The National Archives is charged with the preservation and documentation of Government and historical records. It is also tasked with increasing public access to those documents which make up the National Archives.

Core Functions of the Wing: The National Archives Wing is responsible for the preservation of records of long-lasting value for Papua New Guinea and in addition custody cares and control of the public records of the nation. It also plays an advisory and educational role to government departments in appraising records and recommending their permanent retention or destruction. Government Departmental records officers are trained in efficient records management by National Archives Staff.

The Wing is promoting the establishment of Provincial Archives through its Lae Archives Branch as a means of increasing people’s access to archives and public records as government resources. It is responsible for handling archival collection and various forms of records such as photographs and microfilm by and make them available for access to bona-fide and departmental users. It’s also responsible for repository management and lending of archival records.

The Wing contains four divisions and six units/branches responsible for a range of functions falling in the categories of Public Records Management Division, Records Center and Repository, Public Archives, Preservation, Storage and Access Division and Provincial Archives Services Division