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Collections
Book and eBook Collection
The heart of our print resources is the Kinder Library Main Collection (MC), where most of our current books can be found. This is an in-depth collection to post-graduate level. Many titles are available as both print and eBook, or as eBook only, giving access to those at a distance.
Older and more delicate volumes are preserved in our stack collections, ensuring they remain accessible for research and study. If you’d like to view an item from the stacks, our staff are always happy to assist.
Periodicals and Serials
Our periodicals—sometimes known as serials or magazines—are now largely received in digital format, giving readers easier and more immediate access to current scholarship. Individual articles or publication titles are all searchable in the Discovery section of the Library catalogue, and can be read online or downloaded.
While print runs on the shelves may not be complete, many earlier issues are safely stored and available on request. If you need help locating a specific title or accessing older material, our team is here to support you.
The Wiremu Netana Panapa Māori Collection
The Wiremu Netana Panapa Māori Collection is a treasured gathering of books, pamphlets, and reports that illuminate Māori perspectives and bicultural understanding.
Named in honour of Bishop Wiremu Netana Panapa—the first Anglican Māori Bishop to complete a theology qualification—it stands as a tribute to his leadership and influence.
This collection also includes significant works from the library of the Rev’d Sir Kingi Ihaka, further enriching its depth and connection to Māori Anglican heritage.
New Zealand and Pacific Church Collection
The New Zealand and Pacific Church Collection is a rich and in‑depth gathering of Anglican, Methodist, and ecumenical publications that reflect the life, faith, and mission of churches across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
It brings together official publications, newspapers, missionary proceedings, parish histories, biographies, Bibles, and prayer books, offering an invaluable window into the spiritual and cultural history of the region.
These taonga are available for reference use within the Library, preserving their presence for all who seek to learn from them. Borrowing copies of selected titles can also be found in the Main Collection, ensuring wider access for study and research.
Many Anglican and Methodist New Zealand and Pacific church newspapers, synod proceedings and yearbooks are now available as digital copies either as links from the Library catalogue or by going directly to Pūmotomoto.
Whether you are exploring the roots of mission, uncovering stories of local faith communities, or seeking insights into the spiritual heritage of the Pacific, we invite you to discover this remarkable collection for yourself. Come and explore, learn, and be inspired.
Other specialised book collections
The Baumber Collection is a collection of nineteenth‑century books about Aotearoa New Zealand, collected by the Reverend William Baumber, a Methodist minister, and gifted to Trinity Methodist Theological College.
More recent titles continue to enhance the collection, ensuring its ongoing relevance and depth. The collection is strong in settler and visitor impressions of nineteenth‑century New Zealand. It is not a theological collection.
While these historic works are not available for loan, they can be found in the Library catalogue and read within the Library.
The Rare Book Collection of about 2500 volumes is a historic collection of books published between 1474 and 1800. Many were the gifts of associates of Bishop GA Selwyn, or were from the library of Dr John Kinder, the library benefactor. These too can be found in the catalogue and read in the Library.
Microfiche and Microfilm Collection
The Microfiche and Microfilm Collection opens a window into the history of mission and church life across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Within these several hundred filmed copies of print publications and manuscript materials lie voices, stories, and records that shaped the spiritual landscape of the region.
Among the most significant treasures are the London‑based Church Missionary Society records (72 reels) and the remarkable Niupepa collection, 1842–1933 (409 fiche), preserving Māori‑language newspapers that offer rare insight into the social and cultural life of the time.
All items can be found through the Library catalogue or archives database, and many are now available in digitised form online—bringing these historical taonga within easier reach than ever before.
A microfilm reader‑scanner is available in the Library, allowing you to view and download page images as you explore.
Archives and manuscript collections
Archives and manuscripts collections are held on behalf of Anglican and Methodist Church organisations. The focus is on National Church bodies and Trusts, with some regional and personal papers collections.
There is a separate catalogue for archival papers.
Contact Library staff for assistance to use this archives catalogue if you need to. It is not as straightforward as a book catalogue.