Changes to services due to construction
Construction is underway to build a connecting bridge between the National Library and the new Archives building. The building is open during construction but there are changes to our services while the work is underway. Read the latest updates.
Updated 23 January 2024
We are open during construction
We are open during construction but there are some changes to our services while the work is underway. Building work will run until October 2024
Reading rooms changes
The reading rooms are open
Pick up all items from Katherine Mansfield Reading Room
All collection items will be delivered to the Katherine Mansfield Reading Room and issued there for reading.
As so many items in the Turnbull collections are one of a kind, we don't allow bags, coats, food or drink, or pens in the Katherine Mansfield Reading Room. We provide lockers and plastic bags for your things.
Collection delivery times
Collection delivery times are as follows.
Day | If you request an item by | Your item will be available from |
|---|---|---|
Monday to Friday | 8:30am | 10am |
Monday to Friday | 10:30am | 12pm |
Monday to Friday | 12pm | 1:30pm |
Monday to Friday | 1:30pm | 3pm |
Monday to Friday | 3pm | 4:30pm |
Friday only | 4pm | 9am Saturday |
Saturday/Sunday | No collection delivery | No collection delivery |
He Tohu exhibition
The He Tohu interactive exhibition has been removed and stored. There was a formal blessing by mana whenua Taranaki Whānui.
You can visit the three iconic constitutional documents — He Whakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and The Women’s Suffrage Petition 1893, in He Whakapapa Kōrero (the document room).
Find out more about visiting He Tohu
Tiakiwai Conference Centre
The Tiakiwai Conference Centre has limited availability. There will be changes to floor layouts and venue spaces because of the building works.
While some services will be affected, we're still here to assist you however we can.
Contact Tiakiwai Conference Centre
Events
Check the events page on our website for updates to our event programme.
Piano Room closed
The Piano Room will be closed while building works are going on.
What’s happening
A two-level link bridge is being constructed that will connect the new Archives New Zealand building to the National Library building in Wellington. Building work will run from 3 April 2023 until September 2024.
The link bridge is part of Heke Rua Archive building project, which aims to enable greater collaboration between Archives and the Library through shared facilities and public services.
Heka Rua Archive building project
Collection care during construction
The risks to our collections are low, and we've put measures in place in the collection stores, the He Tohu document room, and the building to ensure their safety. Our collection care staff continue to work with the construction company to address any potential impact on our collections.
General construction noise
Until October 2024, there will be higher levels of noise that will be disruptive to staff and visitors.
Expert opinion is that the noise and vibration will not be harmful to people or collections, but may be irritating or uncomfortable.
Key construction dates
To help you plan your visit, here’s what’s happening:
10 October 2023 to January 2024 — façade demolition phase 2
1 November 2023 to October 2024 — general construction noise
Mid-August to mid-January 2024 — building new classroom space.
Feature image at top of page: Design concept of the two-level link bridge.