The collection, including tracks from Dunedin artists, including The Chills, Look Blue Go Purple, and The Verlaines, as well as songs from other New Zealand musicians, will be housed in the library’s protective vaults. The recordings were made between 1981 and the mid-2000s.
Library music curator Michael Brown said discussions began early last year with Flying Nun founder Roger Shepherd and co-director Ben Howe.
"Flying Nun has consulted with artists about the project, which has been important to its success so far," Mr Brown said.
"We’re committed to protecting all the artists’ rights inherent in the material.
"And, once the masters have been preserved and digitised, we’re really looking forward to working with Flying Nun on future reissues of the music, exhibitions, and other opportunities."
Mr Shepherd said the Turnbull library, in Wellington, was the best place to hold the collection.
"The Turnbull library was the natural choice, because it has first-class preservation and research facilities, and was also willing to work with our artists to make their amazing and well-loved music accessible and still preserve their rights."
Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin, who announced the acquisition, said the music of Flying Nun was "a huge part of our culture" and was significant when it came to forging important music connections internationally. Many of the master tapes were in a fragile condition or on obsolete formats and required urgent preservation. The library planned to digitally preserve all of the recordings over the next three years, to ensure New Zealand’s music heritage remained safe and accessible.
The library started its New Zealand music archive in 1974, and contains the largest collection of archival material relating to New Zealand music and musicians.
— Additional reporting NZME
