Matapihi takes top award at TUANZ (e)-vision award

Matapihi takes top award at TUANZ (e)-vision awards

A gateway that puts New Zealand's heritage at your fingertips scooped the Crème de la Crème Innovation prize at last Thursday's TUANZ (e)-vision Awards.

Matapihi, launched in September, provides free access to almost 50,000 images, sounds and objects from the digital collections of the National Library's Alexander Turnbull Library, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T*maki, Auckland City Libraries, Christchurch City Libraries and the Otago Museum.

Chief Executive of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna M*tauranga o Aotearoa, Penny Carnaby, said that winning the award was an enormous honour. "Receiving the Crème de la Crème award is absolutely thrilling for everyone who has worked so hard to deliver Matapihi, and a real tribute to their vision and dedication."

Matapihi is an initiative of the National Digital Forum - museums, archives, art galleries, educational institutions, libraries and government departments working together to enhance access to New Zealand's digital culture and heritage.

The TUANZ (e)-vision Awards recognise and encourage excellence in New Zealand's interactive and media design industry. "It was very encouraging that the judges particularly noted the collaborative and standards-compliant nature of Matapihi," said Ms Carnaby.

"The award recognises what a wonderful and successful collaboration this has been, for the benefit of all New Zealanders. The next National Digital Forum meeting is being held next week, and what a confidence booster this is - it's a great indication of things to come."

Chief Executive of Archives New Zealand, Dianne Macaskill, said that the forum has been a resounding success. "Te Papa and Archives New Zealand, along with the National Library, have taken a leadership role in the National Digital Forum and we're very proud to be associated with the work that the forum has done."

Te Papa's Chief Executive Seddon Bennington agreed. "I'd especially like to congratulate the National Library and all the partners that contribute to Matapihi, on receiving this prestigious award."

Since its launch, Matapihi has had more than 200 visits per day, mostly from New Zealanders, and there have been more than 18,000 redirections to partners' websites. Matapihi is available at http://www.matapihi.org.nz, the National Digital Forum at http://ndf.natlib.govt.nz/ and you can read more about the TUANZ awards at http://www.tuanz.org.nz.

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