Panel talk – Disruption, trends and transformation: Libraries and archives leading change

The inspiration for this panel talk is Rūaumoko, the atua Māori (Māori god) associated with earthquakes, volcanoes and the movement of the land. In this context, Rūaumoko represents disruption, but also transformation and creativity.

In our world, disruption is not an exception; it is becoming the norm. For libraries and archives, one of the challenges is not to stand apart from disruption, but to become places of convergence — of memory, access and trust, ultimately leading to transformation of communities, service and access.

Facilitated by Te Pouhuaki National Librarian Rachel Esson, this lively kōrero features a panel of international leaders from libraries and archives in Australia, Canada, the United States of America and Aotearoa.

The panellists are:

• Anahera Morehu, Poumanaaki Chief Archivist at Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

• Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada at Library and Archives Canada

• Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General at National Library of Australia

• Simon Froude, Director-General at National Archives of Australia

• Robin L Dale, Deputy Librarian at the Library of Congress, United States of America

Light refreshments will be served after the panel talk.

This kōrero will also celebrate the opening of our new heritage campus — Te Kahu on 25 March 2026.

Te Kahu brings together the new archival building and the National Library building in Wellington. It brings together Aotearoa New Zealand’s documentary heritage in one modern, purpose‑built place.