We have reorganised the layout of the repository, introducing clear signage, and have reshelved the collections in a logical order – taking into account the special storage requirements of different media (e.g. moving fragile objects and glass plate negatives from mobile to static shelving).

Scannable container labels have been added to the 11,000 boxes of archives in the collection, and scannable shelf labels to the repository’s 2072 shelves, creating an electronic location database to facilitate the speedy retrieval of items and ensure the safe tracking of archives in use by researchers.

Another important project, now completed, has been to identify and reshelve all the uncatalogued materialin the repository. We now have a basic box list of the material so we can prioritise the cataloguing backlog, and find the material in the interim, prior to its deeper description.

On the preservation front, we have conducted extensive shelf surveys to identify any immediate preservation concerns (e.g. mould, vinegar syndrome, naked volumes, over-stuffed boxes, open or damaged containers), and to calculate the remaining storage space left in the repository. This work will inform decisions over the amount and nature of the material we can accept into the collection in the future.

We have also introduced new archival handling guidelines for researchers and Kei Muri Māpara’s volunteer team, and have ensured that appropriate preservation techniques are employed when processing new accessions of material. We have also commenced close monitoring of the building’s state of the art climate control system and engaged local company Christchurch Pest Control to implement a pest control regime which includes traps in the repository and regular fumigation – to ensure that no nasty creatures can eat the precious taonga in the collections!

Thanks to the generosity of the Canterbury Museum who needed to dispose of surplus equipment prior to their recent move, we have acquired new disaster salvage equipment for the archives. We are now better prepared to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the physical holdings should an emergency strike. The Teece Museum, part of the University of Canterbury, has also kindly donated a light table which will be invaluable when we commence digitisation of Kei Muri Māpara’s quite incredible glass plate negative collection. We look forward to sharing news of this in a future edition.

In addition to supporting the wider Connexion with their requests for archived information, we are available to support the general public with their historical research enquiries, online or in person (by prior appointment only). Contact details and comprehensive information about holdings and services can be found on the Methodist Archives website: www.methodist.org.nz/whakapapa/archives/