Donate an Item

Frequently Asked Questions

Why donate an item to the museum?

When material is donated to the museum, it is preserved in accordance with museum best practice and housed securely. This means that it will be accessible for many generations to come.

What kind of material are you interested in collecting?

Broadly, we are interested in material that relates to New Zealand military aviation. Our collection management policy defines the scope of what we collect and we use it to assess the suitability of all items offered to the museum.

Our specific areas of interest are: the RNZAF from 1937 to present, the two New Zealand Flying Schools (1915-1921), New Zealanders who served with the flying services of World War One, the New Zealand Permanent Air Force and its Territorial element (NZPAF/ NZAF), New Zealanders who served with Allied Air Forces (eg. RAF, RAAF, etc), overseas bases of significant interest to the RNZAF, historical enemy forces, associated civilian organisations (eg. Air Transport Auxiliary, International Red Cross, etc).

Of particular significance are the ‘personal collections’ of men and women who have served in the Air Force, regardless of rank or trade. The more complete the personal collection is, the better we can understand the service and history of the individual.

Why would a donated item be declined?

While we appreciate the opportunity to consider any item, we cannot guarantee it will be accepted. Developing our collection is a considered process and there are many reasons why an item may not be suitable. For example: it is not relevant to our collecting areas, we have examples already (duplication), poor condition, lack of provenance (ie. information about its background), it contains dangerous or hazardous substances such as radioactive material, explosives or asbestos, etc.

What happens if my donated item is declined?

If the item is declined, our Registrar will contact the donor to arrange a suitable time for them to pick up their item. A time for pick up needs to be arranged in advance to make sure the Registrar is available to meet with the donor.

Why do I have to fill out paperwork?

When an item is brought into the museum, we require an Article Receipt Form to be completed. The Article Receipt Form records the donor’s contact details, a description of the item(s) for consideration, and any other pertinent information which helps our collections team assess the item.

It is important to note that at this point, the item is still the property of the donor and by signing the article receipt form, the donor agrees that the item is deposited at the museum for assessment purposes only. If the object is not required for the collection, the owner is required to collect it. Please note that we are unable to receive items for consideration without an Article Receipt Form being completed.

If the item is accepted, our Registrar will contact the donor about completing an Article Donation Form. This form legally transfers ownership from the donor to the Museum Trust Board, therefore it is very important that it is completed correctly and fully. A copy of both forms are kept on file at the museum and duplicate copies will be given to the donor for their own records.

When can I see the Registrar about an item I want to donate?

The Registrar is available on an appointment basis during regular working hours – please call or email in advance to ensure they are free to meet you and have time to prepare any necessary paperwork.  

Does the museum provide valuations or authenticate objects?

As a museum, we are bound by a code of ethics which prevents us from offering valuations, estimates of value or authentications of objects.

When will my item be displayed?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee if or when any items will be displayed in the museum galleries. Our collection is vast, and it is impossible for everything to be on display at any one time. Furthermore, it may be necessary to limit exposure for objects which are too fragile to be displayed long-term (eg. textiles and paper-based items). However, we do have rotating displays in a number of key parts of the museum, which enable us to put new material on display wherever possible. There is also potential for some objects to be displayed virtually in online exhibitions on our website, or on social media.

Why collect items if they’re not going to be displayed?

While we cannot promise donated items will be displayed, everything in our collection exists as an important resource for people researching many different aspects of New Zealand military aviation history. Our Research Team offer a friendly and efficient research service and frequently make collections available to researchers, by appointment. Furthermore, we draw heavily from our own collection to develop the content for exhibitions and education programmes. 

Can I (or my family) view items I have donated?

Absolutely – we welcome viewing of collection items, by appointment. We need time in advance to make sure staff members are available to retrieve objects from storage and assist you during your visit. If you’d like to make a time to view a collection, simply contact the Collections team on research@airforcemuseum.co.nz, or phone (03) 3719600.

Can I borrow back items I have donated?

Once objects have been donated, they become the legal property of the RNZAF Museum Trust Board. Part of the Museum’s purpose is to ensure the long-term preservation and security of its collection items, so for these reason items cannot be borrowed by donors for personal use. However, you are welcome to view the items you have donated by making an appointment in advance with our Collections Team (see above).

What happens to my items after I donate them?

After an item has been accepted into the collection, it is accessioned (formally added) to the collection. It is given a unique accession number, catalogued on our collection database (recording details of the physical aspects of the object, materials and condition, as well as donor and other provenance information), cleaned (where required), photographed, then housed to museum standards. In some cases, it may be placed on public display.

How will my donated items be stored?

As the aim of any museum collection is to preserve artefacts for posterity, we work to internationally recognised museum standards and objects are carefully and securely housed in acid-free boxes or custom enclosures. Access to collection stores is strictly controlled to ensure long-term security and preservation of items.