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Archival services

Auckland Council Archives preserve and make available local authority records dating from 1852, when permanent local government services were first established in the region.

Archive research services

Carry out your own research

While our staff can help you with identifying relevant sources, we encourage you to search the archives to carry out your own research.

The cost of our research

In exceptional circumstances, if you are unable to visit, we can carry out research on your behalf.

The first half hour of research we carry out is free. After the first half hour we charge $25 per half hour of research.

You will need to prepay our research service. We will let you know the cost before we start the research.

We will provide the first 15 pages of photocopying free of charge.

Imaging services

We provide an in-house reproduction service to researchers. The service consists of photocopying, scanning and photography.

Charges

All charges are inclusive of GST.

Read fee table.
Fee Service
Media and write charge – supply of images on CD or USB (small orders can be emailed or sent via One Drive free of charge)$10
Photocopies - colour A3$2
Photocopies – colour A4$1
Photocopies – black and white A3$0.40
Photocopies – black and white A4$0.20
Photograph or large format scan – high resolution digital images (JPEG or TIFF file, 300dpi, approximately 3500 x 2500 pixels)$20
Reproduction fee (for commercial use of images)​$125 per image
Scans from microfilm – black and white (JPEG or TIFF file)$3
Scans of documents A3 – black and white or colour (JPEG or TIFF file)$0.40
Scans of documents A4 – black and white or colour (JPEG or TIFF file)$0.20

Ways to pay

We accept payment by cash, EFTPOS and credit card.

Credit cards are accepted at the central office only and the minimum credit card transaction is $10.

You need to pay for all reproduction work at the time of order.

Our newsletter

We publish a newsletter twice a year. The newsletters include short research articles, information on upcoming events, new resources and additions to our collections.

Subscribe to the archives newsletter 'Auckland begins at the Archives'.

Read previous editions of our newsletter

Research articles

Road boards: Auckland Council’s ancestors

Some of the earliest records in the Auckland Council Archives belong to the highway and road boards. Tying in with the theme of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2017, From waterways to motorways – the heritage of transport and travel in Tāmaki Makaurau, this article provides a brief overview of the boards, their activities and the research value of their records.

Read the Road Boards: Auckland Council’s Ancestor Article.

Research guides

Property information resources

If you need historic information on a property you can order a property file.

If that doesn't have what you need, we have a range of records that may be of use.

Get a copy of our property information resources and how to use them

Our boys, our families research guide

The First World War (1914–1918) was one of the most significant events of the 20th century, and had a deep and long lasting impact on New Zealand.

As part of the First World War centenary commemorations, we have collaborated with Auckland Libraries to develop a research guide showcasing First World War research resources available at Auckland Libraries and Auckland Council Archives.

The guide will assist with research into family members or people who took part in the war.

We plan to release revised editions of the guide during the commemoration period (2014-2019) to create a set of guides.

Get a copy of the research guide

You can also pick up a copy of the research guide from these locations:

St James Theatre research guide

We have been receiving a number of customer queries regarding the St James Theatre complex, located between 304 and 328 Queen Street.

This guide is in response to the queries we received before the sale of the building in October 2014.

The guide provides an outline to the types of records we hold relating to the theatre.

Get a copy of the research guide

Research guide to Costley Training Institute (Carlile House)

The former Costley Training Institute, also known as Carlile House, is located at 84-90 Richmond Road.

This building has had many owners and served various purposes over time. It has been the subject of many enquiries over the years.

This guide outlines the resources we hold on this property.