In this Journeys into Genealogy podcast episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hewitt, chair of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists. With a passion sparked by her New Zealand-born grandparents, Sarah’s pre-internet research days are a testament to her dedication to uncovering family histories. Her journey has taken her across continents, delving into records from the British Isles to the US and even China.
The conversation begins with a fascinating look at the origins of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists. Founded in 1967, the society has evolved from scattered local groups into a robust national organization with a rich central repository of over 65,000 items, including books, microfiche, microfilm, and family histories.
Sarah shares invaluable advice for anyone hitting a brick wall in their genealogy research. Whether it’s navigating the nuances of civil registration, which in New Zealand dates back to 1848, or sifting through school records to trace a family’s movement, the society’s vast collections offer a wealth of information.
One highlight of the episode is the discussion on the Kiwi Collection, a digital archive that holds hundreds of record sets ranging from national databases to niche local or professional collections. Sarah emphasizes the value of death certificates in New Zealand, which post-1875 contain extensive genealogical details, often providing crucial leads for researchers.
Listeners will also learn about the quirks of New Zealand’s record-keeping, such as the unique criteria for death records and the frustrating decision to destroy census records. But fear not, as Sarah points out, there are plenty of substitutes, like the comprehensive electoral rolls and the treasure trove of digitized newspapers available through Papers Past.
The episode isn’t just a rundown of resources; it’s filled with personal anecdotes and historical context that bring the research process to life. From the adventurous voyages of ancestors who braved months at sea to the migrations between New Zealand and Australia, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of genealogy.
For those with New Zealand roots or an interest in genealogy, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that our family history is a mosaic of stories waiting to be pieced together, and with the right resources and guidance, you can start to see the full picture of your heritage.
Sarah’s Recommended Websites
Websites
- Papers Past (New Zealand’s digitized newspaper collection) https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
- Digital NZ (New Zealand digital content aggregator) https://digitalnz.org
- Archives New Zealand https://archives.govt.nz
- FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org
- The National Archives UK https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
- Find My Past https://www.findmypast.com
Sarah’s guide to the New Zealand Society of Genealogists can be accessed here.
Consider joining the New Zealand Society of Genealogists
If you would like to find out more and join the New Zealand Society of Genealogists please visit genealogy.org.nz.
Listen to Sarah’s podcast interview here: https://journeysintogenealogy.co.uk
If you have any tips for researching New Zealand ancestors please leave them in the comments below.
