Torona tētahi tari pūranga Visit an archives office

Access the archives and undertake research at our offices.

Many of our archives are stored offsite and can take up to five working days to reach our office locations.

To avoid delays:

• Gather as much information as you can about your research topic. Specific names, dates and places will help you search for records.
• Search the archives database online for relevant records.

Contact us at archives@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz so we can retrieve items before your visit.

During your visit

Follow reading room guidelines

Our archives are unique and irreplaceable. To help us to preserve them for researchers:

• handle items with care and keep items in order
• only use pencils to make notes. Do not bring pens
• do not bring food or drink
• no flash photography
• keep digital devices on silent mode
• place bags and belongings in the lockers provided.

Get help when needed

Talk to the archivist on duty if you:

• find an item that is damaged
• would like copies of documents
• want to reproduce or publish any of our archives
• need help to cite a record
• have any questions.

What you can bring

The following items are allowed during your visit:

• pencils
• laptop and USB drives
• mobile phone (on silent)
• personal camera (no flash)
• paper.

Photography

Check with an archivist so they can help you photograph an item safely.

• Do not use a flash on your camera.
• Do not use a tripod or specialist lighting equipment.
• Do not flatten or dismantle archive documents.
• Do not stand on furniture or remove archive items from the table.

You cannot photograph archives that:

• are restricted
• are too fragile
• you have not been given permission to photograph.

We take no responsibility for any damage or loss to camera equipment, devices or belongings while in the archives reading room. 

Archive office locations

Auckland Council Archives has offices in Albany and central Auckland.

• Hawiti Albany Hub

6-8 Munroe Lane

Albany

Google Maps

• Basement, Auckland Central City Library

44-46 Lorne Street

Auckland Central

Google Maps

Opening hours and information

Auckland Council Archives locations are not open on weekends or public holidays.

Albany

Our Albany office is open by appointment only, Monday to Friday.

Contact us on archives@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.

Central Auckland

Our Reading Room at the Auckland Central Library is open Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5pm, or by appointment.

Use the entrance to the Academy Cinema and walk down two floors. Contact us on archives@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have restricted mobility so we can arrange alternative access.