A review of the National Archives by the State Services Commissioner will consider amalgamating it with another department.
The review began mid-year as the commission looked to appoint a new chief archivist, but now incorporating the independent archives into another department - either the National Library or the Department of Internal Affairs - is being considered.
Commission spokesperson Jason Ryan says amalgamation will be considered if it improves the archives' services and efficiency.
The Labour party says the National Archive needs to remain independent as it has powers to order other state departments to release documents.
The Minister in Charge of the Archive, Nathan Guy, will wait for the outcome of the review before commenting.
