History
Explore library resources about history - including world history, New Zealand history, local history, and family history.
In the library catalogue
More in the library catalogue
New For You - History & Current Events - September 2026
New additions to the library collection that explore history and global issues including politics, media, climate change, racism and more.
New For You - History & Current Events - August 2026
New titles that explore history and global issues including politics, media, climate change, racism and more.
New For You - Biographies - August 2026
New biographies and memoirs of the famous, the interesting and everyday people.
New For You - History & Current Events - September 2026
New additions to the library collection that explore history and global issues including politics, media, climate change, racism and more.
New For You - History & Current Events - August 2026
New titles that explore history and global issues including politics, media, climate change, racism and more.
New For You - Biographies - August 2026
New biographies and memoirs of the famous, the interesting and everyday people.
New Zealand Geographic
Writers, photographers and scientists tell the story of NZ in this online magazine archive. Includes videos, podcasts, and photography.
Bridget Williams Books BWB Online Collections
Deep, rich and high-quality New Zealand non-fiction eBooks brought together online.
ICS Cadastral Index
Survey plans as imaged by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for Landonline. Available only on Family History Computers.
eDS eResources Discovery Search
Access most of our eResource collection, articles, eBooks, journals, photographs & more, through a single access point.
New Zealand Geographic
Writers, photographers and scientists tell the story of NZ in this online magazine archive. Includes videos, podcasts, and photography.
Bridget Williams Books BWB Online Collections
Deep, rich and high-quality New Zealand non-fiction eBooks brought together online.
ICS Cadastral Index
Survey plans as imaged by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for Landonline. Available only on Family History Computers.
eDS eResources Discovery Search
Access most of our eResource collection, articles, eBooks, journals, photographs & more, through a single access point.
Historic events
Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Treaty of Waitangi
An agreement made between Māori and the British Crown in 1840, it is New Zealand’s founding document. Read our backgrounder to the Treaty.
Treaty of Waitangi for kids
Meet Whetū Marama and her Koro (grandfather) as they find out about Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
New Zealand Disasters
Information on notable New Zealand disasters including natural disasters, transport disasters, mining disasters and epidemics.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Treaty of Waitangi
An agreement made between Māori and the British Crown in 1840, it is New Zealand’s founding document. Read our backgrounder to the Treaty.
Treaty of Waitangi for kids
Meet Whetū Marama and her Koro (grandfather) as they find out about Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
New Zealand Disasters
Information on notable New Zealand disasters including natural disasters, transport disasters, mining disasters and epidemics.
Featured
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Uncovering the secrets of Christchurch under our feet
From 'Frozen Charlotte' Dolls to syphilis meds: Ky reports from WORD on curious artefacts found by Katharine Watson and Jessie Garland.
Heritage Highlights: Cold, tired and hungry in Antarctica
Sep 29th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Come and hear the Antarctic Heritage Trust's Lizzie Meek and Ella Beckett describe life and work for Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project.
Spinster, Married, Widow: Marital status and voting
Annette digs into the curly legislative history of how a woman's "occupation" was recorded when she enrolled to vote.
Local and family history
Family history guide
Whether you're just beginning to look into the history of your family or a seasoned researcher we have a wealth of resources that can help.