4.2 Archiving of Manuscripts
This project will encourage communities to work
more closely together in a region-wide project.
Rationale:
There are a number of manuscript collections
held privately and in public archives (museums &
libraries) that may be useful in extending a body
of written material of Taranaki reo. Old writings in
particular provide benchmarks for Taranaki reo
characteristics. Today words are regularly being
Examples of archive use include:
 establish groups, seminars and workshops
focused on Taranaki reo analysis;
 contribute to ongoing iwi-based research and
analysis;
 help establish relationships with tertiary
developed and reo from other iwi is more and
institutions to locate graduate students and their
more a part of Taranaki communities.
research here in Taranaki.
Although manuscripts will not directly provide the
There have been very few opportunities in
sound of Taranaki reo in the same way audio
Taranaki to access archival material where the
recordings do, they will give communities and
physical and cultural safety of documents are
researchers of Taranaki a good opportunity to
ensured. Modern techniques and technology for
come together to increase their understanding of
copying and document scanning are vital for
distinctive Taranaki language features. This type
protecting
of response is, in general terms, an easily
procedures in themselves may increase the costs
achieved project, producing a tangible outcome.
associated with this response.
original
manuscripts.
Yet
such
A very important factor for success will be the
establishment of common goals so communities
and agencies are prepared to share resources
and
expertise
towards
a
set
of
common
objectives for the revitalisation of Taranaki reo.
Integral Factors and resources:
 Development of functional relationships with iwi,
whänau, hapü, marae and sectors of community.
 Establishment of systems for reporting and
promoting the material that is being held.
Description:
 Policies and procedures for addressing ethical
Once the sources of manuscripts & text are
issues (intellectual property rights etc....) and
identified, an approach can be made to house
standards for organisational integrity.
copies of material in a fully catalogued archive.
Some content may have restrictions placed on it
by whänau and hapü concerned for the safety of
intellectual property. This can be accommodated
with agreements.
Other material with fewer
restrictions can be held in an archive located in
Taranaki and potentially duplicated in a number
of sites around Taranaki to improve accessibility.
 Ongoing financial stability.
 Training for those involved in running the archive.
Positive Outcomes:
 Better access to reo-based archives.
 Development of a higher profile for Taranaki reo.
 Increased body of material through ongoing
production of resources and reo analysis.
 Heightened discussion & debate on Taranaki reo.
Possible risks:
 Difficulty in responding to all concerns from
community to gain support for an archive.
 Material becomes scattered through the district and
people become complacent about its importance.
 Goals for establishing working groups do not
eventuate and there is no ongoing analysis.
 Lack of financial support for the project.
 High costs of housing & security of material.
 Institutions and State-based archives are not willing
to pursue a relationship or to contribute.
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