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Archives New Zealand (Māori: Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga) is New Zealand's national archive and the official guardian of its public archives. As the government's recordkeeping authority, it administers the Public Records Act 2005 and promotes good information management throughout government.

History

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File:Hope Gibbons Fire 1952 (9360525201) (cropped).jpg
On 29 July 1952, fire ripped through the Hope Gibbons Building in Wellington, destroying much of New Zealand's public records.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Establishment

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In 1954, the First National Government's cabinet approved the establishment of a national archive and the office of a chief archivist, and the drafting of enabling legislation. The Archives Act 1957 established the National Archives within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). It also gave the chief archivist the power to approve the disposal of official records and to require the transfer of records to the National Archives after 25 years. The Archives Act also affirmed public access to the National Archives. While the National Archives were established in 1957, they were preceded by the Dominion Archives and the former war archives at the Hope Gibbons building in Wellington.<ref name="Te Ara" />

Expansion and legislative entrenchment

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In 1977, an amendment to the Local Government Act 1974 extended limited protection to local government archives. For the first twenty years, the National Archives had to contend with inadequate storage and staffing. Following Wilfred I. Smith's report,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> the Government took steps to address those issues, the headquarters moving into the 1966 4-storey<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> building of the former Government Printing Office on Thorndon Quay<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in 1990.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The National Archives' legal position was further entrenched by the passage of legislation such as the Ombudsmen Act 1975, the Official Information Act 1982, and the State Sector Act 1988.

In 2000, the National Archives was separated from the Department of Internal Affairs and renamed as Archives New Zealand.<ref name="Te Ara" />

In 2005, the Fifth Labour Government passed the Public Records Act 2005<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> to deal with digital archives and the creation of state-owned enterprises. The Act also greatly expanded the role of Archives New Zealand and the powers of the Chief Archivist, and established the Archives Council to advise the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand. The organisation now has a leadership role for recordkeeping throughout central and local government.<ref name="Te Ara" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Reintegration under Internal Affairs, 2011–present

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In 2011, Archives New Zealand and the National Library of New Zealand were merged back into the Department of Internal Affairs.<ref name="Te Ara" /><ref name="Beehive 2011">Template:Cite web</ref> Before 1 February 2011 Archives New Zealand was a separate government department.<ref name="Beehive 2011" />

In 2018, the Christchurch office moved to a new location in Wigram near the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The New Zealand Archivist Vol 3 No 1 pages 5–10 includes a more comprehensive history of archives in New Zealand.<ref name=":5" />

In December 2020, the DIA confirmed that Archives NZ along with the National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision would move to a proposed purpose-built business park called the Horowhenua Business Park in Levin at an unspecified future date.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In February 2022 Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti, Archives NZ chief archivist Stephen Clarke and Māori iwi (tribe) Taranaki Whānui Te Āti Awa confirmed that the Government would build a new archives building on the site of the former Defence House on Wellington's Aitken Street between the present Archives NZ and National Library buildings. The new NZ$290 million building will have 19,300sqm of lettable area and is expected to open in 2026. It will host archives repository and specialist facilities for Archives NZ, the National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 9 May 2024, Archives NZ halted its digitisation programme which had commenced seven years ago, citing the programme's time-limited funding. The disestablishment of the digitisation programme is expected to cause the loss of three permanent jobs and some fixed time positions. Historian Vincent O'Malley described the termination of the digitisation programme as "a devastating blow."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Facilities

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The national office for Archives New Zealand is in Wellington. It also has offices in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin.<ref name="Location">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Te Ara">Template:Cite web</ref>

Planned Facilities

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A new $290 million national archives facility is set to be completed in Wellington by 2026.<ref name="Stuff">Template:Cite news</ref> The new facility, which began construction in 2022, will have a greater capacity to house the country’s rapidly growing archival collections and to maintain and protect collections during incidents such as power outages and earthquakes.<ref name="archives.govt.nz">Template:Cite web</ref> Its design has been created with te ao Māori worldview in mind, with design agency Tīhei and Māori sculptural artist Rangi Kipa working alongside architects Warren & Mahoney to “connect the building to the land it sits on and acknowledge the tūpuna who lived there before”.<ref name="Stuff"/>

The Department of Internal Affairs is working alongside Fund Managers AMP Capital Ltd. to build the new Archives facility with construction partners, LT McGuiness.<ref name="archives.govt.nz"/>

List of Chief Archivists

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Sources<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":5">Template:Cite journal</ref>

The position of Director of National Archives and Chief Archivist were held simultaneously since late 1982.<ref name=":2" />

Organisation

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Archives New Zealand has four units:<ref name=":4" />

  • Regional & Access Services;
  • Archives Management;
  • Government Recordkeeping; and
  • Māori & Community Archives.

