Closing Conference National Archivist Panel
Tracks
Conway 3/4/5
| Thursday, October 24, 2024 |
| 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM |
| Conway 3/4/5 |
Overview
Anahera Morehu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti)
Timoci Balenaivalu
Mamao Tafao
Simon Froude
Timoci Balenaivalu
Mamao Tafao
Simon Froude
Speaker
Anahera Morehu (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti)
Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand (Archives NZ)
Opening national archives: A critical conversation
Abstract
National archives all hold significant and invaluable collections, but each have their own opportunities and challenges when exploring the best ways to make these collections open and accessible. As recordkeeping transitions from physical to digital, and access is no longer confined to reading rooms, the nature of what access, engagement and outreach looks like continues to change.
This panel will bring together the perspectives of national archivists from across our region to consider how national archives are opening their archives, and the barriers they may face. It will consider the effect of geographic diversity, historical and cultural impacts, available resourcing, technological improvements and changes, as well as ethical and privacy implications, to share insights from leaders whose decisions have international impact.
This panel will bring together the perspectives of national archivists from across our region to consider how national archives are opening their archives, and the barriers they may face. It will consider the effect of geographic diversity, historical and cultural impacts, available resourcing, technological improvements and changes, as well as ethical and privacy implications, to share insights from leaders whose decisions have international impact.
Biography
Anahera Morehu was the Tumuaki of Te Rōpū and President of Library and Information Association NZ Association (LIANZA). In the beginning of 2022, she was appointed Kaihautū (Director Rātonga Māori) at Archives New Zealand before being appointed as Chief Archivist. She is an established leader across the information management sector and across iwi Māori and is a member of the trust board of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua. She’s the country’s first Māori and wāhine to hold this important statutory role in a permanent capacity.
Co-Author/s
Timoci Balenaivalu
Timoci is the Principal Archivist - National Archives of Fiji. An archivist by profession for the last 29 years and a graduate of Edith Cowan University in Information Services - Timoci has been involved in the last 10 years promoting good governance through proper records management within the Civil service in Fiji. He has also been engaged with the promotion of archives and archival records to the nation of Fiji with the objective of ensuring that the culture and traditions of all Fijians is safeguarded. Tim’s mission is to continue to advocate for improvements to records management in the pacific as well as engage in the development of application and system that will preserve and allows easy access.
Mamao Tafao
Mamao Tafao is the Archivist at the National Archives of Tuvalu and is currently Acting as the Chief Librarian and Archivist. With eight years of dedicated service at the National Archives, Mamao plays a crucial role in preserving and conserving Tuvalu's public records.
In her role, she manages a wide array of responsibilities, including overseeing archival outreach, ensuring the preservation and conservation of Tuvalu records, maintaining good recordkeeping practices, and coordinating the efforts of volunteers and interns. Her work is vital in safeguarding Tuvalu's cultural heritage for future generations.
One of Mamao's significant accomplishments as the Acting Chief Archivist includes her collaboration with the Chairman of the Tuvalu UNESCO Memory of the World Committee. Together, they worked on the Tuvalu MOW nominations joint effort with Australia, which successfully led to Tuvalu's inscription on the MOWCAP National Register in May this year. This achievement highlights her commitment to promoting Tuvalu's historical records on an international stage.
Mamao holds a Diploma in Library and Information Services Level V from the University of the South Pacific and is currently pursuing a degree majoring in History and Politics/International Relations at the same university. In addition to her professional skills, Mamao is known for her compassion, patience, and understanding, traits that greatly enhance her effectiveness in her role. Mamao Tafao's dedication and expertise make her a pivotal figure in the preservation of Tuvalu's cultural heritage, ensuring that the nation's history is well-preserved and accessible.
Simon Froude
Simon Froude is Director-General of National Archives of Australia. Prior to joining National Archives, Simon was Director and State Archivist at State Records of South Australia, where he was responsible for the preservation and accessibility of some of the state’s most important historical records, as well as records and information management, freedom of information and privacy, for the South Australian Government.
As Director-General, Simon is leading National Archives through the next phase of its transformation to ensure it continues as a beacon for best practice management of the official records of the Commonwealth of Australia, and that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.
Simon’s driving passion is to improve the accessibility of government records, with a particular focus on improving access to individuals and groups impacted by past government policy. He has extensive experience in archival and records management within the public sector, including at State Records of South Australia and South Australia’s Department of Education and Department of Treasury and Finance.
Co-Author/s
Timoci Balenaivalu
Timoci is the Principal Archivist - National Archives of Fiji. An archivist by profession for the last 29 years and a graduate of Edith Cowan University in Information Services - Timoci has been involved in the last 10 years promoting good governance through proper records management within the Civil service in Fiji. He has also been engaged with the promotion of archives and archival records to the nation of Fiji with the objective of ensuring that the culture and traditions of all Fijians is safeguarded. Tim’s mission is to continue to advocate for improvements to records management in the pacific as well as engage in the development of application and system that will preserve and allows easy access.
Mamao Tafao
Mamao Tafao is the Archivist at the National Archives of Tuvalu and is currently Acting as the Chief Librarian and Archivist. With eight years of dedicated service at the National Archives, Mamao plays a crucial role in preserving and conserving Tuvalu's public records.
In her role, she manages a wide array of responsibilities, including overseeing archival outreach, ensuring the preservation and conservation of Tuvalu records, maintaining good recordkeeping practices, and coordinating the efforts of volunteers and interns. Her work is vital in safeguarding Tuvalu's cultural heritage for future generations.
One of Mamao's significant accomplishments as the Acting Chief Archivist includes her collaboration with the Chairman of the Tuvalu UNESCO Memory of the World Committee. Together, they worked on the Tuvalu MOW nominations joint effort with Australia, which successfully led to Tuvalu's inscription on the MOWCAP National Register in May this year. This achievement highlights her commitment to promoting Tuvalu's historical records on an international stage.
Mamao holds a Diploma in Library and Information Services Level V from the University of the South Pacific and is currently pursuing a degree majoring in History and Politics/International Relations at the same university. In addition to her professional skills, Mamao is known for her compassion, patience, and understanding, traits that greatly enhance her effectiveness in her role. Mamao Tafao's dedication and expertise make her a pivotal figure in the preservation of Tuvalu's cultural heritage, ensuring that the nation's history is well-preserved and accessible.
Simon Froude
Simon Froude is Director-General of National Archives of Australia. Prior to joining National Archives, Simon was Director and State Archivist at State Records of South Australia, where he was responsible for the preservation and accessibility of some of the state’s most important historical records, as well as records and information management, freedom of information and privacy, for the South Australian Government.
As Director-General, Simon is leading National Archives through the next phase of its transformation to ensure it continues as a beacon for best practice management of the official records of the Commonwealth of Australia, and that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.
Simon’s driving passion is to improve the accessibility of government records, with a particular focus on improving access to individuals and groups impacted by past government policy. He has extensive experience in archival and records management within the public sector, including at State Records of South Australia and South Australia’s Department of Education and Department of Treasury and Finance.
