Selective bibliography of the information resources of Ngai Tahu Whanui

Abstract

The increase in research relating to Maori, in conjunction with the growing awareness of the Treaty obligations of public institutions witnessed in the last fifteen years, has resulted in increasing development of bicultural initiatives within the New Zealand library and information services sector. Improving access to Maori information resources has been a primary focus. The need for effective print and electronic finding aids (such as bibliographies, indexes, and subject guides etc), has been identified as one of the key strategies necessary to achieving this goal. Previous personal research revealed a perceived gap of bibliographic access tools dedicated to resources relating to South Island Maori. Therefore, the purpose of this bibliographic investigation was to compile a selective annotated bibliography of non-archival print resources relating to Ngai Tahu Whanui, with the aim of providing an appropriately indexed, and annotated surrogate recording of holdings associated with the wider iwi. The key objective of the project was to establish the extent, and content, of non-archival print resources focusing on the Ngai Tahu Whanui, for the purpose of informing future study by students and staff of Maori Studies, and particularly those undertaking research on Ngai Tahu Whanui.