Our archives - Overview
Several thousand records relating to many aspects of state housing, including those relating to houses at one time owned by the state, are held by Archives New Zealand. You can access these records through their website, Archway.
State housing in New Zealand had been managed by many different agencies over the years, and the records reflect this. There are items from the Housing Division of the Ministry of Works, the State Advances Corporation, Housing Corporation of New Zealand and Housing New Zealand Ltd.
Other agencies such as the Police, Education, Māori Affairs, the Post Office, the Prison service and others also owned houses which were at times managed by the Housing agencies.
If you find something you wish to use please contact Archives New Zealand.
Information on ex-state houses
We also have records that are sought after by people wanting to find out about specific properties. The collection includes building and drainage plans, and photos. This information is often of interest to local councils, home owners and renovators.
Photos
Our collection of historical photos includes state houses, subdivisions and housing construction, as well as portraits of previous staff members.
