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Arabic and Islamic writings in New Zealand

Heritage New Zealand Autumn 2025 includes an article by Sahar Lone on early Arabic and Islamic works in NZ. The article cites Dr Zain Ali, and notes that Dr Ali undertook research supported by the Auckland Library Heritage Trust (2014/2015). His focus was the golden Qur'ān and some manuscripts of poems in Arabic held by Auckland Libraries.The Heritage New Zealand article is here, pages 30-33.Hear Dr Ali speaking about his research:...

Read Tania Mace's blog

Following her talk on central Auckland's lost neighbourhoods in April, Tania Mace (ALHT John Stacpoole scholar) has contributed a detailed blog post to Heritage et AL. Her public talk, attended by members of the public including ALHT trustees, drew on the wealth of census documents, maps, photographs and other documents in Auckland Libraries' heritage collections. A further research output is Tania's interview with the library's Sue Berman. Listen here. These research outputs deliver on the...

Scholarship applications open

Auckland Library Heritage Trust, in partnership with Auckland Libraries, has opened applications for the ALHT John Stacpoole Scholarship to be awarded in 2025. Read more about John Stacpoole, the scholarships and previous winners here.In awarding the scholarship, ALHT trustees will consider:How the proposed project engages with the public and/or has the potential to increase knowledge of, or access to, the heritage collections in Auckland Libraries.The research-readiness of chosen collections an...

Central Auckland's lost neighbourhoods: Tania Mace

Since Tania's talk, she has delivered other research outputs in fulfilment of the scholarship. Read about them here....

Other Worlds exhibition

Visit the central library in Lorne Street for something special. As the library describes it: 'Explore the imaginative worlds of science fiction in this vibrant exhibition featuring books, magazines, comics and posters from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Science fiction allows readers and writers to imagine other worlds, whether they’re mind-bending, hopeful or downright terrifying.' Other Worlds is running until 2 August 2025. Read more and listen to a series of illuminati...

Thank you, Judith!

Judith Bassett QSO retired from ALHT in December 2024. Her long period of service as a trustee had begun in 2003.The photograph above shows Judith (far right) at the opening of Auckland Libraries' Manatunga exhibition on 12 June 2013. Next to Judith, holding the carved taonga called 'Te Kauroa,' is Allison Dobbie, then General Manager of Auckland Libraries. Next to Allison is the then Governor-General, Lt Gen. The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae. The Governor-General was at this time the patron ...

Mackelvie exhibition: Pattern Books

Note: exhibition now closed.Visit the Auckland Central City Library (level 2, the atrium) to see a display of stunning designs from books owned by the book collector and philanthropist James Mackelvie. The exhibition includes two rare books on display in a temperature controlled and secure cabinet purchased for the library by the Auckland Library Heritage Trust.Read more about Mackelvie's collection of pattern books....

Going West work progressing

Photo from the Going West website...

Acknowledging our trustees

We've got a few dates to research and add to the list of trustees past and present. Auckland Library Heritage Trust has been supported by some long-serving members. Emeritus Professor Russell Stone, for instance, came on to the Trust in 1996 and served until 2019. ...

Congratulations, David

On 5 September our chair, David Simcock, was admitted to the degree Doctor of Philosophy in History at The University of Auckland's graduation ceremony. Dr Simcock's thesis is entitled 'Achieving Primacy: The History of Auckland in the 1950s.' David's research examines the growth of Auckland and how it came to be considered 'primate' by the end of the 50s.Read moreOur warm congratulations, David!...