The Manuscripts Collection forms part of the Alexander Turnbull Library collections. It fills over nine kilometres of shelving.
Manuscripts are often called archives. They include things like letters, emails, journals, diaries, notebooks, reminiscences, speeches, scrapbooks and minute books.
The collection includes the records of individuals and organisations active in the areas of:
- race relations
- Māori history and knowledge
- European discovery and exploration of the Pacific and Antarctica
- immigration and settlement
- war
- industrial relations
- business
- politics
- missionary and church activities
- sport and leisure
- science
- protest movements
- the arts.
As well as the records of individuals and organisations of national and international standing, we collect records of people who are not necessarily well known but whose experiences are representative of significant aspects of New Zealand's history. Examples include soldiers' letters, whakapapa books and immigrant journals.
We also have microfilm copies of New Zealand and overseas manuscript material held by other institutions, or still in private hands.
Planned changes to collection access
Our collections will be relocated while the Library building in Wellington is being redeveloped. During the relocation period, some collections will be available in two temporary locations: Archives New Zealand and a location on Thorndon Quay.
Relocation period availability:
- Most of the manuscript material in this collection will be available at Archives New Zealand. However there will be a temporary closure while it is packed and moved.
- Some low-use material will not be available.
We expect to finalise the dates of the relocation later in 2009. We will give you at least one month’s notice of collection access changes and closures.
For more information email atl@natlib.govt.nz
Find out more about planned changes to collection access
Archive of New Zealand Music
The Archive of New Zealand Music is part of the Manuscripts Collection. Its aim is to document the history of New Zealand music.
More about the Archive of New Zealand Music
Access items in this collection
The Manuscripts Collection is on the first floor of the Library. You can see digital copies of some items online in Timeframes and the Ranfurly Collection.
Search for descriptions of items in the Manuscripts Collection using TAPUHI. Not all material is fully described online. Additional hardcopy lists are available in the Manuscripts section to help you find items from the collection.
Access material through the Manuscripts enquiry desk on the first floor. You can request material in advance by contacting us. You can also use TAPUHI to make a request if you are in the Library.
More about registering and requesting
Get copies from items in this collection
Copies can be made from items in this collection if copying doesn’t breach copyright or other restrictions. Copying services are provided at the Manuscripts enquiry desk. Order photocopies or photographs of items by letter, phone or email
More about copyright and usage
Borrow items in this collection
You can borrow microfilm copies of some items from this collection by interloan through your local library. We do not lend original material.
Get help
We can answer your enquiries in person, by letter, phone or email.
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