What can I do

Ā mātou kohinga ahurei
Our unique collections

Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is home to collections that reflect Wellington’s identity, history, and creativity. Alongside the wider Wellington City Libraries collection, these are collections you can experience only here in the heart of Pōneke.

Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington

Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington brings together heritage library collections and Wellington City Archives services in one place. It’s a palace to explore the story of Wellington – and our place in it.

Here, you can use the Rūma Pānui | Reading Room, access archives and historic newspapers, explore digital heritage resources on public computers, digitise your own collections, or book appointments to view unpublished material.

A space to explore the story of Wellington and our place in it

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Use the quiet Reading Room to research, read historic newspapers and explore Wellington’s past.

Explore digital heritage

Access digital heritage collections and research tools on public computers.

View rare and special collections

Book an appointment to view rare books, archives and unpublished material with staff support.

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Use the quiet Reading Room to research, read historic newspapers and explore Wellington’s past.

Explore digital heritage

Access digital heritage collections and research tools on public computers.

View rare and special collections

Book an appointment to view rare books, archives and unpublished material with staff support.

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Use the quiet Reading Room to research, read historic newspapers and explore Wellington’s past.

Explore digital heritage

Access digital heritage collections and research tools on public computers.

View rare and special collections

Book an appointment to view rare books, archives and unpublished material with staff support.

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Use the quiet Reading Room to research, read historic newspapers and explore Wellington’s past.

Explore digital heritage

Access digital heritage collections and research tools on public computers.

View rare and special collections

Book an appointment to view rare books, archives and unpublished material with staff support.

Explore the stories of Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori history and knowledge through our significant local and heritage collections.

These include Aotearoa New Zealand and Māori reference collections, local heritage resources, and rare or special collection items accessed with staff support.

Creative and non‑traditional collections

Not every collection lives on a bookshelf. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui also supports collections that encourage creativity and shared experiences.

This includes vinyl, CDs, DVDs, board games (Kēmu), and sheet music. There are also tablets, portable DVD and CD players, and recording and event equipment kits for loan.

Kete and kits

We offer a range of kete and kits designed to support learning, creativity and everyday wellbeing.

Home health kete - practical tools to help you monitor and support a healthy home.
Memory kete - created to support whānau living with dementia or memory loss.
Sensory kete - available alongside our low-sensory room, these kete help tamariki and adults explore sensory tools in a safe and supportive way.

Te reo kete - a curated resource pack of books, games and learning tools that support people to learn and use te reo Māori at home and in the community.
Ghost hunting kete - a uniquely Wellington favourite, these include simple sound and temperature tools for curious explorers.

Accessing our collections

Ā mātou kohinga ahurei
Our unique collections

Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington

Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington brings together heritage library collections and Wellington City Archives services in one place. It’s a palace to explore the story of Wellington – and our place in it.

Here, you can use the Rūma Pānui | Reading Room, access archives and historic newspapers, explore digital heritage resources on public computers, digitise your own collections, or book appointments to view unpublished material.

Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington brings together heritage library collections and Wellington City Archives services in one place. It’s a palace to explore the story of Wellington – and our place in it.

Here, you can use the Rūma Pānui | Reading Room, access archives and historic newspapers, explore digital heritage resources on public computers, digitise your own collections, or book appointments to view unpublished material.

A space to explore the story of Wellington and our place in it

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Explore digital heritage

View rare and special collections

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Explore digital heritage

View rare and special collections

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Explore digital heritage

View rare and special collections

Rūma Pānui | Reading Room

Explore digital heritage

View rare and special collections

Explore the stories of Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori history and knowledge through our significant local and heritage collections.

These include Aotearoa New Zealand and Māori reference collections, local heritage resources, and rare or special collection items accessed with staff support.

Creative and non‑traditional collections

Not every collection lives on a bookshelf. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui also supports collections that encourage creativity and shared experiences.

This includes vinyl, CDs, DVDs, board games (Kēmu), and sheet music. There are also tablets, portable DVD and CD players, and recording and event equipment kits for loan.

Kete and kits

Accessing our collections

Some collections are available to browse and borrow. Others are for in‑library use or accessed with staff support.

Our library and archives staff are here to help you find what you need and guide you through specialist material.

Learn more