New Zealand Maori Records

The native people of New Zealand possibly suffered less in their relations with Europeans than many indigenous civilisations. But that didn't mean the interactions between Europeans and Maoris were entirely peaceful; in fact, they generated many legal battles, and plenty of written records, many of which can be found in the Maori Land Court.
Whakapapa (Genealogy)
Before the arrival of Europeans, the culture of the Maoris was oral, and genealogies were remembered. Even today, most Maori families have one member who can recite all the genealogies, and the first step for anyone researching their Maori ancestry should be the family, which stands at the centre of everything.Until the Europeans arrived, the Maori didn't use surnames. Once they began, they adopted their own version of the patronymic, taking the father's first name as the child's surname, which meant that surnames changed with each generation. So, when researching, if you know the father's first name, you'll automatically know the child's surname.
Since the early 1900s, however, you'll find that many Maoris have tended to take surnames in the European manner (keeping the same name from generation to generation), although a number have two surnames, one European, the other a transliterated Maori version.
Births, Marriages and Deaths
Prior to 1911, the only Maori marriages that had to be registered were those between Europeans and Maoris. After 1911, when civil registration became mandatory for Maori births, marriages and death (1913 for the last two), the records were segregated, marriages until 1954, births and deaths until 1961, when all the records were finally merged. You can obtain certificates or photocopies of entries from the Registrar General. Be aware, however, that with births, in the early years a significant number went unregistered.Maori Land Court Minutes
Genealogy, or whakapapa, is a vital part of the Minutes of the Maori Land Courts. Genealogy establishes both the title to land and its succession, but many of the concepts might seem alien to non-Maoris. You can find records of the Maori Land Court at the National Library, whilst the Minutes are available on microfilm at the various LDS Genealogical Library Centres in New Zealand.There are also some records at Archives New Zealand, including land records by title, and school rolls (some with photographs, so you might be able to see your ancestor). In the Auckland branch, the Archives also have the records of the Maoris who worked as gum diggers - which often meant many members of the same family. Although light on family history detail, you can discover when and where they worked, and how much they were paid.
LDS Genealogical Library
Apart from the Minutes of the Maori Land Court, the LDS genealogical libraries are an excellent resource for both whakapapa books, showing genealogies, and various family history records that have been transcribed by church members. There are several branches of the library in New Zealand.Business Energy With a Difference
If you are looking for business energy or need advanced solutions like remote energy monitoring, new supplies, downgrading or upgrading capacity, have a no obligation chat with Purely Energy.
To find our more get in touch here. or call 0161 521 3400.
- Employing a Foreign Genealogist
- Ancestors in Other British Colonies
- American and Nordic Roots
- The Clearance and Scottish Emigration
- The Irish Potato Famine and Emigration
- Transportation Before Australia
- The Importance of Ellis Island in American Immigration
- Canadian Genealogy Sources
- Using the US Registry of War Ration Books
- Using Voters' Records for Tracing US Relatives
- Genealogy in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands
- What If You Have Asian Roots?
- Jewish Genealogy Sources
- Genealogy And Land Records In Ireland
- Scotland Poor Law Records and Genealogy Research
- Scottish Births & Birth Certificates to Trace Ancestors
- Scottish Death Records and Family History Research
- Scottish Marriage and Family History Research
- Using Archived Scottish Wills To Trace Ancestors
- Genealogy Resources In Australia And New Zealand
- How To Use And Find Native American Genealogy Records
- U.S. Land Records
- Using U.S. African-American Records To Trace Ancestors Abroad
- Australian Census to Trace Family History
- Genealogy And U.S. Immigration Records
- Ireland Vital Records
- Irish Census Records
- Irish Emigration Records And Genealogy
- New Zealand Maori Records
- The Importance of Wills In Irish Genealogy
- The Use Of U.S. Birth, Marriages And Death Certificates In Genealogy
- Using Australian Aboriginal Records to Trace Your Family History
- Using U.S. Military Records to Trace Ancestors Abroad
- Australian Military Records and Family History
- Australian Vital Records
- New Zealand Military Records
- New Zealand Birth Records
- New Zealand Death Records
- New Zealand Marriage Records
- New Zealand Vessel Arrival Information to Trace Ancestors
- Researching Australia Immigrant Records for Family History
- Other Useful Genealogy Records In Australia
- Searching for an Australian Will to Research Your Family History
- US Census Records And Genealogy
- Using The Electoral Rolls For Genealogy Research In New Zealand
- European Resources
- Using Canadian Genealogy Sources
- Using U.S. Resources To Trace Ancestors Abroad
- The International Genealogical Index and Your Family Tree Research