Anahera Morehu is Poumanaaki Chief Archivist at Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives NZ. Her role is to oversee guardianship of government and public records as well as some of our most important national documents, taonga that include He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835 Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty of Waitangi, and Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine Women’s Suffrage Petition.
What does service to the community mean to you?
As the Poumanaaki, customer or user experience is relevant to gaining access to information of how this country has been shaped to meet the needs of the past, present and future. As a member of a large whānau, the community helps shape our future generations and through them I have managed to be where I am today. It is lovely to be able to give back to whānau and community where I can, and this role is one of many that I am able to do this.
How does your work make a difference?
As an institutional leader, I know that Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives NZ provides information of how decisions have been made, legislation has been created, and kōrero has been given to shape this country since engagement between tangata whenua and manuhiri began. I would say that we are a primary resource of government history (that is housed in our facility both physically and virtually), whilst many others publish as a secondary source using the information that we house. In saying this, there is a lot in our institution that provides further insights where public may want to hold government to account.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I have lots of wonderful mokopuna who although under the age of 10 years, are the best achievement for any grandparent. They are the ones who keep me honest, ensure that I have integrity in decisions that I make, as they are the ones that will hold me accountable for their future and the future of their children.
It is lovely to be able to give back to whānau and community where I can, and this role is one of many that I am able to do this.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
There is a variety of mahi within these walls, and the relationships or networks created and maintained are a bonus for any role. It is important to maintain these it is always about the collective and not the individual. As a team I can’t wait to see what we are able to do in raising the mark for our future generations.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your work?
Manaaki, hihiko, tūkaha.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the Public Service?
My mother and whānau have always encouraged me to give everything a go. Giving it a go and walking into public service with open eyes is an advantage for anyone. There is so much that you can learn, and use this experience as your career blossoms.
