This help page (which you may wish to bookmark) is in two parts ...
⦿ The top is a list of some of the GREAT SITES that will help in your research
⦿ The next is NZ broken down into 16 Regions with lots of helpful links in each region (cemeteries etc)

please note...
* the links are checked as time permits. Some links are 'down' for maintenance but some are closed down. If you find any that are broken for any length of time please let me know
* if you would like helpful links added please leave a comment
* the list may be added to at any time so visit the original page from time to time ...
... NZ ANCESTOR HELP ...


⦿ ARCHWAY New Zealand
- contains descriptions of over 1.5 million records that have been transferred from government agencies to four offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin & Wellington. Increased as additional records are added to the system. Also a wealth of information about the government of New Zealand from 1840
NOTE Archway contains descriptive information only; it does not yet provide online access to the text of the records themselves but details may be ordered

⦿ AUSTRALIAN ANZACS in the GREAT WAR 1914-1918
- a large number of Kiwi soldiers served with the AIF
also search ...
the Australian War Memorial
and Australian Cemeteries Index

⦿ BATTALION ROLL for the 28th Maori Battalion
- The names and other details given in this roll are those recorded on enlistment. Many 28th Battalion soldiers used alternative names or were known by both Māori and English versions of their names; these are recorded where known

⦿ BIRTH - DEATHS - MARRIAGES
- This site allows you to search and order historical records without being issued with an igovt ID

⦿ COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION CWGC
- casualty database listing the names and place of commemoration of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars

⦿ DICTIONARY of New Zealand BIOGRAPHY
- a major historical project funded by the New Zealand government through the Department of Internal Affairs

⦿ FIND A GRAVE
- search over 142 million grave records

⦿ HELEN'S PAGE of New Zealand History

⦿ IMMIGRANT SHIPS to New Zealand 1835 - 1910
- over 400 passenger lists unique to this website

⦿ JUSTICE and JURY LISTS
- Wellington and Canterbury 1845 - 1868

⦿ MARITIME MUSEUM New Zealand Index
- search for vessels, organisations, subjects and people, mentioned in a number of publications currently being indexed by the Museum

⦿ NATIONAL LIBRARY of NEW ZEALAND
- self explanatory, very large site

⦿ New Zealand CEMETERY DATABASE and MAP
- Visit Murray Lynn's (1950-2013) fantastic cemetery database. It contains all known cemeteries in New Zealand. Many Cemeteries link to web sites with burial records, plot maps, photos, historic articles etc
* the full list of Murray's cemeteries

⦿ NEW ZEALAND ELECTRONIC TEXT CENTRE (NZETC)
- Here you can search and browse an open digital library of New Zealand and Pacific Island documentary heritage material as well as new born-digital work and research from Victoria University

⦿ New Zealand GENEALOGY search
- opens at New Zealand but is a World Wide Directory of Free Genealogy Databases and Record Transcriptions. Has a lot of Regional links

⦿ New Zealand HISTORY
- An excellent site by Robbie Whitmore with a search engine, many, many links, photos, a history forum, watch or learn the Haka, Maori folk songs, tattooing & art, gold rush days, NZ wars - everything Kiwi from pre European to today's news

⦿ New Zealand MUSEUMS A site for you to explore New Zealand museums, art galleries, cultural organisations and their collections per Region

⦿ New Zealand Society of Genealogists
- FAMILY HISTORY - PRESERVING OUR PAST FOR THE FUTURE

⦿ New Zealand YESTERYEARS
- 2434 Passenger Lists With 942 Ships, 250 ship photographs

⦿ PAPERS PAST
- Papers Past contains more than two million pages of digitised New Zealand newspapers and periodicals. The collection covers the years 1839 to 1948 and includes 130 publications (at Feb 2016) from all regions of New Zealand and they add newspapers often

⦿ PASSENGER LISTS 1839-1973 Archives NZ

⦿ PIONEERS IN NEW ZEALAND
- A collection of thirty-four illustrated and interesting historical articles and stories by Anthony G. Flude. The New Zealand Company-Wanganui & Riverboats-Exploration & Settlement-Ruatara-a Mori chief-Mori & Missionaries-Unemployed & Homeless-Landsharks & Speculators-First Immigrant ships-The Pioneer Women-Circular Saw Line-Akaroa-the French-Journey to New Zealand-Convicts to NZ-Gold Strikes-Whaling in New Zealand-Cobb & Company-The Boyd Massacre-Don Buck's Gumdiggers Camp

