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''For information about records for non-Christian religions in New Zealand, go to the [[New Zealand Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''
''For information about records for non-Christian religions in New Zealand, go to the [[New Zealand Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''  
== Anglican Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington houses many Anglican parish registers. To see what they have in their archives, visit their catalog [https://natlib.govt.nz/search here]. Some of New Zealand's church records have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org. Additionally, the [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] has many church records, including Anglican records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].<br><br> However, many Anglican church records are kept in the Diocesan Archives for where your ancestor lived. The following are the five Anglican diocese in New Zealand and their corresponding archives:
*'''Auckland''' - Anglican Diocese of Auckland at 12 Saint Stephens Avenue, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
*'''Christchurch''' - [https://anglicanlife.org.nz/archives/ Anglican Diocese of Christchurch] at Level 1/10 Logistics Drive, Harewood, Christchurch 8050, New Zealand
*'''Nelson''' - [https://www.nelsonanglican.nz/ Anglican Diocese of Nelson] at 48 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
*'''Waiapu''' - [http://www.waiapu.com/ Anglican Diocese of Waiapu] at 2 Bower Street, Napier 4110, New Zealand
*'''Waikato''' - [http://www.waikatotaranakianglican.org.nz/ Anglican Diocese Of Waikato and Taranaki] at 104 Morrinsville Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1844-1870''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/412732?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records : Church of England in New Zealand baptisms, 1844-1870] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1886-1946''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/418285?availability=Family%20History%20Library Baptismal register, 1886-1946] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1857-1975''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/164579?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1857-1975] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1857-1914''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/438199?availability=Family%20History%20Library Parish registers, 1857-1914] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1907-1950''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/68259?availability=Family%20History%20Library Parish registers, 1907-1950] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1883-1940''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/136263?availability=Family%20History%20Library Register of Anglican Maori birth, death records in Wairoa District, 1883-1940; also land deals] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1886-1945''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/418277?availability=Family%20History%20Library Baptismal register, 1886-1945] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1890-1984''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/758020?availability=Family%20History%20Library Parish registers, 1890-1984] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1852-1863''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/513861?availability=Family%20History%20Library Marriage records of Rev. John Morgan] at FamilySearch - images


