Local History Collections

Find archives and research collections in local libraries and museums.

Richmond Library

These local history collections are for use in the library only. As some items are held off-site, please Contact Richmond Library in advance or book a librarian to access these collections.

Waimea South Genealogy and History Collection

Archives, unpublished family information, and other items relating to the Waimea South area, mainly Brightwater, Wakefield and Foxhill. The collection is jointly owned by Tasman District Council and the Waimea South Historical Society. Photos from this collection are available on Tasman Heritage.

Local History Collection

Books, journals, published family histories, school magazines, oral history transcripts, and other items from the Nelson Tasman area. Highlights include a Roll of Honour of local service people who served in the Boer War, World War One and World War Two.

Motueka, Tākaka and Murchison Libraries

Each library holds genealogy and local history resources about their area. For more information, contact your local library branch.

Collections in Other Organisations

The following local organisations have resources for family historians and researchers.

Nelson Public Libraries - Heritage Collections

Includes the complete run of the Nelson Mail (Nelson Evening Mail) on microfilm, as well as a Māori Heritage Collection that includes Nelson Māori Land Court and Land Board records.

Nelson Provincial Museum - Research Facility

An extensive range of local history resources including publications, photographic and archival collections. The collection's strength is in the period 1841-1920.

Golden Bay Museum - Te Waka Huia o Mohua

Collections focus on the history and geology of the Golden Bay / Mohua area. The Museum archives hold information on and photographs of Golden Bay / Mohua families, schools, and local industries.

Motueka District Museum Research Room

Family histories, photographs, and scrapbooks on Motueka and surrounding areas including Māpua, Moutere and the Abel Tasman National Park.

Murchison Museum and Historical Society

Collections include photographs, archives, records and items relating to the wider Murchison area, including a military roll of honour, early agricultural machinery, and written accounts of the devastating 1929 Murchison Earthquake.

Related Link: