Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision is New Zealand’s audiovisual archive, holding one of the largest collections of film, television, radio, and recorded sound in the country. The Wellington viewing space is located at the National Library building on Molesworth Street in Thorndon, where researchers and members of the public can access material from the collection.
Practical Information
| Address | Level 1, National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday–Friday 10am–4:30pm (viewing desk) |
| Admission | Free — public access to general material; researcher access by prior arrangement |
| Phone | 0800 642 826 (0800 NGA TAONGA) |
| fi**********@***********rg.nz (for research appointments) |
About the Archive
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision was formed in 2014 from the merger of the New Zealand Film Archive and the Sound and Vision archive of Radio New Zealand. The collection spans over a century of New Zealand audiovisual history — feature films, documentaries, newsreels, television programmes, radio recordings, home movies, and oral histories. It is one of the country’s most significant cultural heritage organisations.
The archive’s remit includes preserving and providing access to material that documents New Zealand life, culture, and history. A significant portion of the collection reflects Māori and Pasifika audiovisual heritage. Ngā Taonga actively works on digitisation and preservation of at-risk material.
Visiting and Research Access
Members of the public can visit the Wellington space at the National Library to view a selection of general material from the collection in dedicated viewing areas on the first floor. For access to specific research material, or for screening arrangements, contact the archive by email in advance. The Wellington space is the main public access point for the collection.
Where to Learn More
Ngā Taonga — Wikipedia — history of the archive and its predecessor organisations.
FAQ
Is Ngā Taonga free to visit?
Yes — public access to the viewing space and general material is free. Specialised research access may require prior arrangement.
Where is Ngā Taonga in Wellington?
Level 1 of the National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon — the same building as He Tohu and the Alexander Turnbull Library.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10am–4:30pm. The viewing desk is closed on weekends and public holidays.
What can I see there?
A selection of general material from the audiovisual collection is available for public viewing. Researchers requiring access to specific material should contact the archive by email in advance to arrange viewing appointments.
What does the archive hold?
Over a century of New Zealand film, television, radio, and recorded sound — documentaries, newsreels, home movies, oral histories, and radio recordings, with a significant focus on Māori and Pasifika material.
How do I arrange a research visit?
Email fi**********@***********rg.nz to arrange access to specific material. General visiting during opening hours does not require booking.
Also in the same building: National Library of New Zealand holds He Tohu — the original Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Waitangi, and Women’s Suffrage Petition. For more cultural sites, see Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.