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==Online Records==


*[https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/Search/Search?Path=querySubmit.m%3fReportName%3dBirthSearch%26recordsPP%3d30 '''Online Index to New Zealand Birth Records (1848 to 100 years ago)''']
== Accessing New Zealand Civil Registration  ==
*[https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/search?path=%2FqueryEntry.m%3Ftype%3Ddeaths '''Online Index to New Zealand Death Records (1848 to 50 years ago)'''], also available if the deceased person was born more than 80 years ago.
===Online Resources===
*[https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/search?path=%2FqueryEntry.m%3Ftype%3Dmarriages '''Online Index to New Zealand Marriage Records (1848 to 80 years ago)''']
*'''1800-1966''' {{RecordSearch|2697870|New Zealand, Civil Records Indexes, 1800-1966}} at FamilySearch — index
==Background==
*'''1840-1901''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10970/new-zealand-birth-index-1840-1901?s=275764761 New Zealand, Birth Index, 1840-1901] at MyHeritage - index ($)
In 1848, when the European population of New Zealand was becoming substantial, civil registration was began. As a British colony, the format and system was broadly similar to the system of civil registration that had been established in England in 1837. At first it was voluntary and no marriages were recorded. In 1854 marriages were included and it became compulsory for Europeans in 1856. Changes in 1875 and 1880 increased the detail recorded in the registers, making them very rich sources for genealogists. Specific Maori registration was introduced in 1911 for marriages and 1913 for births and deaths, but suffered from non-universal coverage.   
*'''1840-1902''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62563 New Zealand, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1840-1902] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1840-1950''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8949 New Zealand, Birth Index, 1840-1950] at Ancestry
*'''1840-1901''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10971/new-zealand-marriage-index-1840-1901?s=275764761 New Zealand, Marriage Index, 1840-1901] at MyHeritage - index ($); ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62565 Ancestry] ($)''
*'''1840-1937''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8950 New Zealand, Marriage Index, 1840-1937] at Ancestry
*'''1840-1972''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62564 New Zealand, Civil Registration Death Index, 1840-1972] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1840-2021''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10972/new-zealand-death-index-1840-2021?s=275764761 New Zealand, Death Index, 1840-2021] at MyHeritage - index ($)
*'''1848-1966''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8952 New Zealand, Death Index, 1848-1966] at Ancestry
*'''1901-1942''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62568 New Zealand, Civil Registration Stillbirth Index, 1901-1942] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''Births, Deaths, and Marriages Online''' [https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/ Search and Order Historical Records]
*'''Births, Deaths and Marriages - Whānautanga, Matenga, Mārenatanga [https://www.govt.nz/organisations/births-deaths-and-marriages/ New Zealand Government]
*'''Births, Deaths, Marriages - [https://ash.howison.co.nz/ NZ Ancestor Search Helper]
 
=== Ordering Originals ===
The official indexes can be found on [https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search BMD Historical Records], run by the Department of Internal Affairs.   


New Zealand, like Britain has a system where Indexes were created each quarter or year listing names only. These are easily accessible for free, but the original certificates must be ordered for a fee.  
When searching in the indexes, you can determine the registration district of an event by its corresponding code number. A helpful guide for determining a registration district via code numbers is:
*Neill, Mary et. al. ''District Keys to the New Zealand Registration Indexes'' (FamilySearch Library{{FSC|378021|title-id|disp= book 993.1 V2n Index v. 1-3}}.)


''See the FamilySearch tutorial ''[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/new-zealand-births-deaths-and-marriages-online/34 ''"New Zealand Births, Deaths, and Marriages Online"'''' ''']''
An event may be found under a date later than expected because it was registered later, was a child re-registered following the marriage of it's parents or the registrar had forwarded the record to the central authorities late.<br>
<br>
The originals can only be ordered from the [https://www.govt.nz/organisations/births-deaths-and-marriages/?OpenView '''Department of Internal Affairs: Births, Marriages, and Deaths'''], on the same site where indexes can be searched.  Any other site that offers this service will mark up the price.


For birth, marriage and death records prior to 1848, see [[New Zealand Church Records]].  
==Background==
In 1848, when the European population of New Zealand was becoming substantial, civil registration was begun. As a British colony, the format and system was broadly similar to the system of civil registration that had been established in England in 1837. At first it was voluntary and no marriages were recorded. In 1854 marriages were included and it became compulsory for Europeans in 1856. Changes in 1875 and 1880 increased the detail recorded in the registers, making them very rich sources for genealogists. Specific Maori registration was introduced in 1911 for marriages and 1913 for births and deaths, but suffered from non-universal coverage.


=== General Historical Background  ===
New Zealand, like Britain has a system where Indexes were created each quarter or year listing names only. These are easily accessible for free, but the original certificates must be ordered for a fee. 


*Some district registrars occasionally held off sending in registration of an event for a brief time, and you may find the year of the registration later than the actual year of the event.
For birth, marriage and death records prior to 1848, see [[New Zealand Church Records]].


