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.
About the guide
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has released a guide about how to navigate historical records — from briefs to diplomatic reports and aid programme files — held here at Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga.
The guide, ‘The Historical Records of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere: a Reference Guide and Glossary for Authors, Historians and Researchers’, includes an introduction to the Ministry’s records, how to find and use them, and a glossary to decode the descriptions of different types of information.
To give an example, valedictories were the name given to a head of post’s final despatch and addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They summarise the bilateral relationship, include some irreverent or humorous parts, and are very thoughtfully written.
“We are proud to be releasing this guide today. The Ministry’s historical records have so much to add to our understanding of New Zealand’s place in the world, and this guide will help unlock this understanding for people across the country and further afield,” says MFAT Deputy Chief Executive, Rob Taylor.
“This guide will help current and future generations to more easily find the information they need to understand our historic foreign policy decisions,” says Poumanaaki Chief Archivist, Anahera Morehu.
About the collection of records
We hold thousands of the Ministry’s historical records, dating back to the late 19th century. The collection tells the story of New Zealand’s engagement with the world — from big picture issues to the day-to-day workings of an evolving Ministry. “The records offer insight into New Zealand’s interaction with the wider world, interaction that began under colonial administration and has grown in reach and complexity ever since,” says author Jim Howell.
The collection is a valuable contribution to New Zealand’s story, and making it more accessible is an important part of the Ministry’s work to be open and transparent with its information.
Read the guide
You can download the guide from MFAT’s website or view it in person at one of our reading rooms.