Functions

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Archives New Zealand:

  • manages the Public Records Act 2005 and works with government agencies to administer the Act;
  • makes sure records of government decision making are created and those of long-term value, including digital, are transferred into its care;
  • provides recordkeeping advice and information to government agencies;
  • makes public archives accessible to government departments, other organisations and the public;
  • manages the public archives in a protected and secure environment; and
  • provides leadership and support for archival activities across New Zealand.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web File:CC-BY icon.svg Material was copied from this source, which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</ref>

Information and Records Management Standard

Archive information and records management standards are of the utmost importance as it ensures consistency of delivery for organisations utilising Archive NZ's services. For Archives New Zealand, they act as underpinning principles for their purpose of collecting, preserving, and providing access to records which hold historical, legal and cultural significance.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite web</ref> Under section 27 of the Public Records Act 2005, the Chief Archivist of Archives New Zealand holds this responsibility and has issued such standards.<ref name=":02" /> To issue a standard, the Chief Archivist must make a copy of the draft available and have a process in place to communicate with every public office, approved repository, local authority and any other person considered to be impacted by or interested in the proposed standard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

These standards support and establish how Archive NZ can manage their information and records systematically and efficiently. It outlines the obligations of Archives NZ and other regulated organisations under the Public Records Act and sets out the minimum level of compliance that these organisations must meet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> ‘Records are considered to be any information, regardless of form and format, from documents through to data’.<ref name=":02" /> Alongside this, they are also used as evidence of business activity and information assets. They also include metadata which is managed as a record.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The standard also supports the rights of Māori, under the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi to access, use and reuse any information and records that are taonga.<ref name=":02" />

Information and records are key strategic assets for the public sector. Therefore, managing information and records appropriately is important in various different ways for Archives NZ including enabling the public to hold the government accountable; helps any organisations plan for and achieve their objectives; gives information to support informed decision making; outlines individual responsibilities; documents individuals and different groups entitlements; encourages collaboration and communication; facilities groups to be creative and also ensures that important public knowledge is available for research, discovery and reuse.<ref name=":02"/>

With these important factors to consider, all information and records should be:

  • trustworthy and managed accountably
  • readily accessible, understandable and usable
  • valued as critical to business operations
  • part of an organisation’s approach to risk management
  • maintained to meet business, government and community purposes<ref name=":02" />

Regulatory role and powers

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Archives New Zealand are the regulators of all information created by the public sector in New Zealand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their regulatory role is to ensure information is created and managed to a high standard, to ensure transparency and accountability and support the rights and entitlements of New Zealand citizens.

In order to execute this role, Archives New Zealand are granted several directive powers. Their regulatory tools include:

  • Direction to report: A report back order issued by the Chief Archivist to organisations with record keeping practices that arise concern.<ref name="Our regulatory tools">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Inspection: The inspection of public records, local authority records and local authority archives by the Chief Archivist if information management issues have arisen within public offices or local authorities.<ref name="Our regulatory tools"/>
  • Audit: Audits are regularly carried out by independent auditors in order to determine the health of information management in the public sector.<ref name="Our regulatory tools"/>
  • Issuing of penalties: It is an offence under the Public Records Act to willfully or negligently damage, dispose of, or destroy any public record, unless it is authorised under by the Chief Archivist. Archives New Zealand can impose penalties on individuals or organisations that do not comply with the PRA. Persons convicted of an offence may also be trespassed from Archives offices and services.<ref name="Our regulatory tools"/>

Archives Council Te Rua Wānanga

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The Archives Council Te Rua Wānanga is an unincorporated body established under the Public Records Act 2005.<ref name=":3" /> It provides independent advice to the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand on recordkeeping and archives matters, including those for which tikanga Māori is relevant.

The Archives Council meets four times a year to discuss archival and record keeping matters. 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.<ref>Template:Cite web File:CC-BY icon.svg Material was copied from this source, which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</ref>

The Archives Council's reports to the Minister are available on Archives New Zealand's website.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Holdings

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Archives New Zealand holds more than 7 million<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> New Zealand government records dating from the early 19th to the early 21st century. Records held include the originals of the Treaty of Waitangi, government documents, maps, paintings, photographs and film.

Significant holdings include:

Archives New Zealand does not solely collect government records. In fact, the institution also collects a wide range of materials that document New Zealand's social, cultural, and economic history. This includes personal papers, community archives, and business records, as well as photographs, audiovisual materials, maps, and other types of records. Personal papers are one example of the non-government records held by Archives New Zealand. These papers may include diaries, letters, and photographs that provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of New Zealanders in different periods of history.<ref name=manage>Manage records archives.govt.nz</ref>

Community archives are another type of non-government record held by Archives New Zealand. These archives may include records of local organisations and events, such as sports clubs, churches, and community groups, that reflect the social and cultural diversity of New Zealand.<ref>Community archives archives.govt.nz</ref>

Business records are also held by Archives New Zealand, and these documents provide insight into the development of key industries and sectors in New Zealand, such as agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing.<ref>Business archives archives.govt.nz</ref>

Archives New Zealand's collection of non-government records is an important resource for researchers, historians, and the wider public, and it contributes to the preservation and promotion of New Zealand's cultural heritage.

