Media Release
27 March 2001

Maori Land Court Minute Books now in Manukau

Manukau City Council’s Libraries Reference Service can now offer the residents of Manukau access to one of the most important documented sources of New Zealand history, the Maori Land Court Minute Books.

Since its establishment in 1865, the Maori Land Court has produced a vast quantity of records which are of great historical importance, and are used by researchers in many areas of study. These include Treaty of Waitangi claim researchers and people investigating family and local history.

The minute books of the Courts comprise one of the most extensive sources of information on early Maori history in New Zealand. They are also an invaluable source of whakapapa and record of early New Zealand place names. The Maori Land Court Minute Books are an important addition to the Maori resources which have been built up by the library over the last decade.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says “Manukau Libraries has several thousand published items which combine to form one of the most extensive collections of published Maori material held by any public library in New Zealand. It is particularly relevant that Manukau hold these resources, as the city is home to more than 40,000 residents who claim Maori ancestry - the largest and fastest-growing urban Maori population in New Zealand.”

Manukau Libraries recently conducted an extensive survey of Maori residents to ascertain Maori opinion on, and usage of, the library service in Manukau. The report of the survey is expected in May. This is the second such survey conducted by the Library. The first survey, undertaken in 1996, resulted in a range of tailored initiatives, including the establishment of Maori collections in library branches throughout the city, and the running of classes on how to use published resources to assist with whakapapa research. Maori usage of the Library’s resources, particularly at the Central Services library has increased markedly as a result.

There is increasing use of the Library through electronic means, including access to Maori resources. Resources to assist with whakapapa research are now available via the Library’s website. The site can also be searched using either the English or Maori languages.

Anyone wishing to access the Maori Land Court Minute books should contact Manukau Libraries Maori Advisor, Jock Walker on 262 5101.

ENDS

Media contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications Unit
Phone (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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