The comprehensive digitization programme of the New Zealand government maps undertaken by the University of Auckland and the National Library of New Zealand provides a unique insight of the New Zealand cartographic heritage. Approximately 22,000 sheets are being systematically scanned and catalogued with almost 80% completed to date.

These authoritative maps of country’s natural and social environment, together with maps of South Pacific nations and Antarctica, have been produced by Department of Lands and Survey (later called Department of Survey and Land Information, and recently Land Information New Zealand) since 1860s. They cover a wide range of themes, from general and miscellaneous to topographical, aeronautical, mosaic and cadastral maps. The government was also responsible for maps and charts for military and defence purposes.

These maps reveal fascinating stories concerning land development, landscape changes, social trends and cultural events, country planning and political decisions. They provide evidence of technological shift in map production as well as in advancement of cartography. They are a testimony to hundreds, possibly thousands of people that invested their talents and dedication to create them.

This talk tries to encapsulate what we discovered during our digitization journey so far, but also reveals many gaps. It looks at the state of government map collections and their completeness. It suggests creation of the national knowledge base concerning New Zealand cartographic heritage and its promotion to the public.