Finding records held

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Researchers can search descriptions of the records using Archway, an online database of records held at Archives New Zealand. Archives New Zealand has developed preservation programs and facilities to ensure that records are protected from damage and degradation. The organisation collaborates with the National Library of New Zealand and other cultural heritage institutions to digitize and provide access to a wide range of digital content.<ref>Digitised records archives.govt.nz</ref>

Physical records access

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Access to holdings is available through four reading rooms in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and through a remote reference service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 110,205 linear metres of physical archives were held in storage as at June 2018.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

While most records held by Archives New Zealand are open to the public, some access restrictions may apply based on factors such as the sensitivity of the information and the privacy of individuals.<ref>Using archives archives.govt.nz</ref>

In addition to preserving and providing access to historical records, Archives New Zealand also works with government agencies to manage their records. This includes providing guidance on record-keeping practices, developing standards for records management, and overseeing the transfer of records to Archives New Zealand for preservation and access.<ref name=manage/>

Digitised records

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In 2019 Archives New Zealand forged a new partnership with Swedish firm Axiell Collections who will be managing their digital collection.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This is a key partnership, as Axiell are known as a leading software supplier in the archives sector. A mantra of theirs is that culture should be preserved, shared and accessible through high quality systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was a key reason for Archives New Zealand moving from their previous system (Archway) to Axiell Collections: so that employees can become more efficient, as well as New Zealanders having enhanced access to New Zealand’s archives and taonga.

Unfortunately, in late 2022, there were security breaches of which Axiell has formally apologised for. This was due to technology failings, in conjunction with data entry errors, leading to a shutdown of the system for multiple days on multiple occasions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The security breach entailed public members being able to access restricted files through the new system, with 9000 files opened to being exposed. The files were related to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. In particular they were three sets of health records in a 21-year period from 1952, from a mental health facility in Canterbury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As stated, Axiell has issued a formal apology and are pouring significant resources into fixing the situation.

Digital records are also available via DigitalNZ. A selection of records are also available on Archives New Zealand's social media channels, including YouTube and Flickr.

Examples of digitised records available:

  • New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Personnel Files from the First World War – over 141,000 service files digitised.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • New Zealand Official War Art Collection.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Crown Purchase Deeds.
  • Māori (native) school records and,
  • Samoan Land Deeds – Series 18962.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

For a details of what is digitised by topic see Archives New Zealand's website.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Exhibitions

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He Tohu exhibition

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File:He Tohu Document Room.jpg
He Tohu Document Room

In May 2017, a new permanent archive exhibition He Tohu, opened at the National Library of New Zealand building on Molesworth Street, Wellington.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He Tohu is an exhibition of three of New Zealand's most significant constitutional documents:<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The development of the exhibition began in 2014.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> It provides an award-winning document room<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> containing the latest exhibition technology and a surrounding interactive space for visitors to learn about the documents and the people who signed them. He Tohu is accompanied by an education and outreach programme including an online component to make it accessible for those not Wellington-based.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He Tohu is presented by Archives New Zealand and the National Library of New Zealand, both of which are part of the Department of Internal Affairs. The documents remain in the care of the Chief Archivist under the Public Records Act 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":0" />

Associated Organisations

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Archives and Records Association of New Zealand (ARANZ) – Te Huinga Mahara

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Prior to its establishment in 1976, ARANZ was a part of the New Zealand Library Association (NZLA).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At this point in time, the NZLA contained a mix of historians, genealogists, librarians and archivists, however, there was a need voiced by archivists to become more focused on their speciality.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was the catalyst for the creation of this organisation. The original thought was that it should be open to public, serving as more of an interest group rather than limiting membership to archive professionals only. This is the form that remains to this day.

ARANZ are an incorporated society that are a key stakeholder in the archive sector.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Members include professional organisations, historians and of course: archivists. There are a variety of reasons why ARANZ are a significant partner for Archives New Zealand (as well as similar organisations). Namely, ARANZ serves as a leader regarding best industry practice for care, preservation, and administration of historical records; they hold an advocacy role for the sector which includes submissions to government regarding enhancements to existing legislation; a further role includes facilitating employee upskilling through shared knowledge as well advisory duties to appropriate educational facilities; and they produce regular publications and reports to facilitate these functions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Overall, due to ARANZ and their role as a key stakeholder in the sector, Archives New Zealand is supported in achieving their objectives outlined in the Public Records Act 2005. Amongst other roles, these are: maintaining stewardship of public records; ensuring records of government decision making are stored appropriately with the intention of long-term sustainability at the forefront of this function; ensuring records with long term value are transferred into its service; providing recordkeeping advice and information to government departments; making sure public archives are accessible to government, other organisations as well as the public; managing public archives in a protected and secure environment; and the provision of leadership and advocacy within the sector.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

See also

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References

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