Rachel Esson

Rachel Margaret Esson (born 1965) is the National Librarian Te Pouhuaki of New Zealand. Before moving into that role in 2020, she served in several positions at the Victoria University of Wellington library and the National Library of New Zealand, including Director of Content Services. Esson also served as the president of LIANZA, New Zealand's national library association, from 2019 to 2020.

Early life and education

Esson was born in 1965 in Palmerston North. She spent much of her childhood in Palmerston North, where her father was a scientist studying cicadas at nearby research stations.

Career

Esson began her library career in 1986 as a library assistant in the photographic archive at the National Library of New Zealand's Alexander Turnbull Library.

On 17 December 2020, Esson became New Zealand's National Librarian, following the retirement of Bill Macnaught. In her role as the National Librarian, she holds the Māori title Te Pouhuaki.