Media Release
7 November 2005
State-of-the-art storage for precious collections
A state-of-the-art sprinkler system will protect Waitakere City’s heritage collections when the Waitakere Central
Library opens in Henderson next year courtesy of a $130,000 grant from the Lottery Grants Board.
The AcquaMist system used by archives and art galleries worldwide minimises the density of water damage in the event of
a fire. The grant covers the installation of a pre-action sprinkler mist fire suppression system including a pump room
and installation costs.
Councillor Penny Hulse says that the improved protection will ensure future citizens have appropriate access to
Waitakere’s history through photos, archives and books.
“The new system to protect Waitakere’s heritage is a great asset to make sure donated collections from local families
are stored safely and securely, whilst still allowing the public the opportunity to delve into Waitakere’s rich
history,” she says.
A new heritage suite will house the City’s documentary heritage collections. It includes a cool store for photographic
negatives and a temperature and humidity controlled storage area for documents and books including the J. T. Diamond
archive and the library’s precious glass plate negative collections, the oral history archives and other heritage
collections. There will be a small exhibition space as well as a Waitakere and West Auckland research room -The J. T.
Diamond Reading Room.
To discuss donating heritage material to Waitakere Library or for advice on storing your family papers email:
preservation@waitakere.govt.nz or phone the Local History Collections Advisor on 838 1303 ext. 823.
ENDS