A new storage facility in Levin will house the growing collections of the New Zealand National Library, New Zealand Archives, and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.
Photo: 123RF
The land purchased by the Department of Internal Affairs will provide space for the increasing size of the three institutions.
While funding of the construction of the new repository is still to be worked out, the design work is to start immediately, with the building planned to be finished by 2025.
"The purpose-built facility will provide the level of protection and care our documentary heritage needs," DIA deputy chief executive and Tāhuhu Programme executive Peter Murray said.
The DIA said it would hold low-use documentary heritage along with audio-visual material, government records, books, films and more.
The purpose-built repository will provide specialised lighting, temperature and humidity control, as well as protection from water damage, earthquakes and pests.
"This documentary heritage and taonga are treasured possessions of the nation and represent a unique and authoritative source of our history," Murray said.
It comes after the National Library earlier this year announced plans to reduce its collection by more than 600,000 books.
The culling was described as "cultural vandalism", and the organisation has since backtracked on its plans.
