Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho - Heritage and Archives

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For a limited time, our Family History resources have extended availability from home during the lockdown, explore them here.

About Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho - Heritage and Archives collections

Located on Level 3 of the Central Library, Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho - Heritage and Archives, care for the rich cultural and historical legacy of Kirikiriroa/Hamilton.

In addition to books and magazines, the Heritage collections include the Waikato Times from 1872; unpublished letters and diaries of early Waikato settlers; historic photographs; old business advertising leaflets and other memorabilia and treasures. There is also a large and growing collection of oral histories covering subjects such as architecture, the experiences of new migrants, and the development of Hamilton Gardens. 

The Heritage collections also include books on New Zealand history, art and culture, government information such as statutes and parliamentary reports, and the Hamilton City Council Archives. Other resources include a comprehensive range of maps, particularly early Hamilton, and resources for family history research.

If you're interested in Hamilton's history, take a look at Hamilton City Libraries' Heritage Collections. Browse the site using keyword searches and refine your search by decade, subject, location or format. Feel free to add comments and download any images you wish to keep.

Much of the older material in the collection has been donated by members of the community. If you would like to contribute to the ongoing preservation of Hamilton’s heritage, please contact us at heritage@hcc.govt.nz