⦿ SHIPS LOGS Australia and New Zealand
- Journals, Pictures and Passenger Ship Links

⦿ TROVE read old Australian Newspapers and more
- Find and get over 374,419,217 Australian and online resources:
books, images, historic newspapers, maps, music, archives and more

⦿ WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM Cenotaph
- search for Soldiers who served in the Wars

if you know any other good 'Regional Archives' for NZ please leave a comment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During my research around New Zealand I have found that all regions are very proud of their settlers and pioneers and have gone to great lengths, some of them, to preserve their history and provide us with as much information, photos etc as possible. I am going to have to admit to a personal favourite. Because of the obvious large amount of ongoing work that goes into the site:
KETE HOROWHENUA
to this date it contains..
Topics (2,090)
Images (18,960)
Audio (106)
Video (88)
Web links (242)
Documents (2,463)
Discussion (322)
Tags (15,208)
Adopt an ANZAC

NOTE
I have taken this opportunity to add extra helpful links for New Zealand researching, outside the "Regional Council Archives" usually written by people with an interest in the particular district. The following are mostly online archives, but of course, every town and city has wonderful libraries, museums etc. I have spent a lot of time at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington and it is an amazing place. Call in if you're in Wellington

NORTH ISLAND
1 ... NORTHLAND
northernmost city in New Zealand
COUNCIL SEAT - Whangarei
* Northland Regional & District Councils
* Northland Regional Council
* FAR NORTH Cemetery Database for Broadwood, Fairburn, Herekino, Houhoro, Kaei, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, Kohukohu, Mangonui, Mangungu, Okaihau, Oruaiti, Paihia, Paranui, Peria, Rawene, Russell, Takahue, Totara North, Umawera, Waiharara, Waipapakauri
* Far North District Council
* Kaipara District Council
* Whangarei District Council
* WHANGAREI Cemetery Database for Hukerenui South, Kamo, Kaurihohore (Kauri), Kioreroa, Mangapai, Marua, Mauna, Maungakaramea, Ngunguru, Onerahi, Otonga, Parua, Waikiekie, Waipu, Whareora
* Northland Genealogy Links - Archives & Libraries-Births & Deaths-Cemeteries-General Resources-Mori-Marriages-Message Boards-Military-Obits & Newspapers-Passenger Lists-Societies


2 ... AUCKLAND
largest and most populous urban area with 31% of the country's population
COUNCIL SEAT - Auckland
* Auckland Council
*Auckland Genealogy Links - includes link to Auckland Electoral Rolls, Jury Lists and Directories 1865-1871
* SHIPS to Auckland from 1835
* Auckland Area Passenger Arrivals
* AUCKLAND Cemetery Database for Hillsborough - Onetangi, Waiheke Island - Otahuhu Public - Waikaraka and others
* RODNEY Cemetery Database for Helensville, Hoteo North, Kaipara Flats, Kaukapakapa, Leigh, Matakana, Parkhurst, Port Albert, Puhoi, Stanmore Bay, Te Arai, Te Kapa, Wainui, Wainui Settlers, Warkworth, Wellsford, Whangateau
* PUREWA Cemetery & Crematorium
- This cemetery, a 15 minute drive from Auckland's central business district, is the final resting place for over 45,000 men, women and children, including many of Auckland's notable business and political leaders, clergy and V.C. holders
* WAIKUMETE Cemetery database, largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere


