Research
Services
The Isel Park facility is home to an extensive range of historical archives as well as collections of taonga, photographs, social history, textiles, art and natural history specimens. Our trained staff are available to assist visitors with their research to help you uncover the stories and history from the beautiful Tasman region.
Our collection is on the move
As many of you know, the Museum is relocating its collections and services from the Isel Park Research Facility to a new purpose-built storage and research centre in Richmond, Tasman.
The Isel facility is no longer fit for purpose due to space constraints, building issues, the presence of asbestos, and environmental instability. This move is a vital step in upholding our responsibility as kaitiaki of the taonga and collection items held by the Museum, ensuring they are protected and cared for now and for future generations.
Important service changes during the move
As our team prepares, packs and relocates the collection, we will need to temporarily reduce some services to ensure everything is moved safely and with care.
From 2 April 2026, we will pause:
Public research access
Archive and collection access
Photo and image order services
Acceptance of new donations
Taonga Māori access: there is access available to taonga or loans, however some of the collection may not be immediately accessible. The Museum will continue to assess found taonga Māori (Taonga Tūturu). Please contact hamuera.manihera@museumnp.org.nz.
These services are expected to be paused for at least 12 months.
We understand this may cause some inconvenience and we encourage you to submit any research or image enquiries before 2 April 2026.
Urgent requests and object donations
Urgent access requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. During the relocation, please email: research@museumnp.org.nz. Please expect delays in our response times.
If you are considering a donation, please contact us to discuss options for holding items until we reopen, or we can provide guidance on interim arrangements.
What remains open
Collections Online will continue to be available on our website
The Museum in Trafalgar Street will remain open to the public
Education programmes and changing exhibitions will continue as usual
Accessing Collections until 2 April 2026
We welcome research enquiries by phone or email. Our curatorial staff typically respond within 10 working days depending on the volume of enquiries, but please let us know if your request is urgent.
Physical access to collections is by appointment only. Appointments are required to prepare a suitable space and to ensure that collection materials are ready for viewing.
Bookings at least two weeks in advance are preferred but please let us know if your access needs are urgent.
Research access to taonga may require permission by the Te Tai Ao Komiti, please contact us to enquire with the Kaitiaki Taonga Māori for all taonga access requests.
Contact us by phone: +64 3 547 9740
Contact us by email: research@museumnp.org.nz
Free admission to access collections or conduct your own research at the Isel Park Research Facility
Free 30 minutes of staff-assisted research
Research Fees and Services:
Research Services:
After prior arrangement by both parties
$100 per hour
In-depth research services performed by our staff
Research Support:
After prior arrangement by both parties
$100 per hour
Work side-by-side with a curator on your research topic
Research Support:
Free WiFi
Bring your own Device
Microfilm reader
Photocopier / Scanner
Dedicated research space
Magnifiers and book stands
Adjustable height chairs
Research Facility location
The Nelson Provincial Museum
Research Facility
Hilliard St. Isel Park, Stoke
+64 3 547 9740
Working Hours:
Monday–Friday,
by appointment only
(closed public holidays)
Accessibility
Wheelchair access: Research areas are accessible by wheelchair.
Accessible toilets: There are accessible toilets.
Assistance dogs: We welcome certified assistance dogs when assisting a person with a disability. Please ensure the dog wears the appropriate coat and carries a valid ID card.
For visitors with other accessibility needs: Please contact us in advance.