=== Historical Background ===
The first Anglican missionaries, part of the Church Mission Society, began teaching in New Zealand in 1814. Historically, Anglicans in New Zealand are of English descent. Now Anglicanism makes up 11.79% of New Zealand's population, which makes it the second largest Christian denomination behind Catholicism. The religion has the largest presence in Canterbury, New Zealand.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
==Catholic Records ==
===How to Find the Records===
There are currently no Catholic church records for New Zealand available online. Most Catholic registers are kept in the parish where they were created. To find which parish your ancestor may have attended, visit the Catholic Diocesan website. There are six Catholic Dioceses in New Zealand:
*'''Auckland''' - [https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/ Catholic Diocese of Auckland] at 30 New St, St Mary’s Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
*'''Christchurch''' - [https://chchcatholic.nz/ Catholic Diocese of Christchurch] at 2/9 Washington Way, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
*'''Dunedin''' - [https://www.cdd.org.nz/ Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin] at 300 Rattray St., Private Bag 1941, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
*'''Hamilton''' - [https://www.cdh.org.nz/our-diocese Catholic Diocese of Hamilton] at 51 Grey Street, Hamilton East 3216, New Zealand
*'''Palmerston North''' - [https://pndiocese.org.nz/ Diocese of Palmerston North] at 33 Amesbury Street, Private Bag 11 012, Palmerston North, New Zealand
*'''Wellington''' - [https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/ Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington] at 22-30 Hill Street, Thorndon, WELLINGTON 6011, New Zealand
Additionally, the Catholic Dioceses of Auckland and Christchurch have diocesan archives that house some parish registers.
*'''Auckland''' - [https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/pompallier-heritage-centre-archives/collections/ Catholic Diocese of Auckland Pompallier Heritage Centre and Archives] at 30 New St, St Mary’s Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand - genealogical research is only permitted for records taken before 1900
*'''Christchurch''' - [https://archives.chchcatholic.nz/ Catholic Diocese of Christchurch Archives] at 2/9 Washington Way, Sydenham, Christchurch City 8011
The [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] also has many church records, including Catholic records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].
===Historical Background===
The first Catholic mass held in New Zealand occurred on Christmas Day 1769. Jean Baptiste Pompallier, a missionary, played an important role in establishing the Catholic church in New Zealand during the 19th century. Historically, most Catholics in New Zealand are of Irish descent. Today, Catholics make up 12.61% of New Zealand's population, which makes it the largest Christian Denomination. The territories with the highest percentage of Catholics are Kaikoura, Westland, and Grey.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
== Congregationalist Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington houses many Congregationalist records. To see what they have in their archives, visit their catalog [https://natlib.govt.nz/search here]. Some of New Zealand's church records have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org. Additionally, the [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] has many church records, including Congregationalist records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1871-1905''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/210135?availability=Family%20History%20Library Marriages, 1871-1905] at FamilySearch - images
=== Historical Background ===
The first Congregational Church in New Zealand was established in 1840. By the 1875 Census, Congregational Independents were the fourth largest Protestant denomination.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Congregational Union of New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregational_Union_of_New_Zealand, accessed 11 February 2020.</ref> Today, congregationalists make up 8.47% of the population of New Zealand.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
You will usually find the following types of records for Congregationalists:
*Baptisms
*Marriages
*Burials
*Admissions
*Dismissions
*Minutes
== Methodist Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington houses many Methodist records. To see what they have in their archives, visit their catalog [https://natlib.govt.nz/search here]. Some of New Zealand's church records have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org. Additionally, the [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] has many church records, including Methodist records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1830-1877''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/631678?availability=Family%20History%20Library Christenings and marriages from northern New Zealand, 1830-1877] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1844-1969''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/631992?availability=Family%20History%20Library Register of European names from Methodist records from Hokianga, New Zealand, 1834-1850] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1846-1917''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/245816?availability=Family%20History%20Library Marriages, pre-1915] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1830-1968''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/412881?availability=Family%20History%20Library Methodists records for New Zealand, 1830-1968] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1878-1914''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/209761?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1840-1954] at FamilySearch - images
=== Historical Background ===
Methodists were among the earliest missionaries to come to New Zealand.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Methodist Church of New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist_Church_of_New_Zealand, accessed 11 February 2020.</ref> Today, Methodists make up 2.64% of New Zealand's population.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
Typically, Methodist church records may consist of the following:
*Baptisms (infant and adult)
*Marriages
*Burials
*Ministerial Records
== Presbyterian Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
The best resource for Presbyterian records in New Zealand is the "Register of New Zealand Presbyterian Marriages 1848 to 1935." This database was compiled by the Presbyterian Research Centre and contains marriage records for Presbyterians during this time period. The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington also houses many Presbyterian church records. To see what they have in their archives, visit their catalog [https://natlib.govt.nz/search here]. Some of New Zealand's church records have been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org as well. Additionally, the [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] has many church records, including Presbyterian records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1856-1980''' - [http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/archives/marriagesdatabase.htm Register of New Zealand Presbyterian Marriages 1848 to 1935] at the Presbyterian Research Centre - indexes
