Skip to main content

Archives homepage

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 these records, discover stories from the archives or manage government information.

Looking for a record ?

Use our online search tool Archway to find what you need.

Search for records

Research

Manage information

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.

Learn more
This image has no description
Photo Story
Ngā Toi a Tū
War art

Discover the National Collection of War Art

Learn more
This image has no description
Long Story
Capturing creativity in the Copyright Applications

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

Learn more
This image has no description
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.

Learn more

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

Learn more
For image carousel
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.

Learn more
This image has no description
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.

Learn more

Discover the national collection of war art

WWI

WWI

WWII

WWII

Other wars

Other wars

Victoria Cross

Victoria Cross

Portraits

Portraits

Landscapes

Landscapes

See more war art

What's new

Collections search to replace Archway

We're replacing Archway with a new way of searching our collections online. Find out what we're improving, and how to create a RealMe account so you can get the most out of new features.

Published 10 January 2022

Documenting the COVID-19 Response

In this update, we’re looking at how COVID-19 has influenced our records management advice and guidance.

Published 21 December 2021

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.

Published 09 December 2021
See more news

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter - He Kohinga Mahara to get the latest news from Archives New Zealand.

Subscribe