A Decade of the Public Records Act 2005

Abstract

Research problem: 2015 marked ten years since the Public Records Act 2005 superseded the Archives Act 1957. Between these pieces of legislation, the New Zealand records management community had actively engaged in attempts to update the act. As the Public Records Act seeks to ensure government accountability through the creation and maintenance of records it is prudent to evaluate the legislation. The research within this paper explores the creation of the Act, and the implementation challenges and successes that have impacted its use by public service departments.

Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted using phenomenological data collection and analysis methods. Information management professionals were interviewed to discover their experience with the Public Records Act. The Records Continuum model has been applied as a lens.

Results: Many challenges influenced the creation, uptake and impact of the Act. The occupational culture of records managers was found to have both impacted the Act, and be influenced by the surrounding events. Communication barriers have affected both the impact of the Act and the relationship between Archives New Zealand and public service records managers. Standards were identified as a positive outcome, while the audit programme was deemed a failure. The Act was found to have achieved important clarification, embedding records creation, and the findings suggest the Records Continuum model is taking root. Professionalisation of records management within New Zealand has also occurred.

Implications: A schism exists between Archives New Zealand and the records management community, represented by a lack of occupational cultural understanding and effective communication. A better understanding of culture is required to enhance recordkeeping maturity to ensure the accountability of government and preservation of New Zealand’s national identity.