3 ... WAIKATO
COUNCIL SEAT -Hamilton
* Waikato Regional & District Councils
* Waikato Regional Council
* Hamilton City Council
* Hamilton Branch NZ Society of Genealogists
* HAMILTON Cemetery Database for Hamilton East, Hamilton West, Hamilton Park,
* Matamata-Piako District Council
* Thames-Coromandel District Council
* THAMES Cemetery Database for Buffalo, Christ Church (Anglican), Colville, Mercury Bay, Omahu, Shortland, Tairua, Tararu, Totara Memorial Park, Whangamata
* PAEROA Cemetery Database for Hauraki Plains (Ngatea), Miranda (Mangatawhiri), Pukerimu, Waihi
* Taupo District Council
* TAUPO Cemetery Database for Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino
* Hauraki District Council
* Otorohanga District Council
* OTOROHANGA Cemetery Database for Kawhia, Otorohanga
* Rotorua District Council
* ROTORUA Cemetery Database for Kauae, Mamaku, Ngakuru, Reporoa, Rotorua
... NOTE free Silverlight plug-in is required to search this cemetery
* South Waikato District Council
* SOUTH WAIKATO cemetery database for Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau
* PIOPIO SOLDIERS
* OLD MORRINSVILLE CEMETERY
- A list of names of those at Thames Street from 1898-2000
*Matamata, Piako, Te Aroha, Maukoro, Morrinsville, Waharoa
NOTE... could still be under development
* Waikato District Council
* Waipa District Council
* Waitomo District Council
*CAMBRIDGE Cemetery Database for Hautapu, Kihikihi, Leamington, Ohaupo, Alexandria (Pirongia), Paterangi, Puahue, Pukeatua, Pukerimu, Te Awamutu


4 ... BAY OF PLENTY
COUNCIL SEAT - Whakatane
Bay of Plenty Regional & District Councils
* Bay of Plenty Regional Council
* Tauranga City Council
* Taupo District Council
* TAUPO Cemetery Database
* Opotiki District Council
* OPOTIKI Cemetery Database for Old Military (Kellt street), Opotiki (Waitangi), Woodlands (Ranginui Urupa)
* Whakatane District Council
* Western Bay of Plenty District Council
* Kawerau District Council
* KAWERAU Cemetery Database for Kawerau
* Rotorua District Council
* SHIPS to Tauranga 1881
* TAURANGA CEMETERY database for Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Latter Day Saints, Pyes Pa, Presbyterian
... NOTE free Silverlight plug-in is required to search this cemetery
- database does not include information for the Mission Cemetery or Maori Burial Grounds


5 ... GISBORNE
COUNCIL SEAT - Gisborne
* Gisborne District Council
* New Zealand Society of Genealogists GISBORNE Branch
* GISBORNE Cemetery Database for Makaraka, Matahiia, Ormond, Motu, Patutahi, Ruatoria, Rakauroa, Taruheru, Te Araroa, Te Puia, Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay


6 ... HAWKES BAY
COUNCIL SEAT - Napier
* Hawkes Bay Reginal & District Councils
* Hawke's Bay Regional Council
* Napier City Council
* NAPIER Cemetery Database for Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino
* Taupo District Council
* Hastings District Council
* Wairoa District Council
* WAIROA administers cemeteries for Frasertown, Morere, Nuhaka, Ruakaturi, Wairoa.
Central Hawke's Bay District Council
* NAPIER (Ahuriri) SETTlERS 1850S onwards
* HAWKES BAY CENTRAL Cemetery Database for Forest Gate, Kaikoura North, Makaretu, Otane, Pendle Hill (Private), Porangahau, St Peter's Church, Takapau, Tikokino (Hampden), Waipawa, Waipukurau
* OLD NAPIER CEMETERY list
* Rangitikei District Council
* RANGITIKEI Cemetery Database for Bulls (Clifton), Mangaweka, Marton (Mt View), Ratana, Taihape, Turakina
* SHIPS to Napier from 1862


7 ... TARANAKI
COUNCIL SEAT - Stratford
* Taranaki Regional & District Councils
* Taranaki Regional Council
* Stratford District Council
* Stratford Branch NZ Society of Genealogists
* New Plymouth District Council
* New Plymouth Branch NZ Society of Genealogists
* NEW PLYMOUTH Cemetery Database for Awanui, Huirangi, Inglewood, Lepperton, Okato, St Mary's Churchyard, Tarata, Tataraimaka, Te Henui, Tikorangi, Urenui, Waireka, Waitara
* South Taranaki District Council
* SOUTH TARANAKI Cemetery Database for Eltham, Hawera, Kaponga, Manaia, Okaiawa, Opunake, Patea
* SHIPS to New Plymouth from 1858


