Grant Robertson

State Services Spokesperson

22 November 2010 Media Statement
Legislation will undermine National Library and Archives

The legislation to merge Archives New Zealand and National Library into the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) undermines the independence and influence of these institutions that are crucial parts of our constitutional and democratic infrastructure, Grant Robertson Labour State Services Spokesperson said.

“The Bill reported back from the Select Committee is substantially the same as proposed by the government. This means that Archives New Zealand and National Library are subsumed into DIA, despite the government itself acknowledging them as being well run and successful. The result of the Bill will see the Chief Archivist and National Librarian as third tier managers who are not part of the leadership team at DIA, with no guaranteed access to Ministers.

“Archives NZ play the ultimate accountability role for government. It is their job to make sure records are kept and retained. They play a key part in our constitutional infrastructure. The National Library is a key force in our historical and democratic processes. Both need independence and influence to do their job properly, and that is compromised by this Bill.

“Most of the submitters to the Committee were critical of the Bill. Former Chief Archivists told the Committee of how Archives New Zealand previously being a part of DIA had been a disaster for the record keeping of government, including loss of important documents. One submitter noted that DIAs previous running of Archives had been marked by "arrested development, lack of resourcing, poor understanding, litigation, rancour and distrust.

“All of this is being done for limited savings. The government was not able to tell the Select Committee how much would be saved, or offer any real justification for the merger.

“This Bill is a backward step for these key institutions. While we support finding efficiencies in all government departments this proposal goes far further than that, and will undermine institutions that are vital parts of making our government open and accountable. Labour will continue to oppose these aspects of the Bill." Grant Robertson said.

ENDS

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