings as part of the Utaina project.

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A new Archives building for our nation’s taonga and heritage

Construction has begun on one of the most significant public buildings of our time – the new Archives building in Wellington.

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2021-22 Survey of public sector information management

Our 2021-22 annual survey of public sector information management is open from 30 June – 21 July 2022.

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Changes to our website

We’re making some changes to our website, to make it easier for people find information about our records and services.

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Acting Chief Archivist arrangements

Honiana Love will step into the role of Chief Archivist on Monday 11th April, for an initial period of four months.

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Information Management / Media

Findings from third survey of public sector IM released

Archives New Zealand, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga has released a report on the results of its third annual survey, which monitors information management progress in the public sector.

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Announcements / Information Management

2020/21 Chief Archivist's report tabled with parliament

The Chief Archivist’s Annual Report on the State of Government Recordkeeping 2020/21 was tabled in the House of Representatives.

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Announcements / Information Management

New "developing an OIA information search policy" factsheet

We're pleased to announce the release of a new factsheet "How to develop an OIA information search policy" to help organisations meet their obligations under the Official Information Act 1982

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Over 380 declassified MFAT files released

Today sees the release of more than 380 previously classified Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) files held by Archives New Zealand Wellington

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Announcements / Discover

Sunnyside and Seaview Hospital case books available online

The case books from Sunnyside and Seaview Hospitals (c.1870-c.1920) are now digitised and available to view online

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Information Management / Media

Findings from survey of public sector IM released

Archives New Zealand, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga has released a report on the results of its second annual survey, which monitors information management progress in the public sector.

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Information Management / Media

Findings from survey of public sector IM released

Archives New Zealand, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga has released a report on the results of its second annual survey, which monitors information management progress in the public sector.

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Announcements / Information Management / Media

Report on the State of Govt Recordkeeping 2019/20 published

This week the Chief Archivist’s Annual Report on the State of Government Recordkeeping 2019/20 was tabled in the House of Representatives

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He Kohinga Mahara

Browse back issues of He Kohinga Mahara—our biannual newsletter featuring the latest news from Archives NZ.

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Announcements / Information Management

2020 Survey of public sector information management

Public offices and local authorities are invited to report on the state of their information management, with responses due by 7 August 2020.

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