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DigitalNZ

DigitalNZ aggregates descriptive metadata from more than 150 organisations so one search can discover maps, images, documents, audio and other material held elsewhere.

It normally holds metadata and pointers, not the archival object itself. Follow the result to the content partner for the source image/document and rights information.

API v3​

The current DigitalNZ API is version 3. It provides search and record-metadata endpoints. Public API use no longer requires a key, although authenticated keys can support higher-volume/managed use.

Useful search fields/facets include:

  • text
  • content partner
  • collection
  • creator
  • date/year/decade
  • placename
  • rights
  • category
  • geographic bounding box where metadata supports it

DigitalNZ API docs v3

Spatial research pattern​

A query for a place can discover photographs and maps from several libraries/museums. Do not use the DigitalNZ thumbnail location/description as a precision coordinate without checking the partner record.

Record:

digitalnz_id
partner
partner_item_url
title
date
creator
place_metadata
rights
research_notes

The API can help build a discovery index for many records, but rights to the digital object can differ from rights to its metadata.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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