*'''1848-1920''' - [http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/archives/synodregionmarriages.htm Register of Otago & Southland Marriages 1848 to 1920] at the Presbyterian Research Centre - indexes
*'''1881-1908''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/412678?availability=Family%20History%20Library St. David's Presbyterian Church : index to marriages, 1881-1908] at FamilySearch - images
=== Historical Background ===
Scottish settlers brought Presbyterianism to New Zealand, and consequently, most Presbyterian New Zealanders are of Scottish descent. The city of Dunedin was established as a Presbyterian settlement. Today, Presbyterians make up about 8.47% of the population. They have the strongest presence in the lower part of the South Island.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
== Church of Christ Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
Some of New Zealand's Church of Christ records have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org.
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1875-1926''' - {{RecordSearch|2367300|New Zealand, Auckland, Port Albert, Membership Lists and Minutes from the Church of Christ, 1875-1926}} at FamilySearch - images
*'''1907-1958''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1188832?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church register, 1907-1958] at FamilySearch - images
=== Historical Background ===
Today there are 2,145 members of the Church of Christ in New Zealand, which makes up 0.05% of the country/s population.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
Membership lists usually consist of:
*Names of members
*Baptisms date
*Admission date
Marriages usually consist of:
*Place of registration
*Birthplace and date
*Full name
*Gender
*Father's name
*Occupation
*Age
*Birthplace
*Mother's name
*Marriage date and place
*Previous issue
*Informant
== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
Some of New Zealand's records for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org.
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1905-1972''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/455443?availability=Family%20History%20Library Marriage licenses, 1905-1972] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1904-1971''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/175871?availability=Family%20History%20Library Marriage registers, 1904-1971] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1936-1940''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/447921?availability=Family%20History%20Library Record of lost and unknown members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1936-1940] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1881-1929''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243711?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1881-1929] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1884-1921''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243726?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1884-1921] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1884-1922''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243715?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1884-1922] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1886-1921''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243722?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1886-1921] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1881-1921''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243719?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1881-1921] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1884-1929''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243698?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1884-1929] at FamilySearch - images
*'''1884-1921''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/243703?availability=Family%20History%20Library Membership records, 1884-1921] at FamilySearch - images
More records for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are available on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search FamilySearch Catalog]. Search for places within New Zealand.
=== Historical Background ===
Today, there are about 41,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, which makes up about 1.04% of the country's population.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
Most records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints available are membership records which usually consist of:
*show the births and blessings of children
*baptisms
*confirmations
*marriages
*move-ins and move-outs
*deaths
== Lutheran Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington houses many Lutheran parish registers. To see what they have in their archives, visit their catalog [https://natlib.govt.nz/search here]. Some of New Zealand's church records have also been digitized and are available on FamilySearch.org. Additionally, the [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/ Auckland War Museum] has many church records, including Lutheran records, that are available to look at in their reading room. They also have some church records available online. To see what records they have available, visit them [https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/discover/collections-online here].
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1850-1885''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/417349?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1850-1885] at FamilySearch - index and images
=== Historical Background ===
Today, there are about 4,000 Lutherans in New Zealand, which makes up 0.1% of the country's population.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Christianity in New Zealand," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_New_Zealand, accessed 10 February 2020.</ref>
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
Typical Lutheran records include:
*Baptisms
*Marriages
*Deaths
== History ==
The keeping of church records in New Zealand generally began when representatives of each religious organization arrived in the islands. Records of the Church of England (Anglican) exist from 1814 while those for the Catholic church date from 1838, and the records of the Baptist church date from the 1850's. No one religion was ever predominant enough in New Zealand to be considered a "state church".&nbsp; For more information about the various churches in New Zealand, see [[New Zealand Church History]] and [[New Zealand History]].  
The keeping of church records in New Zealand generally began when representatives of each religious organization arrived in the islands. Records of the Church of England (Anglican) exist from 1814 while those for the Catholic church date from 1838, and the records of the Baptist church date from the 1850's. No one religion was ever predominant enough in New Zealand to be considered a "state church".&nbsp; For more information about the various churches in New Zealand, see [[New Zealand Church History]] and [[New Zealand History]].  