8 ... MANAWATU-WANGANUI
COUNCIL SEAT - Palmerston North
* Manawatu-Wanganui Regional & District Councils
* Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council
* Palmerston North City Council
* PALMERSTON NORTH Cemetery Database for Ashhurst, Kelvin Grove, Terrace End
* Stratford District Council
* STRATFORD Cemetery Database for Kopuatama (Main Stratford Cemetery), Midhurst New, Midhurst Old, Pioneer, Tahora, Waipuku, Whangamomona
* Taupo District Council
* Manawatu District Council
* MANAWATU Cemetery Database for Alfredton, Dannevirke, Herbertville, Kaitawa, Kumeroa, Mangahao, Mangaoranga, Mangatainoka, Mangatera, Marchant street, Matamau, Newman, Norsewood, Old Gorge, Ormondville, Pinfold Road, Pongaroa, Woodville, Weber
* all the residents of SETTLERS CEMETERY, Dannevirke
* FEILDING Cemetery Database for Feilding, Halcombe, Kimbolton, Pohangina, Rangiwahia, Rongotea, Sandon, Waituna West
* Horowhenua District Council
* HOROWHENUA Cemetery Database for Foxton, Koputaroa, Levin, Manakau and Shannon
* Rangitikei District Council
* Ruapehu District Council
* Tararua District Council
* NORSEWOOD Cemetery Database
* Waitomo District Council - this surprised me, shouldn't it be in the Waikato region
* Wanganui District Council
* WANGANUI Cemetery Database


9 ... WELLINGTON
New Zealand's Capital City
COUNCIL SEAT - Wellington
* City & District Councils
* Wellington Regional Council
* WELLINGTON Cemetery Database of Bolton St, Karori & Makara
* MOUNT STREET Cemetery Database, all the 1100 known burials so far found in this protected, heritage cemetery (established 6th January 1841)
* Porirua City Council
* PORIRUA Cemetery Database
* TAWA FLAT Cemetery List
* Hutt City Council
* Christ Church TAITA Cemetery Database
* Upper Hutt City Council
* AKATARAWA Cemetery Database
* Wellington City Council
* PETONE Cemetery Database
* South Wairarapa District Council
* the ANZACs at FEATHERSTON cemetery
* Kapiti Coast District Council
* Masterton District Council
* MASTERTON Cemetery Database
* Carterton District Council
* CARTERTON Cemetery Database
* SHIPS to WELLINGTON from 1835
* WAIRARAPA ARCHIVES - a collecting archive that aims to collect records relating to the Wairarapa region. It provides access to these collections through an extensive database
* KETE MASTERTON - has been created to capture and preserve the memories, stories and activities of the people of Masterton. Kete (Maori word for basket) can be used by individuals and community groups to upload documents, photographs, audio or video, and then group them together in 'baskets' (Kete)
* WAIRARAPA PAST - Led by Archivist Gareth Winter, they have a wide selection of resources available, including: an on-line digital photograph collection, on-line catalogue, local history books (many out-of-print), photographs and negatives, architectural plans and maps, records of community organisations, newspapers, family information and histories, film, video and oral recordings, school records


SOUTH ISLAND
10 ... TASMAN
COUNCIL SEAT - Richmond
* Tasman District Council
* TASMAN Cemetery Database for Bainham; Clifton; Collingwood; Collingwood (Old); Dovedale; East Takaka; Flett Road; Foxhill; Hamama (West Takaka); Kotinga; Mararewa Main Rd.; Motueka Public; Murchison; Pioneer Park; Richmond; Riwaka; Rototai; Sandy Bay; Spring Grove; Stanley Brook; Waimea West, Waiwhero


11 ... NELSON
COUNCIL SEAT - Nelson
* Nelson City Council
* NELSON CEMETERIES Database for Fairfield (Trafalgar street), Hallowell (Shelbourne street), Marsden Valley, Seaview Road, Wakapuaka
* SHIPS to Nelson from 1835
* SETTLERS in NELSON 1849


12 ... MARLBOROUGH
COUNCIL SEAT - Blenheim
* Marlborough District Council
* MARLBOROUGH cemetery Database for Blenheim, Fairhall, Havelock, Mahakipawa, Omaka, Picton, Seddon, Tuamarina, Ward


13 ... WEST COAST
COUNCIL SEAT - Greymouth
* West Coast Reginal & District Councils
* West Coast Regional Council
* WESTPORT Cemetery Database for Addison Flat, Boatsman, Charleston, Inangahua Junction, Karamea, Lyell, Mokihinui, Orowaiti, Reefton, Waimangaroa
* Westland District Council
* WESTLAND Cemetery Database for Hokitika, Kumara, Ross and Stafford
* Buller District Council - with a link to Westport Genealogy and History Group
* Grey District Council
* GREY Administered Cemeteries Ahaura, Barrytown, Blackball, Cobden, Gladstone, Greenstone, Karoro, Mori Gully, Ngahere, Notown, Stillwater


