Skip to main content

Ngā mea hou
What's new

Read the latest updates on our work and services.

Select your language
Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An old receipt on a yellow paper

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'.

A modern building facade under construction with blue sky behind.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

Poumanaaki update on Digitisation

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
Announcements

Closure of Te Maeatanga Digitisation Programme and on demand service

Update from Poumanaaki Chief Archivist Anahera Morehu

An old receipt on a yellow paper

New temporary care records protection instruction issued

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

2 women shaking hands while 2 men stand next to them.

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.

An old receipt on a yellow paper

The care records definition is now available

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

Pattern.

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.

3 women working at a call centre.

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 .

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background
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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background
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.

Christmas card from Richard Seddon to his wife

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.

An old receipt on a yellow paper

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.

Cropped version of an old map showing section boundaries in Wellington.

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.

A still from a video. The screen is split into 4 columns, including 1 with a close up of a record spinning, 1 with a close up of someone turning a wheel, 1 with someone steering a trolley down an aisle and another with 4 cassette tapes playing.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Audio tape reel with box beside it.
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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background
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.

Coloured illustration of a black and orange moth on a background of blue circular patterns with a green plant at the bottom

‘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.

Old yellowed paper book cover for a teachers' manual featuring Māori art

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

A woman with long hair wearing glasses and a tattoo on her chin

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).

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Helen Brown stands at a podium and addresses the audience

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

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.

Two hands wearing white gloves sticking a tape to an old paper

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An illustration of a hand holding a card with Update written on it on a light purple background

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).

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

An Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Information Management Guidance written on it, the card is on a team background

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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. 

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

'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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

Statement about Collections search from Chief Archivist

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

Utaina! project update

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

Surveying our audiovisual holdings

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background
Announcements / Information Management

Pilot project DHB Functional Disposal Authority

Piloting a new way of authorising disposal with the DHBs sector

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

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.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background

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.

A colored illustration with two hands holding a white card with words Media release written on it, the card is on a teal background
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.

Filing cabinets on left and right, files popping out from some, with a string of code stretching from the bottom cabinets through the ground
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.

An Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Information Management Guidance written on it, the card is on a team background
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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
Media

Partnership to protect and conserve taonga celebrated

The Ngāi Tahu Archive Team and Archives New Zealand have formally cemented their partnership with a celebration held at the Archives New Zealand facility in Ōtautahi today

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
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.

A colored illustration with two hands holding a white card with words Media release written on it, the card is on a teal background
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.

A colored illustration with two hands holding a white card with words Media release written on it, the card is on a teal background
Media

Partnership to protect and conserve taonga celebrated

The Ngāi Tahu Archive Team and Archives New Zealand have formally cemented their partnership with a celebration held at the Archives New Zealand facility in Ōtautahi today

alt=""
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

An illustration of a hand holding a yellow and white blow horn, on a Teal background
Announcements / Information Management

New Information Management Maturity Assessment

As part of our leadership role for information management (IM) across the government sector, today we have released the Information Management Maturity Assessment for public office and local authority use.

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.

He Kohinga Mahara

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

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background
Announcements / Information Management

Te arotake i ngā mahi pupuri mauhanga i ngā tari tūmatanui  Audit of public office recordkeeping

We audit public offices’ information management practices every 5- 10 years. Find out which organisations we audit, how the process works and how audit follow up works.

An illustration of a hand holding a yellow and white blow horn, on a Teal background
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.

An Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Information Management Guidance written on it, the card is on a team background
Announcements / Information Management / Resources

New Microsoft 365 guide released

We’re pleased to announce the release of a new guide to assist public offices and local authorities in adopting Microsoft 365 services

A concept image of the new Archives New Zealand building.
Announcements / Media

Investment in New Zealand's history

Budget 2020 provides a major investment in New Zealand’s documentary heritage sector, with a commitment to leasing a new Archives Wellington facility and an increase in funding for Archives and National Library work.

An Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Information Management Guidance written on it, the card is on a team background
Information Management

KOWHEORI-19: Te whakamanatanga o te whakakore i ngā mauhanga whakautu COVID-19: Disposal authorisation for response records

What to do with records created during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Royal Coat of Arms on a Commemorative Scroll
Quick Read

Unclaimed Anzac Scrolls now available online

97 unclaimed Commemorative Scrolls from World War II (1939 to 1945) and the Korean War (1950 to 1953) are now available online.

An Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Information Management Guidance written on it, the card is on a team background
Announcements / Information Management / Resources

Te whakahaere mōhiohio i te wā o te KOWHEORI-19 Managing information during COVID-19

The way we live and work is rapidly evolving to meet the challenges of COVID-19. As we employ new ways of working it is important to ensure information continues to be managed effectively.

A colored illustration with two hands holding a white card with words Media release written on it, the card is on a teal background
Announcements / Media

New home for New Zealand's taonga

To improve the protection of and access to New Zealand's documentary heritage

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with words Update written on it, on a purple background
Information Management

Te anga aroturuki Monitoring framework

Information on the tools we are developing to support the sector and improve compliance

Illustration of a hand holding a white card with the words News written on it.
Information Management / Resources

Pilot project to renew the DHBs General Disposal Authority

Information on piloting a different approach to the DHBs General Disposal Authority (DA262)

View more