=== Information Recorded in Civil Registers.  ===
== Information Recorded in Civil Registers ==


'''Births.''' Birth records generally give:  
=== Births ===
Birth records generally give:  


*Child’s name  
*Child’s name  
Line 42: Line 66:
*Late registrations of births were kept by the Registrar General for registrations occuring at least two years after the birth. The name appears in the index for the year the birth was registered.  
*Late registrations of births were kept by the Registrar General for registrations occuring at least two years after the birth. The name appears in the index for the year the birth was registered.  
*In 1894, an act of Parliament allowed for the re-registration of the birth of any child born out of wedlock in cases when the parents married after the child’s birth.  
*In 1894, an act of Parliament allowed for the re-registration of the birth of any child born out of wedlock in cases when the parents married after the child’s birth.  
*In September 1986, it became law, that if you were adopted, you could send for your original birth certificate.&nbsp; Please see the link further down the page, to order your original Birth Certificate.
*In September 1986, it became law, that if you were adopted, you could send for your original birth certificate. Please see the link further down the page, to order your original Birth Certificate.


'''Marriages.''' Marriage registers give:  
=== Marriages ===
Marriage registers give:  


*Date and place of the marriage  
*Date and place of the marriage  
Line 62: Line 87:
NEW ZEALAND - CIVIL REGISTRATION  
NEW ZEALAND - CIVIL REGISTRATION  


The following records document the legal completion of a marriage.
=== Deaths ===
 
Civil registrations of deaths generally give:  
*'''Certified Copy (Certificate).''' This is a legal document, issued by the Registrar General, which normally does not provide all information given in the original registers of marriages.
*'''Photocopies.''' A photocopy of the original entry from the marriage register gives all of the information that was provided when the marriage was registered and is the most desirable documentation for genealogy and family history.
*'''Marriage registers.''' Church ministers recorded in register books, the marriages they performed. Marriages often occurred where the bride resided.
 
'''Deaths''' civil registrations of deaths generally give:  


*Name of the deceased  
*Name of the deceased  
Line 95: Line 115:
In 1913, stillbirth registration began. The laws of New Zealand provided that when a child died within a few days of birth, it was recorded as a stillbirth. If the still birth was unregistered as a birth, it was to be registered as a death. Always be sure to search for it in the registrations of death.  
In 1913, stillbirth registration began. The laws of New Zealand provided that when a child died within a few days of birth, it was recorded as a stillbirth. If the still birth was unregistered as a birth, it was to be registered as a death. Always be sure to search for it in the registrations of death.  


'''Divorce Records.''' Civil officials began keeping divorce records in 1867. The Family History Library does not have New Zealand divorce records in their collection. You can obtain information from divorce records by contacting the Registrar General Office. The address is given later in this section.&nbsp; Archives New Zealand also holds divorce records. See [[New Zealand Archives and Libraries]].
=== Divorce Records ===
 
Civil officials began keeping divorce records in 1867. The FamilySearch Library does not have New Zealand divorce records in their collection. You can obtain information from divorce records by contacting the Registrar General Office. The address is given later in this section. Archives New Zealand also holds divorce records. See [[New Zealand Archives and Libraries]].
== Accessing New Zealand Civil Registration  ==
 
''See the FamilySearch tutorial&nbsp;''[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/new-zealand-births-deaths-and-marriages-online/34 ''"New Zealand Births, Deaths, and Marriages Online"''''&nbsp;''''']
 
To access an original New Zealand civil registration record is a two step process:
# Find the record in the index
# Order the original certificate. 
 
=== Indexes ===
The official indexes can be found on [https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search BMD Historical Records], run by the Department of Internal Affairs. 
 
They are also available on Ancestry ($) in the following collections:
 
[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8949 New Zealand, Birth Index, 1840-1950]
 
[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8950 New Zealand, Marriage Index, 1840-1937]
 
[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8952 New Zealand, Death Index, 1848-1966]
 
Indexes until 1896 can also be found on FamilySearch at the collection [[New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Civil Record Indexes]]
 
'''Births Deaths &amp; Marriages'''
 
PO Box 10-526<br>Wellington<br>Level 3, Boulcott House<br>47 Boulcott Street<br>Wellington<br>Email: [mailto:bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz <u>bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz</u>]<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Fax: (+64 4) 382-3515 (for certificate and printout orders)<br>Fax: (+64 4) 382-3613 (for general enquiries)
 
'''Auckland<br>'''
 
Registrar of Births Deaths &amp; Marriages
 
PO Box 6147<br>Level 6, AA Building<br>99 Albert Street<br>Auckland<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Fax: (+64 9) 362 7908
 
'''Christchurch'''
 
Registrar of Births Deaths &amp; Marriages<br>Private Bag 25-211<br>NZI House<br>Level 6<br>96 Hereford Street<br>Christchurch<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Fax: (+64 3) 366-9141
 
'''Manukau'''<br>Registrar of Births Deaths &amp; Marriages<br>PO Box 76-222<br>Level 1<br>Corner Amersham Way and Osterley Way<br>Manukau City<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Fax: (+64 9) 262-2404
 
