Last updated July 2026
The Sir George Grey Special Collections — Ngā Kohinga Taonga Whakahirahira — at the Auckland Central City Library form one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage research collections. The collection takes its name from Sir George Grey, former Governor and Premier, whose personal collection donated in the 1880s forms the historical core. It now spans rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, ephemera, music scores, and visual art, with particular strength in New Zealand history, Pacific studies, and Māori material. Free public access is available via the Central City Library on Lorne Street, though some specialist or fragile items require advance request.
Practical Information
| Location | Auckland Central City Library, 44-46 Lorne Street, Auckland Central |
| Māori name | Ngā Kohinga Taonga Whakahirahira (the precious treasures collection) |
| Origin | Founded on Sir George Grey’s donated personal collection in the 1880s |
| Holdings | Rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, ephemera, music scores, visual art |
| Subject coverage | New Zealand history, Pacific studies, Māori material, European and global rare materials |
| Access | Free public access via Central City Library; some specialist materials require advance request |
| Research support | Research Central / Te Wāhi Rangahau ki te Puku on Level 2 provides reference assistance |
| Cost | Free |
About Sir George Grey Special Collections
The Sir George Grey Special Collections, known by its Māori name Ngā Kohinga Taonga Whakahirahira, is one of the foundational heritage collections of Auckland Libraries. Sir George Grey, who served twice as Governor of New Zealand and later as Premier, assembled a major personal library during the 19th century focused on New Zealand, the Pacific, and broader linguistic and literary heritage. He donated this collection to Auckland in the 1880s, and it has since grown through purchases and further donations into one of the country’s major research resources.
The holdings include rare books such as illuminated manuscripts and incunabula, original photographs, historical maps and charts especially of the Pacific, manuscripts of New Zealand interest, ephemera including posters and programmes, music scores, and visual art. Subject strengths lie in New Zealand history, Pacific studies, Māori material, and 19th-century European literary and artistic heritage, with some items forming part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register.
The collection is now often presented under the broader Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections banner, yet the Sir George Grey Special Collections name remains in active use for the core holdings. It supports researchers in genealogy, history, Pacific studies, and many other fields through both physical and some digitised materials.
Access and Research Support
The collections are held at the Central City Library on Lorne Street, with free public access during library opening hours. Some specialist or particularly fragile items require advance request to allow staff to prepare materials and ensure conservation needs are met. Research Central on Level 2 of the library offers dedicated reference support for users of the special collections.
What Visitors Often Say
Researchers appreciate the depth of unique New Zealand and Pacific materials available and the helpful staff who assist with requests for rare items.
Visitors describe the experience as rewarding for serious historical or genealogical work, noting the quiet research environment and the value of both physical and digitised resources.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections: overview of all heritage holdings including rare books, manuscripts, photographs and Māori collections.
Auckland Libraries Locations and Services: current opening hours, Research Central details and access information for the Central City Library.
Auckland Libraries Rare Books: details on the rare books component of the Sir George Grey Special Collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the collection held?
The Auckland Central City Library at 44-46 Lorne Street, Auckland Central.
Who was Sir George Grey?
A former Governor and Premier of New Zealand who donated his personal collection in the 1880s, forming the historical core of the Special Collections.
What does Ngā Kohinga Taonga Whakahirahira mean?
“The precious treasures collection” — the Māori name for the Sir George Grey Special Collections.
Is it free to access?
Yes, free public access is available via the Central City Library. Some specialist or fragile materials require advance request.
What is in the collection?
Rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, ephemera, music scores, and visual art, with strong coverage of New Zealand history, Pacific studies, and Māori material.
Do I need to book in advance?
General access is during library hours, but advance requests are required for some specialist or fragile items.
Is there research assistance available?
Yes, Research Central on Level 2 provides reference support for users of the special collections.
Are any items digitised?
Selected items from the collections are available online through Auckland Libraries digital platforms.
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