Last updated June 2026
The Alexander Heritage & Research Library, known in te reo Māori as Te Rerenga mai o te Kāuru, is the specialist heritage and research branch of Whanganui District Library. It is located in Pukenamu Queen’s Park and focuses on Whanganui regional history, whakapapa, and archives. The library provides free public access to extensive local collections and major genealogy databases.
Practical Information
| Address | Pukenamu Drive, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, Whanganui |
| Hours | Monday–Friday 9:30am–5pm (closed weekends and public holidays) |
| Cost | Free entry and use of collections |
| Phone | 06 349 1000 |
| he******@**************ry.com | |
| Parking | Street parking on Pukenamu Drive; limited precinct parking available nearby |
About the Alexander Heritage & Research Library
The Alexander Heritage & Research Library houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Whanganui regional material in New Zealand. Its holdings include books, newspapers, photographs, pamphlets, maps, and other published material relating to Whanganui people, organisations, and events, built over many decades and continually expanded.
Staff provide free on-site access to the Ancestry Library and Find My Past genealogy databases on library terminals. A special collection of local military archives documents Whanganui residents who served in various conflicts, complementing the broader historical resources.
The library operates as a distinct specialist service within the Whanganui District Library network while sharing the Queens Park precinct with the main Davis Library. Its Māori name, Te Rerenga mai o te Kāuru, reflects its role as a gathering place for knowledge and community heritage.
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Library — Heritage / Whakapapa: details on collections, genealogy databases, military archives, and research assistance.
Whanganui District Library — Where We Are: current opening hours, address, and contact details for the Alexander Heritage & Research Library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alexander Heritage & Research Library?
It is the specialist heritage and research branch of Whanganui District Library, focused on local history, whakapapa, and community archives for the Whanganui region.
Is the Alexander Heritage Library free to use?
Yes, entry and use of the collections is free. On-site access to Ancestry Library and Find My Past is also provided at no charge.
What are the Alexander Heritage Library’s opening hours?
Monday to Friday 9:30am–5pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Can I access Ancestry or Find My Past at the Alexander Heritage Library?
Yes, both Ancestry Library and Find My Past are available on library terminals during opening hours at no cost.
Does the Alexander Heritage Library hold military records?
Yes, it holds a special collection of local military archives relating to Whanganui residents who served in various conflicts.
What is Te Rerenga mai o te Kāuru?
This is the te reo Māori name for the Alexander Heritage & Research Library, reflecting its role as a gathering place for knowledge and community heritage.
Where is the Alexander Heritage Library located?
It is situated on Pukenamu Drive in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, Whanganui, within the same precinct as the main Davis Library.
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