Family history and whakapapa

Learning about our whakapapa or family history, especially during Matariki, gives us a better understanding of who we are, where we have come from and where we are going. It is also a great way to bring whānau together.

Some things you could do with your whānau during Matariki are:

Start your own whakapapa chart or book.
Spend some time with your koro (grandad) or kuia (grandma).
Record some of your whānau telling family stories.
Visit the cemetery or a memorial and clear away the weeds.
Organise a family party.

Family history resources

The library has lots of ways to help you learn about your family history. We have a guide to give you some simple advice to start out with and books for kids about family history.

Online resources

We also have a collection of web sites that might help you with your search:

On this day in Canterbury: Look up what happened in Canterbury history on your birthday or other significant dates in your familiy history.
Whakapapa at Christchurch City Libraries: Detailed information about how to trace your whakapapa from Christchurch City Libraries.
Birth, Death and Marriage records: Search for birth, death and marriage records from 80 to 100 years ago.
Climbing your family tree: Fantastic site with online and offline information to help you track down and write down your family history.
Family history charts: All the charts and print outs you'll ever need to start writing down your family history. Includes The Story of Me - a great way to start with what you know.
Family tree kids: Aimed at kids who are starting to explore their family history. Printable activities, information, interview tips and more.
Immigrant cultures: Find out about the history of different immigrant cultures in New Zealand.
The Maori Battalion: Was one of your ancestors in The Maori Battalion?
On this day: Look up what happened on your birthday or other significant dates in your family history.
Papers Past: Search more than one million pages of old NZ newspapers! From 1839 - 1945.
Printable Tigger family trees: Choose and print out a fun Tigger family tree to complete for your family!
Researching family history: Some simple advice on starting to track down your family history.