Expert Facilities Management at the National Library of New Zealand
In the heart of Wellington stands a building that holds some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s greatest taonga. The National Library is not just a place of books—it is a carefully curated archive of the nation’s history, culture, and identity and safeguarding this heritage takes far more than standard facilities management.
For several years, Citycare Property has had the privilege of managing facilities at the National Library on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs. In that time, we’ve undertaken a broad and complex programme of work—each project carried out with care, foresight, and attention to detail.
A Building That Demands Unrivalled Precision
Maintaining an operational building that houses delicate and irreplaceable taonga presents a unique set of challenges. Environmental conditions must be stringently controlled, and even minor disturbances—such as dust, temperature fluctuations, air pollutants, or water ingress—can pose a risk to both the collection and kaimahi.
To meet these challenges, Citycare Property has developed a disciplined project methodology. Every piece of work begins with a detailed Work Method Statement (WMS), outlining each step of the task, identifying all associated risks, and detailing the controls that will be put in place to manage those risks. These WMS documents are reviewed and signed off by the Library’s Collections Care Team before any work begins—ensuring preservation remains at the centre of our operations.
Our approach also includes:
- Comprehensive health and safety planning
- Rigorous subcontractor supervision
- Staged programming and clear communication with Library staff
- Strict business continuity measures to avoid disruption
Complex Projects, Sustainable Outcomes
1. Air Leak Mitigation – Achieving Climate Stability and Efficiency
The building’s repository spaces are climate-controlled to protect sensitive materials. When our team identified air leaks compromising temperature and humidity control, we conducted a full-scale investigation and sealing programme. By addressing the inefficiencies in the HVAC system and sealing escape points, we restored the integrity of the building envelope.
The outcome:
A post-project assessment showed a 30% reduction in power consumption—a significant step forward in energy efficiency and climate stability. This not only protects the taonga but also reduces the building’s carbon footprint and operational costs.
2. LED Lighting Upgrade – Brighter, Safer, Greener
Traditional lighting systems generate heat and consume significant energy—both undesirable traits in an archival environment. Citycare Property led a full conversion to LED lighting, carefully selected to minimise ultraviolet emissions and heat output.
Key benefits include:
- Lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Significantly reduced maintenance costs due to the long life of LEDs
- Improved preservation conditions, thanks to cooler and more stable light
- Enhanced visual clarity for staff and public users, improving usability without risking damage to light-sensitive materials
Monitoring via the Building Energy Index (BEI) has confirmed a sustained drop in electricity use since the upgrade was completed.
3. Solar Panel Installation – Powering the Future
Currently underway, our solar panel project marks a major shift towards renewable energy within the library facility. We are currently at the cabling stage, preparing the infrastructure needed to connect the rooftop panels to the main switchboard.
Once operational, the benefits will be substantial:
- Reduction in grid-supplied electricity
- Lower operational costs for the Department of Internal Affairs
- A meaningful contribution to government-wide sustainability goals
This project is a cornerstone of a broader effort to reduce the building’s reliance on non-renewable power sources and demonstrate environmental leadership.
4. Lift Modernisation
Two of the Library’s four lifts are currently undergoing an upgrade as part of our wider infrastructure management programme. This includes the complete removal of an outdated machine-room lift and installation of a modern system.
Due to the potential disruption this could cause to staff, researchers, and the public, we have implemented the following:
- Comprehensive WMS and health and safety planning
- Weekly comprehensive look-ahead schedules to keep kaimahi informed about what would be happening in the building in the coming week and thereby allow for work arounds.
- Visually integrated hoardings that maintain a cohesive, professional environment while the work is underway
This project will improve accessibility, reduce mechanical downtime, and increase efficiency—all while keeping the building’s essential services running smoothly.
5. Fire Safety and Risk Management
A robust and responsive fire protection system is critical in a building of this nature. Citycare Property has taken a staged approach to upgrades, including:
- Replacing 565 basement sprinkler heads, draining each individually to avoid damaging nearby collections
- Replacing ageing early detection units with state-of-the-art VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems, reducing the likelihood of false alarms while improving early response capabilities
Every action is underpinned by detailed planning and engagement with fire safety experts, conservation teams, and building users.
6. Enhancing Security, Comfort, and Functionality
In addition to major capital works, Citycare Property has delivered numerous smaller projects that have contributed meaningfully to the safety, comfort, and functionality of the Library:
- Reception upgrades to improve staff and visitor safety
- Security guard station improvements, increasing visibility and comfort for 24/7 staff
- Café and kitchen refurbishments, enhancing amenity spaces and improving layout efficiency
- Secure refuge paths and fast-lock door systems, developed to support emergency preparedness and staff wellbeing
A Partnership Approach
Citycare Property’s relationship with the Department of Internal Affairs and the National Library is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a deep appreciation for what this building represents. We have team members embedded in the building 24/7 so that we can provide a swift and managed response to any issues. Our work isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about helping to safeguard New Zealand’s cultural legacy while building a more sustainable future. Our commitment has recently been acknowledged when we were awarded the facilities management contract for Te Rua, the most recent building within the DIA property portfolio and that will soon house many of these taonga.
Citycare Property was invited to enter a competitive tender for the facilities management contract of the new building over 12 months ago. Our experience and commitment to the management of the current archives buildings positioned us well, with our dedicated in-house team delivering exceptional service and having a clear understanding of the exacting requirements of the role.
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