Recording & storing Kerikeri's history

Archives are to be established in a special section of the Procter Library at Kerikeri to help preserve the history of Kerikeri and surroundings areas.

Designs have been completed and work is expected to start on the development of the new archives section within the next few weeks. The opportunity to press ahead was taken when additional space became available at the library following the re-location of Development Consents staff to new facilities at the John Butler Centre at Kerikeri.

The dedicated archives section, being developed at a cost of $120,000, will include research areas for those seeking to access the valuable historic records. The library already holds archival material lodged by the public for safe-keeping and the new archives section will enable the library to build on the existing collection.

"This is an opportunity for the public to gain a wider understanding of the history of the area and the people and families who have contributed to the make-up of Kerikeri as we know it today. The new archives section when completed will also record and store oral history," Far North Libraries Manager Bronwyn Hunt said today.

"We would encourage people holding manuscripts or information of historic significance to make these available to the library. This will help us develop our archives catalogue and at the same time ensure this precious information is safely stored for posterity," she said.

A steering committee comprising Bronwyn Hunt, Adrian Korich, Florence Annison, Nancy Pickmere, Jim Baird and Cr. Anne Court has been set up to oversee the introduction of the new archives section. People interested in adding to the collection should contact Bronwyn Hunt (0800 920 029) or Florence Annison (407 6555)