RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => New Zealand => New Zealand Completed Requests => Topic started by: Lucy2 on Friday 11 February 22 13:42 GMT (UK)
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Hi All
Not sure if this has been mentioned here previously ... but just to let you know that Archives New Zealand have done away with their website name " ARCHWAY "
... and this has been replaced with the title " COLLECTIONS SEARCH " :
[Now that's going to take some getting used to, isn't it ? ;D ]
Link > https://www.archives.govt.nz/
~ Lu
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Thanks Lu. :D
Might trip some people up, especially if you don't visit the site regularly!
Cheers
KHP
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Thanks Lu, missed that.
Alan.
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Thanks Lucy2,
Yes, it looks completely different!
Currently I'm ordering files using an online form and specifying a date to view, but two days ago I was finding them via Archway. Have to retrain...
Spades
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Has anyone actually managed to do a search yet?
I've been hitting the Maroon 'Search for Records" button intermittently all day but eventually it just times out.
Newsletter from NZSG said
"Archives New Zealand
Did you know that on 8 February, Archives New Zealand are replacing Archway with a new way of searching their collections? To get the best out it you will need a RealMe login. You may already have used one for your student loan, passport renewal or National Super. Time to find that password!
If you don't have a RealMe login, go to www.realme.govt.nz and you will find what you need to do to get a login.
We'll bring you more information on the new Archives NZ search in the next issue!
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Hi Mckha,
I was able to find an ITM earlier today without a RealMe login. It took me to the right page and clicking on a right then opened the form to order files and book a viewing time which is the current process.
I've just tried to log in using my RealMe details and it failed twice.
I'm going in on Monday to see files, so I'll ask for advice.
Spades
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Thank you Spades.
Hope you can get there OK (past the “group”)
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Hi All
Have only had time so far to attempt a couple of quick searches.
Yes, my RealMe log-in has been rejected also.
Checked on an "Archway" link I'd supplied to a thread just a matter of weeks ago, and got a rather horrible-looking error message. ::)
~ Lu
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According to a member only FB group page, there is a lot of grumbles about the site.
Cheers
KHP
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Hi spades
Included this thread from last week, in my "checking process" of new website.
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=858762.0
The links provided by "kiwi terrier" seem to have been rendered "obsolete". ::)
~ Lu
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Using this fairly recent James WILKINSON thread as an example, all the following links for "archway.archives" are returned as NOT FOUND !!! :o
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=857739.0
Archives link at Reply # 3 -- # 24 -- #32 -- # 39 ... by Alan ( Fresh Fields)
Reply # 11 -- #21 -- by Lucy2
Mmmm ::)
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According to a member only FB group page, there is a lot of grumbles about the site.
Cheers
KHP
Grumbles ... looks to be a right "disaster" !!! ;D
[Maybe though we'll wake up on Monday morning and find the site is working a treat ?? ]
~ Lu
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I think it is the fault of the same expert team who did over the NSW BDM in 2012- 2015.... and then moved on to NSW Land Titles, and did it over, and migrated to Vic and even recently did the marriages index over perhaps a second or third time - after having done all the Vic bdm indexes a thorough caning, and the PROV archives and ... now trying to interfere with NZ ....
Apparently there are serious prizes awarded annually across a number of categories for improvements to webpages...
JM.
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Great.
Presumably that means all previous RootsChat posts providing direct NZ National Archives file links, for our overseas enquirer's, will be worthless.
Very interesting indeed.
As I don't, at this time, have a REALME account, I will have to resort to the old Auckland phone number, or emails used between myself and their staff in the past. Wonder if those will change also.
This aspect was not explained to me when I uplifted a four hour booking on the 27th of January, but data entry, for retrieval of files, was being done manually, because a new system was being phased in.
While the Auckland reading room had five computers for reader's use and for ordering files etc, over the past year, or so, they were hardly being used because they were so slow responding. Readers were being advised to approach the receptionist, as those with staff login, were getting a better down load, but still slower than I was recieving in the Waikato countryside. So some server upgrades were definitely over due.
Watch this space.
Alan.
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Hi Alan
Very annoying, huh !! ::)
Have to hope it is only a teething problem ... a glitch in the new system ... and that those previous links can be restored. ;)
I do have a REALME account (and can I say, it's worth having and easy enough to sign up for. ;) ) It works in every other situation I've used it for ... just need to find out why it's being rejected by Archives NZ.
Do wonder too whether my longstanding Archives New Zealand Reader's Card, is still valid ???
~ Lu
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Me too! I’ll let you all know on Monday.
Spades
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How is your eyesight .........
Alan
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Hi Alan
Very annoying, huh !! ::)
EDITED TO ...