'''Wellington'''<br>Registrar of Births Deaths &amp; Marriages<br>PO Box 10-526<br>Level 3, Boulcott House<br>47 Boulcott Street<br>Wellington<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Fax: (+64 4) 474-8147
 
'''Contact Centre'''<br>Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)<br>Telephone: (+64 4) 474-8150<br>Email: [mailto:bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz <u>bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz</u>]
 
Births, marriages and deaths were registered in the registration district where they occurred. The name of the registration district may be different than the name of the place where the actual event occurred. In the large cities, there may be several civil registration districts. When searching in the indexes, you can determine the registration district by its corresponding code number. A helpful guide for determining a registration district via code numbers is:
 
Neill, Mary et. al. ''District Keys to the New Zealand Registration Indexes'' (Family History Library{{FHL|378021|title-id|disp=&nbsp;book 993.1 V2n Index v. 1-3}}.)
 
== Indexes to Civil Registration Records  ==
 
Births, marriages, and deaths were registered as they occurred and thus are arranged chronologically. Indexes can help you find your ancestor more easily. The Civil Registration records are indexed from 1848 to the present. In addition, there are indexes to marriages for 1840-1847, which were compiled from entries in church registers. Content of the indexes include the given name, surname, and a reference number. They are indexed annually (except the first three years after civil registration commenced). The Family History Library has copies of the indexes to 1920 on microfiche. Look in the FamilySearch Catalog, Place Search, under: New Zealand, Civil Registration Indexes.&nbsp; CD 3282 Marriages from 1836-1956 is available at the Family History Library Salt Lake City, and perhaps many Family History Centres,&nbsp;or Libraries&nbsp;may have this CD.
 
==New Zealand Civil Registration  Indexes==
 
Online indexes to Civil Registration are available at [https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/ Births, Deaths and Marriages Online]
 
Certificates can be purchased online at this website.<br>
 
The indexes are arranged by year and cover the entire country. To use the indexes, you must know the name, the approximate year when an event took place and at least generally, the place of the event. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most modern records have restrictions on their use and access.
 
Be sure to contact the Registrar General’s Office for current fees for obtaining civil registration records. Some of the certificates and services you can obtain through the office are:
 
*A photocopy of a birth, marriage or death entry
*A certified copy of birth, marriage or death
*Personal inspection of an entry
*A search of the index for one name for a specified year
*Continuation of a search per each year
 
When writing to obtain a certificate be sure to send the following:
 
*Check or money order (in $N.Z. if writing from outside of country).
*International Reply Coupons, available from large post offices (or extra for postage)
*Full name and the sex of the person sought.
*Names of the parents, if known.
*Approximate date and place of the event.
*Your relationship to the person.
*Reason for the request (family history, family, etc.).
*Request for a photocopy of the complete original record.
 
If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate records that may have been filed in the district registration, or in the church registers (if you know the church in which the event took place).
 
A useful online index matching brides and grooms, to be used in conjunction with the Registrar General's Marriage Index, is [http://marvin.otago.ac.nz/marriages/ Varcoe's New Zealand Marriages Index]
 
=== Records at the Family History Library  ===
 
The Family History Library has only the indexes to the civil registration of births, marriages and deaths in New Zealand. The indexes are on microfiche. The years covered are 1840 to 1920 for births and marriages, and 1848 to 1920 for deaths. Some Family History Centers in New Zealand as well as public libraries have the indexes on fiche up to 1990.
 
At the'''Family History Library there is a New Zealand&nbsp; Marriage &nbsp;CD number 3282''', available on the British Floor B2.&nbsp; Marriages from 1836-1956 have been entered, and you can match the spouse straight away, and also the Folio Number, should you require a Certificate.
 
To find the microfiche call numbers for the indexes, look in the FamilySearch Catalog, Place Search under&nbsp;:
 
NEW ZEALAND - CIVIL REGISTRATION - INDEXES
 
District Keys to New Zealand Registration Indexes 993 V22n
 
These indexes cannot be circulated to the Family History Centers. Perhaps listing a query on a Genealogy site, folk would be willing to find the Registration District for you.&nbsp; One would have to quote the year,&nbsp; Birth or Death - the name of the person, and the number beside the name, if you are unable to get to Salt Lake City.&nbsp;
 
For other civil records, look in the FamilySearch Catalog, Place Search under:
 
NEW ZEALAND - CIVIL REGISTRATION
 
NEW ZEALAND - VITAL RECORDS - INDEXES
 
NEW ZEALAND - VITAL RECORDS


=== External Links  ===
==Online Classes==
*[https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/new-zealand-births-deaths-and-marriages-online New Zealand Births, Deaths, and Marriages Online] - online video


*http://genealogy.about.com/cs/vitalrecords/
*http://www.bdm.govt.nz/
*http://geneasearch.com/intl/aunz.htm
*http://olivetreegenealogy.com/ships/toausp01.shtml
*http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/heritage/


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[[Category:New_Zealand]]
[[Category:New_Zealand]]
[[Category:Civil Registration]]
[[Category:Civil Registration]]
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