14 ... CANTERBURY
COUNCIL SEAT - Christchurch
* Canterbury Regional & District Councils
Canterbury Regional Council
* Christchurch City Council - with a link to their cemetery database
* AKAROA Electoral Roll for 1856-1857
* Mackenzie District Council
* MacKENZIE Cemetery Database for Albury, Burkes Pass, Fairlie, Twizel
* Ashburton District Council
* ASHBURTON Cemetery Database by surname list
* Hurunui District Council
* Selwyn District Council
* CONTACT for information regarding people buried in the cemeteries
Bishops Corner, Brookside, Dunsandel, Ellesmere, Ellesmere Caholic, Greendale, Hororata, Killinchy, Kimberley, Kirwee, Kowai Pass, Lake Colleridge, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Shands Road, South Malvern, Springston, Waddington, Weedons Wesleyan
* Kaikoura District Council
* Waimate District Council
* Waimakariri District Council
* WAIMAKARIRI Cemetery Database for Birch Hill, Cust-Mairaki, Kaiapoi Anglican, Kaiapoi Public, Oxford Public, Rangiora Park Lawn
* Waitaki District Council
* Timaru District Council
* TIMARU Cemetery Database
* SHIPS to Lyttelton from 1835
* SHIPS into Timaru from 1858


15 ... OTAGO
COUNCIL SEAT - Dunedin
* Otago Regional & District Councils
* Otago Regional Council
* Passenger Arrivals at Port Chalmers
* DUNEDIN Cemetery Database for Andersons Bay, Allanton (Greytown), Broad Bay, East Taieri, Green Island, Green Park, Hindon, Macandrew Bay, Northern Cemetery, Otokia, Port Chalmers, Portobello, Purakaunui, Southern Cemetery, Waikouaiti (Hawksbury), Waitati (Blueskin), West Taieri
* CAVERSHAM Electoral Roll Database South Dunedin Electoral Rolls for 1893, 1896, 1899, 1902, 1905, 1911, 1914, 1919, 1922, 1925, 1928, 1931, 1935, 1938
* Clutha District Council
* Queenstown-Lakes District Council
* QUEENSTOWN Cemetery Database for Arrowtown, Cardrona, Frankton, Glenorchy, Kingston, Makarora, Queenstown, Skippers Point and Wanaka
* Central Otago District Council
* MANUHERIKIA Roll of Electors 1865 - 1866
* Waitaki District Council
* SHIPS to Port Chalmers from 1835
* DUNEDIN ELECTORAL ROLLS 1893 - 1938


16 ... SOUTHLAND
southernmost city in the Commonwealth of Nations
COUNCIL SEAT - Invercargill
* Southland Regional & District Councils
* Southland Regional Council
* SOUTHLAND Cemetery Database for Athol, Balfour, Braggs Bay, Calcium, Centre Hill, Clifden,Colac Bay, Dipton, Eastern Bush, Edendale, Forest Hill, Forest Hill (Cameron), Fortrsoe (New), Fortrose (Old), Garston, Halfmoon Bay, Hedgehope, Horseshoe Bay, Jamestown, Lumsden, Lynwood, Mokoreta, Nokomai (Southern), Oraka, Orepuki, Otautau (New), Otautau (Old), Quarry Hills, Riversdale, Riverton (New), Ruapuke, Ruapuke (Te Kiri Kiri), Ryal Bush, Stewart Island (Lee Bay), Stewart Island (Lonnekers), Stewart Island (Ringaringa), Stewart Island (Ulva Island), Tararua Acre, The Neck, Tokanui, Tuatapere, Waikaia, Waikaia Old Chinese, Waikawa, Wairio (Nightcaps), Wakapatu, Wallacetown (New), Wallacetown (Old), Winton (East), Winton (Old), Woodlands, Wreys Bush, Wyndham.
* Invercargill City Council
* INVERCARGILL Cemetery Database for Bluff, Eastern Cemetery, Green Point, St James, Southland
* Southland District Council
* Gore District Council
* Gore Branch NZ Society of Genealogists
* GORE Cemetery Database for Charlton, Gore, Mataura, Otaraia, Pukerau, Waikaka
* SHIPS to Bluff from 1863