Hon Judith Tizard
Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand

Media statement 31 August 2006

Inaugural Archives Council announced

The Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand Judith Tizard today announced the membership of the inaugural Archives Council.

The Council's role under recent Public Records legislation passed last year is to provide the Minister with advice on archives and recordkeeping issues. Council members' have been appointed for three-year terms.

Richard Nottage, a former career diplomat and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade (1991-1999), has been appointed Chair of the Council. He brings extensive experience in the areas of governance and accountability, excellent leadership skills and a strong strategic focus to the Council.

Theresa Graham is the Heritage Manager of Auckland City Libraries, a co-founder of the Auckland Heritage Librarians and Archivists Group and was made a Fellow of the Library and information Association New Zealand Aotearoa in 2002.

Rachel Lilburn is a lecturer at the School of Information Management at Victoria University and a past president of the Archives and Records Association of New Zealand (ARANZ).

Ani Pahuru-Huriwai (Ngati Porou) from Hicks Bay is currently a member of Te Pae Whakawairua, Archives' Maori Consultative Group. She has carried out research on the establishment of marae-based archive repositories and was formerly Co-Director of the Bachelor of Maori and Information Management at Wananga o Aotearoa.

Mel Smith (Wellington) is a former Ombudsman and Secretary for Justice and brings extensive public service experience and knowledge in the areas of governance and accountability to the Council.

Dr Monty Soutar (Ngati Porou, Ngati Awa, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tai) is Director of Gisborne's Tairawhiti Museum. A published author, he was previously a Fellow in Maori History at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and has served as a member of the Maori Advisory Board for the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.

Stuart Strachan has held the position of Hocken Librarian at the University of Otago for over 20 years. He is a member of the Archives & Records Association of New Zealand, the UK Society of Archivists, the New Zealand Historical Association and the National Digital Forum Advisory Group.

The Minister welcomed the formation of the Council saying, "These members will bring useful knowledge and experience to the Council. I look forward to working with them."

ENDS

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