Our Mission

The Friends of the Turnbull Library champions one of New Zealand’s most important cultural institutions. We promote public engagement with the Alexander Turnbull Library’s collections, support vital research, and help preserve our documentary heritage for future generations.

Our History

Founded in 1939, the Friends of the Turnbull Library is an independent incorporated society dedicated to supporting the Alexander Turnbull Library. For over 80 years, we’ve been connecting researchers, history enthusiasts, and heritage supporters with this world-renowned collection of New Zealand and Pacific materials.

What We Do Today

Research Support: We offer an annual Research Grant worth up to $20,000 to scholars undertaking research in the Alexander Turnbull Library collections, helping advance knowledge and understanding of our cultural heritage.

Public Events: Our monthly speaker programme brings fascinating talks on New Zealand history, culture, and research directly to the public. From renowned historians to emerging scholars, our events showcase the vibrant research happening in the Library’s collections.

Publications: We publish the Turnbull Library Record and Off the Record, sharing research discoveries and keeping our community informed about the Library’s work and collections.

Get Involved

Whether you’re researching family history, passionate about New Zealand’s past, or simply want to support cultural preservation, we’d love to have you join our community. Learn more about membership or see what’s coming up.