At 70 Molesworth Street in Wellington’s Thorndon district, the National Library of New Zealand holds national heritage collections and the He Tohu exhibition. See the original Treaty of Waitangi, the 1835 Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand, and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition. Displays and guided tours help put the documents in context. The building also has quiet reading and work areas, accessible facilities, a ground-floor café and souvenir shops. Admission is free, so you can make a short exhibition visit or stay to research.
He Tohu and the founding documents
He Tohu is a permanent exhibition of three original documents: He Whakaputanga, the 1835 Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand; Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840; and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition. Together, they offer a close look at documents tied to the country’s political history and the right of women to vote.
The Treaty of Waitangi is the agreement between Māori and the Crown. The exhibition gives visitors a chance to see the historic document itself, alongside displays that explain its place in New Zealand’s history. Guided tours are available for visitors who want more context as they move through the exhibition.
A library for research and reading
The National Library preserves documentary heritage and has collections that include books, photographs, maps, manuscripts, newspapers and other archival material. Its Alexander Turnbull Library holds collections focused on New Zealand and the Pacific. The reading room and research services are useful for visitors looking into a particular subject, as well as for those who want a quiet place to read or work.
For research, use the online service to locate and request material before visiting. Some files are stored away from the reading room and need to be requested in advance; one account advises allowing a week for this. Once there, staff can help direct you to catalogues and online resources. Computers and printers are available, and a scanner can be used to send scans by email. Access to high-resolution images may be free or fee-based, depending on the material, so check the library website for details.
The building and visitor facilities
The library’s modernist building has a distinctive concrete exterior and sits on Molesworth Street, near Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. Inside, exhibition spaces sit alongside areas for study and reading. Antique objects are also displayed around the library.
The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, as well as gender-neutral facilities. Lockers near the entrance let you store belongings while you visit. A café on the ground floor serves coffee and snacks, and souvenir shops are also on the premises.
FAQ
Is entry to the National Library of New Zealand free?
Yes. Admission is free.
What can you see at He Tohu?
The permanent exhibition displays He Whakaputanga, the Treaty of Waitangi and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition.
How long do you need at the National Library?
Allow about one to two hours for a visit, including time at He Tohu. Researching specific collections can take longer.
Do I need to request research materials before visiting?
Some stored files need to be requested ahead of time. Check the library’s online service; one account advises allowing a week for files to be made available.