Do wonder too whether my longstanding Archives New Zealand Reader's Card, is still valid ???
~ Lu
As a "P" card holder [Registered user, which is presumably going to be linked to REAL ME] we have not been advised otherwise. by our registered contact FOR SERVICE, be it by email or NZ Post snail mail.
Alan.
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Hi All
Just spotted this updated info dated 11/2/22.
https://www.archives.govt.nz/about-us/whats-new/collection-search-information
... a note there too, re: Reader's cards.
Best of luck on Monday, Spades ... look forward to hearing whatever it is you are able to share with us. :)
~ Lu
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Me too! I’ll let you all know on Monday.
Spades
Please do.
I was inclided to attempt another four hour session in the Auckland branch this comming week, if I could get a booking, before Omicrom gets too wide spread, but see tonight that that office is currently listed as having a closed reading room, with only the other three branches taking booking requests at this time.
That being the case, I will not be exposed to an additional risk, and therefore to my essential services daughters, who live on the farm.
Alan.
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Oops ... sorry Alan missed your last post.
Yep, I see now in the update link I've just added, the piece about Reader's cards. And that's a good point you make about not being advised prior to the launch of new website.
[I actually want to scream ... spit tacks ... or whatever ... but I'll spare you all that !! Grrr ... Government Departments ::) .]
~ Lu
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Oh windy Welington, getting stick from all fronts !
Take care.
Alan.
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Hi again Lu.
At least the links, previously supplied, that take the reader direct to digital records that are available online, could still be valid.
This one you posted to topic 858091.0 post #6 Wm WILKINSON Aeronautical Engineer still takes me to that digital record to view.
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21053017
BUT FOR direct links to ARCHIVES NZ files the illustration attached is all I get.
Well for me "AXIELL Creative Solutions AIMS - expanding minds" the Jury is still out. And for my eyes looking at computer and phone screens, a way better RESOLUTION/CONTRAST is required, to be able to even read the word.
Did not try to find an LDS sponsored digital record link for a try.
Alan.
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Have had a brief look. Not keen on it.
Can't view wills on there anymore by the look of it. Says to go to the Familysearch site.
Ian C
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::) Baaah .... Awful ... Awful ... Awful !!!
Yes, Alan, had noticed that the Army files available via Archives NZ site, were still accessible ... but then they don't have the "archway.archives" URL.
And as for accessing Probate files through FamilySearch ... bah !! [That site is awful too after it's recent re-vamp !! ]
~ Lu
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Have had a brief look. Not keen on it.
Can't view wills on there anymore by the look of it. Says to go to the Familysearch site.
Ian C
I read the same as you Ian and Lu re: Family Search,so tried a will I've already looked at to see if it was there.
Clicked on the blue link to see what happened and it took me to the Archives copy.
Barbara
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Hi Spades.
Have you been contacted re your reading room booking?
If I read their site correctly due to the PROTEST access for the public to the Wellington Archive is temporarily closed.
Alan
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Hi Alan,
Just reviewed my emails. No.
I've just checked their website for the Wellington office and its closed all week, but I suspect that this is due to visits being by appointment only.
I'll think I'll make a phone call tomorrow to see what the score is before attempting a visit.
Thanks,
Spades
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Telll them you are already in town, and hopefully they will provide you a way in.
Will update you with regards to outstanding requests, when back at my computer late tonight.
All the requestee's that I have been assisting are very grateful for any look ups that you can fit into your busy schedule.
Thank you,
Alan.
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Thanks Alan.
A small update; I emailed Archives NZ earlier saying that I was experiencing issues with RealMe log-in and was very surprised to receive a prompt reply (on a Sunday afternoon!) advising that, as you noted, they will now be closed tomorrow but that they will hold my files for Tuesday at least. They will also advise me of further likely closures.
Excellent service. I see a day of new learning ahead of me, the best kind of day. 8)
Spades
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Hello,
We've been sitting in the dark wondering what is happening, and I think this is a small update.
Saw this on my FB group:
We’re sorry you are having a frustrating experience using our new Collections search. Many thanks for taking the time to send us your feedback.
It was important to upgrade Archway because the platform was so old that it had become unstable, and we weren't able to make improvements to it. There was a risk that it would break and prevent people from accessing public records.
However, we’ve had feedback on the new site from many of our users, and we know there are issues with the experience. We’re working hard to understand the problems and begin to fix them – please bear with us.
Thanks again for your feedback. We’ve taken it on board, and we’ll use it to improve the site.
Spades hope it was ok to copy it, if not, feel free to dissect into small pieces ;D I did with a couple of words!
Cheers
KHP
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Thanks for sharing that, KHP. :) