The Manuscripts Collection forms part of the Alexander Turnbull Library collections. It fills over ten kilometres of shelving.
Manuscripts also 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. Some material such as the Donald McLean papers and the Ranfurly Collection are now digitally available.
The Donald McLean papers on Manuscripts & Pictorial website
The Library’s building redevelopment
The Library building in Wellington is closed for redevelopment, and due to reopen in early 2012. During the relocation period, some collections are available in two temporary locations: Archives New Zealand and a reading room at 77 Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
More about collection access through the Wellington building redevelopment period
Access the Manuscripts Collection during the building redevelopment
- Most materials in this collection are available at Archives New Zealand, 10 Mulgrave Street, Wellington.
- Some low-use material will not be available.
For more information email atl@natlib.govt.nz
You can see digital copies of some items online in Timeframes, Manuscripts and Pictorials and the Ranfurly Collection.
Search for descriptions of items in the Manuscripts Collection using TAPUHI. Not all material is fully described online.
Manuscripts & Pictorial website
More about registering and requesting
Get copies from items in this collection
From 25 February 2010, copies can be made from items in this collection if copying doesn’t breach copyright or other restrictions. Copying services are provided at Archives New Zealand, or you can order photocopies or photographs of items by letter, phone or email.
More about copyright and usage
Borrow items in this collection
From 25 February 2010, you can borrow microfilm copies of some items from this collection by interloan through your local library. We do not lend original material.
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
Get help
We can answer your enquiries in person, by letter, phone or email. The Curator, Manuscripts is available to help you on weekdays. Appointments are necessary.
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