A controlling agency is the government agency that gives permission for you to see restricted records (such as your records) held at Archives New Zealand (Archives NZ). For example, the Ministry of Education is the controlling agency for school enrolment records.
Because records that are about people who have been in the custody or care of a government or other organisation are usually restricted, you need to request permission from the controlling agency to access these records. If you want a copy of records about yourself or whānau, it is best to request them from the controlling agency. They can provide you with copies of the records from Archives NZ, as well as other records they hold. Find out how to request your records from government agencies.
How long it takes the controlling agency to look at your request, will depend on which government agency it is. If you need the records by a certain date, let them know.
If you will be viewing the record in one of the Archives NZ reading rooms, then once the controlling agency has sent their permission to Archives NZ you might be able to view it in the reading room that same day. You will need to bring the email or letter giving you permission to show Archives NZ.
If you have written to or emailed Archives NZ to access unrestricted records from the Archives collection, it may take up to 15 working days.
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