27 May 2008: Minister's statement on National Library building redevelopment
The redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa is an exciting and significant milestone in the history of this national institution as it transforms itself to meet the changing needs of New Zealanders operating in a knowledge society.
New Zealand aspires to be a world leader in using information and technology to realise our goals; social, cultural, environmental and economic. To assist with this we need a modern 21st Century library that opens up New Zealand’s heritage collections and stories, which expose us to new ideas, and allow creativity to thrive. We need a national library that ensures the preservation and protection of our taonga for future generations; one that maximises digital opportunities, and provides an environment that is sustainable, creative and engages all who visit, literally or virtually.
The redevelopment of this building will ensure that the National Library of New Zealand continues to make an important contribution to our national identity both in our own sense of nationhood, as well as increasing the awareness and understanding of New Zealand internationally.
I look forward to seeing the library's transformation through this exciting period of change.
Hon Judith Tizard
Minister Responsible for the National Library