Civil authorities in New Zealand began registering vital statistics of European settlers in 1848, but registration did not become compulsory until eight years later. Registration of Maori marriages became compulsory in 1911 and births and deaths in 1913. Church records can contain information on many individuals who do not appear in the civil records.  
Civil authorities in New Zealand began registering vital statistics of European settlers in 1848, but registration did not become compulsory until eight years later. Registration of Maori marriages became compulsory in 1911 and births and deaths in 1913. Church records can contain information on many individuals who do not appear in the civil records.  


Church records continued to be kept after the introduction of civil registration, but they generally contain less information than civil registration records, particularly after 1876. For birth, death, and marriage records after 1848, see [[New Zealand Civil Registration- Vital Records]].  
Church records continued to be kept after the introduction of civil registration, but they generally contain less information than civil registration records, particularly after 1876. For birth, death, and marriage records after 1848, see [[New Zealand Civil Registration- Vital Records]].
 
== Information Recorded in the Records ==
=== Information Recorded in Church Registers  ===
The information recorded in church or parish registers varies somewhat from religion to religion, and later records generally give more complete information than earlier ones. Most church registers for the Anglican, Catholic, and Presbyterian denominations provide the following information:  
 
The information recorded in church or parish registers varies somewhat from religion to religion, and later records generally give more complete information than earlier ones. Most church registers provide the following information:  


=== Baptisms  ===
=== Baptisms  ===
Line 57: Line 214:
*Name of the officiating minister
*Name of the officiating minister


Occasionally parents' names, cause of death, and even the date and place of birth are given for the deceased. Burials were recorded in the records of the church where the person was buried. The burial usually took place within a few days of death. Burial records exist for individuals for whom no birth or marriage record exists. In addition, stillbirths may have been recorded in a burial register when no baptism occurred.  
Occasionally parents' names, cause of death, and even the date and place of birth are given for the deceased. Burials were recorded in the records of the church where the person was buried. The burial usually took place within a few days of death. Burial records exist for individuals for whom no birth or marriage record exists. In addition, stillbirths may have been recorded in a burial register when no baptism occurred.
 
==References==
=== Locating Church Records  ===
 
The different religious denominations have central offices in New Zealand, but for the most part they are not repositories for the church registers. In most cases the church registers are still in the hands of the individual minister and/or officers of the church, and some are held in libraries. However, the denominational archive offices should be able to provide information on the existence and availability of records. You must know both your ancestor's religion and the town where he or she lived in order to obtain the records by correspondence. See [[New Zealand Archives and Libraries]] for addresses of the archives. You may also be able to obtain addresses for current churches in New Zealand by referring to a church directory. See [[New Zealand Church Directories]].
 
===== Anglican =====
 
By Diocese:
 
*Auckland - Diocesan Office, Bishop’s house, 2 Arney Crescent, Auckland 5
*Christchurch - Diocesan Office, Bishopcourt, 100 Park Terrace, Christchurch and local ministers
*Nelson - Diocesan Record Office, Bishopdale, Nelson
*Waipau - Local ministers
*Waikato - Diocesan Office, Bishop’s House, 322 Cobham Drive, Hamilton; *Wellington - Most are in local custody, a few at Alexander Turnbull Library, 44-46 The Terrace, Wellington<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: New Zealand,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1990-1997.</ref>
 
===== Methodist =====
 
General Secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Christchurch<ref name="profile" />
 
===== Presbyterian =====
 
Only a minority of historic Presbyterian marriage and baptismal register records are held in local custody<ref name="profile" />
 
Many registers are held in the [http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/archives/ Presbyterian Archives at Knox College] in Dunedin (especially records from Otago and Southland).
 
Other records are held in other institutions (e.g. [https://natlib.govt.nz/collections/a-z/alexander-turnbull-library-collections Alexander Turnbull Library]).
 
Contact Presbyterian Church of Aotearao New Zeland to find out where the records of a particular parish are held.<br>
Phone: 03 473 0777 <br>
Email: pcanzarchives@prcknox.org.nz <br>
Hours: 9.30am - 4.30pm Mon to Fri. <br>
 
===== Roman Catholic =====
 
Records are held in local custody<ref name="profile" />
 
When writing to New Zealand for information from church records, you should include the following:
 
*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
*Your reason for the request (family history, medical, etc.)
*A request for a quote for the cost of supplying information
*A request for a photocopy of the complete original record if possible
 
===Online Records===
 
*'''1875 - 1926''' {{RecordSearch|2367300|New Zealand, Auckland, Port Albert, Membership Lists and Minutes from the Church of Christ, 1875-1926}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — images
 
=== Records at the Family History Library  ===
 
The Family History Library has a few church records on microfilm for New Zealand. You can determine whether the library has records for the locality your ancestor came from by checking the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under the name of the town where the church was located. Keep in mind that the church may not have been located in the town where your ancestor lived. Look in the catalog under:
 
NEW ZEALAND, [ISLAND], [TOWN] - CHURCH RECORDS.
 
== References ==
 
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
 
[[Category: Sandbox]]
{{Template:Pros-NZ}}<br>
 
<br> {{Place|New Zealand}}
 
[[Category:New_Zealand]] [[Category:Church_Records_by_Country]]
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