Anyone can search for records and see digitised items in Collections search – but you need to create an account and sign in to:

• pay for remote reference services.

RealMe login

To sign up for Collections search, you’ll need a RealMe login. (this will be an unverified account) Using RealMe means we can protect your data and keep Collections search secure.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a RealMe login  – you can create one when you sign up for Collections search.

Using RealMe from another country

You can create a RealMe account if you’re overseas.
Find out more about RealMe – govt.nz 

Archives reader cards

You need to create a Collections search account if you already have an Archives reader card – your details won’t be transferred to our new system automatically.

How to sign up for Collections search

If you’ve never signed into Collections search before, follow these steps to create an account.

1. Fill in our registration form. Make sure you complete every field with an asterisk (*) next to it.
   Fill in the Collections search registration form 
2. Click the Login or create an account button at the bottom of the form. 
3. You’ll be redirected to RealMe.

If you already have a RealMe account

1. Enter your username and password and click Login – then move on to step 5.

The image shows where to enter your details.

If you don’t have a RealMe account

1. Click Create your RealMe login, and follow the steps on the RealMe website to create an account – then move on to step 5.

The image shows where to create a login.

2. You’ll be returned to the Collections search registration form.

3. Open and read the user agreement, and tick the box to confirm you accept it.

4. Click Create account to complete your registration. 

How to sign into Collections search

Follow these steps if you’ve created an account and signed into Collections search before.

1. Find the Sign in button at the top-right of Collections search. The image shows where to find the button.
2. Alt text: The image shows the Collections search sign in button, at the top-right of the screen.Click on Sign in using RealMe.
3. You’ll be redirected to RealMe.
4. Enter your username and password and click Login.

Get help

Contact RealMe about issues with your account

Get help over the phone or online if you can’t log into your RealMe account, or you’re having trouble linking your account to Collections search. 
You can contact RealMe from Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas, 24 hours a day.

Contact the RealMe help desk

Contact us for help with our registration form

We can help if you’re struggling to fill in our registration form. Use the 'Ask an Archivist' form if you're encountering issues with signing up and archivist will respond.
Ask an archivist about searching for records