Release of classified historical files

Manatū Aorere, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has released over 100 previously classified historical files relating to Tokelau, and over 200 further files following requests from the public.

The Tokelau files originate from the Island Territories Department or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade from the 1910s to the 1990s, and are now held by Archives New Zealand, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga.

These files cover a broad range of subjects including land, shipping, aviation, health, education, agriculture, and communications.

Late last year Archives New Zealand, National Library of New Zealand, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade between them held three preview events with members of the Tokelauan community at the new Te Kahu heritage campus in Wellington. The events provided an opportunity to share these newly declassified files while introducing the community to Archives New Zealand and National Library collections more generally.

In addition to the Tokelau files, the release also includes historical files reviewed and declassified by MFAT in response to requests from members of the public and released in 2024 and 2025. They cover a diverse range of countries, topics and periods including:

• Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain (1960s-1990s)
• The International Court of Justice and International Law Commission (1940s-1980s)
• The Pacific, particularly re immigration matters (1950s-1990s)
• Miscellaneous administrative matters including stamps, seals and coats of arms (1930s-1970s)

The full list of files can be seen here[XLSX, 76 KB].

This file release is part of MFAT's regular declassification programme, which sees records 25 years and older reviewed and declassified, subject to a process to ensure New Zealand's interests are protected.

The original files are available to access at Archives New Zealand, Wellington. Use the release list [add hyperlink] to identify files of interest, and their Archives references. The files can then be requested using the Archives New Zealand pre-order form(external link), and viewed in their new shared public reading room located in the National Library building, 70 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Researchers can also request assistance with placing orders from the archivist on duty in the reading room, or contact the Archives Research Services team for further information (see below).

Please contact Archives New Zealand Wellington before visiting, to ensure that you have all the information you need in order to make the best use of your visit. Please be aware that the ongoing move of the Archives New Zealand collections may mean additional time is required before some records can be made available.

For all queries about visiting, or requesting and viewing the files, please contact the Archives Research Services team using the 'Ask an archivist(external link)' form, or email them at [email protected]

• MFAT Historic file release list - February 2026 [XLSX 76 KB]

Share:

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• with Weibo