Archives New Zealand and the National Library are working together to ensure a safe environment for some of the Library's most precious collections, during the Library's upcoming building redevelopment.

Greg Goulding, Archives New Zealand Acting Chief Executive and Penny Carnaby, National Library Chief Executive, said the joint project demonstrated the strong working relationship between the two organisations and represented practical kiwi collaboration by ensuring the collections would remain available to customers.

From early next year Archives New Zealand's Wellington repository will temporarily house the majority of the Alexander Turnbull Library's manuscript collections.

These collections include diaries, letters, journals and scrapbooks, as well as a selection of maps and photographs. The Turnbull's acclaimed special printed collections of rare and early books will also be housed at Archives New Zealand, as well as the National Library's Dorothy Neal White Collection of pre-1940 children's books.

"This initiative means researchers will continue to have onsite access to heritage collections through a jointly-operated reading room, while the material is stored in a safe and secure place," said Penny Carnaby.

Archives New Zealand and the National Library have purpose-built almost 10 kilometres of shelving to accommodate the collections.

"We are delighted to open our doors to the library and provide joint services to our customers," Greg Goulding said. "This is a practical and cost-effective approach, demonstrating the strong working relationship between our two organisations. When the Library returns to its redeveloped building, the shelving will serve Archives New Zealand's own expanding holdings."

The move also means the heritage collections do not have far to travel, as the two institutions are less than a hundred metres apart. "To make sure the collections are safe at all times, a heritage collection protection expert will assess our moving plans and packing arrangements," Penny Carnaby said. "The Library's conservators and curators will also be involved in the careful preparation, moving and unpacking of the heritage material." The National Library's $52 million redevelopment will address critical issues with failing plant and infrastructure and collection storage, and requires collections and staff to move into temporary locations. Timelines and details of the relocation are expected to be confirmed shortly.