How do I look after my photographs, documents, sound recordings or works of art?

We have a number of booklets that give advice about protecting and preserving your precious items. List of available booklets

See the list of booklets

Where can I purchase conservation materials?

We provide a list of New Zealand suppliers of conservation-quality materials. They sell archival packaging materials and related equipment.

Download a list of suppliers

Where can I get photographs / books / documents / film / sound recordings restored or conserved?

You should consult a professional conservator. The New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Materials website has a directory of professional conservators in New Zealand. They are listed by location and area of specialisation.

Go to the New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Materials website

Important things to discuss with a conservator before engaging them to do any conservation work:

  • Their training and experience
  • Their area of expertise
  • References from previous clients, examples of completed work
  • Options for treatment of your item – what do they plan to do?
  • A quote for the work to be done.

What should I consider if I am getting a document, photograph or artwork framed?

Advice about conservation framing is available in the downloadable booklet 'Conservation framing of artworks on paper'.

How can I get a photograph, book or document digitised, scanned or copied?

Any professional photography laboratory can scan documents and photographs. There are also two New Zealand companies offering scanning and digitisation services:

New Zealand Micrographics

Specialise in microfilming and scanning. They can scan photographs, documents, artworks and microfilms.

4 Oxford Street

Tawa

PO Box 51248

Wellington

Phone (04) 232 9396

Fax (04) 232 9399

Email info@micrographics.co.nz

Website http://www.micrographics.co.nz

AP Digital Consultancy Ltd

Andrew Pattengill

Phone 021 447 773

Email andrew@apdigital.co.nz

Website: http://web.mac.com/apdigitalnz/AP_Digital_Consultancy/Home.html

I want to learn more about looking after documentary heritage. Are there any training courses or workshops available?

The National Preservation Office (NPO) offers training courses and workshops for museums, libraries and community organisations.

More about NPO workshops and courses

National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP) at Te Papa also offers a number of training opportunities and workshops.

NSTP training calendar – Te Papa website

How do I find funding for my preservation project?

There are a number of funding opportunities available for museums, libraries or archives.

More about funding agencies

I have a collection of important documents. How do I best manage my archive?

Key points to consider for the acquisition, management and preservation of archives are described in our downloadable booklet 'Managing and preserving community archives'.

What equipment should I use for recording oral histories?

Information about the best digital recording equipment to use for oral history research and other types of sound recordings is available in our downloadable booklet 'Guide to digital recording'.

Contact Details
Contact Us National Preservation Office