Maori collections
in New Zealand
libraries
215
Maori collections in
New Zealand libraries
Chris Szekely
NZLIA and Te Ropu Whakahau’s Te Ara Tika
Research Project, and
Sally Weatherall
National Library of New Zealand’s Services to Schools Collections
Introduction
There is a wealth of historical Maori material in New Zealand libraries in the
form of books, newspapers, manuscripts, archives, pictures, maps,
photographs and sound recordings. Much of the written material is in the Maori
language and originates from Maori authors dating from the early nineteenth
century. Over the years these treasures were largely overlooked by researchers,
apart from a few notable scholars. Hence, there was little pressure on libraries
to devote much attention to catalog or arrange the material adequately, or to
make it accessible. In more recent times, however, this heritage material,
together with the increasing body of published resources, has become keenly
sought after by an emerging generation of Maori scholars, by Treaty claims
researchers, and by educators searching for resource material to support Maori
language education. Accordingly, libraries have had to become more responsive
to the way Maori material is cared for and made accessible.
This article describes the historical context which has led to libraries having
an important role in caring for Maori heritage material. There is also some
discussion of the current relevance of Maori collections to client needs, and a
consideration of some of the factors and issues associated with collection
management. Several different institutions are profiled to illustrate the diverse
nature of the collections and the types of libraries that hold them.
The connections between Maori and libraries: historical
background
The colonization of New Zealand by mainly British settlers began in earnest in
the mid-nineteenth century, following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in
1840. The Treaty is essentially New Zealand’s founding document of
nationhood, establishing British rule over the country, while guaranteeing
Maori the ongoing ownership of their lands, fisheries and other possessions
(Orange, 1987).
Prior to the influx of settlers, the missionaries had established a much earlier
foothold in the country. One of the first things they achieved was an
orthography of the Maori language. Thereafter, through missionary teachings,
Asian Libraries, Vol. 6 No. 3/4, 1997,
pp. 215-222. © MCB University
Press, 1017-6748