The council archives hold local authority records dating from 1852, when permanent local government services first began. Most of our records were created after 1870.
Archive records and collections
What you can access in our archives
Around 420,000 records have been transferred from former local authorities within the Auckland region to the Auckland Council Archives.
How to search the archives
You can search the archives database online.
Once you have identified the records you want from the database, visit us to access the records.
Contact us if you cannot find the information you need. We will suggest records that may help with your enquiry.
Types of records we hold
Our records cover subjects such as:
- bylaws
- council cemeteries
- historic property information and housing
- licensing
- parks and reserves
- rates and valuations
- refuse disposal
- resource management
- roads
- town planning (including district plans and district schemes)
- transport
- water supply and drainage.
To find original burial, plot and administrative records for Auckland's cemeteries, visit Find a burial or cremation record.
Get a copy of Auckland's local government agencies timeline
Download a timeline of the local government agencies that have existed throughout the Auckland region:
Auckland Regional Council
Auckland Regional Council was formed in 1989, taking over the responsibilities of the Auckland Regional Authority (ARA). The ARA was established in 1963, taking on the roles of other agencies, such as regional planning and public transport.
Download the archive records lists for the following agencies:
Restricted records
Most of our records can be read, however some have access restrictions. This may be:
- to protect sensitive personal information
- to maintain the security of buildings (such as airports or banks)
- because the records are fragile.
Access restrictions can vary from 10 to 100 years, or for the life of the building.
Contact us to discuss restricted records. In some cases the best option may be to Make an official information request.
Sensitive historical content
Some of our archival material includes language, views or attitudes that may be upsetting. These reflect the time they were created and may be outdated, offensive or discriminatory. They do not reflect the values or practices of Auckland Council today.