News Room

Major Redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand announced‏

27 May 2008

Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Minister Responsible for theNational Library, Judith Tizard, announced today a major investment inthe redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand, Te PunaMatauranga o Aotearoa.

The redevelopment project involves capital spending of $69 million over five years (of which $18 million has been previously allocated), with the project due for completion in late 2011.

"The redevelopment will open up and expand the building, making its valuable heritage collections more accessible to the public, and create additional storage and exhibition space," Helen Clark said.

"The National Library's collections are estimated to be worth $1 billion. They include material such as journals and notebooks of Katherine Mansfield, Sir Apirana Ngata's papers, and a diverse range of books, cartoons, paintings, photographs and sound recordings. It also houses the Alexander Turnbull Library.

"This development is a major milestone in the history of the National Library. A 21st-century library for the digital age will be created,"Helen Clark said.

The redevelopment will provide controlled storage environments which meet international preservation standards for collections, and will enhance research space and facilities.

"The Library's collections are the nation's richest and most valuable heritage collections, as well as being a vibrant hub of contemporary knowledge. They deserve our attention and investment inhow they are preserved and presented," Judith Tizard said.

The Alexander Turnbull Library, which is housed in the current buildingon Molesworth Street, will have a more prominent presence and its unique identity will be maintained.

"The redeveloped Molesworth Street building will be built on the existing structure. It will maximise use of public space in the parliamentary precinct, add space for exhibitions and digital services,and incorporate environmental sustainability features," JudithTizard said.

National Library Chief Executive and National Librarian Penny Carnaby said today was an enormously exciting and significant day.

"The National Library has a proud history and tradition as the wellspring of knowledge in New Zealand. It is a place where our minds can soar and our feet can rest.

"My staff and I are committed to delivering a New Generation National Library that connects New Zealanders to information important to all aspects of their lives, wherever they are in the world. There developed building will make an important contribution to the Library's transformation in a world that is increasingly digital.

"For all of you who know the inestimable value to the nation of the documentary heritage collections, largely held in the magnificent Alexander Turnbull Library, I give you my assurance that these collections will be kept safe during the construction period. Furthermore, we will make them as accessible as we possibly can during the redevelopment. We will also make sure the public and our customers are regularly updated on key milestones and developments."

Work on the building is planned to start towards the end of 2009 and be complete by the end of 2011.

For more information visit http://www.natlib.govt.nz/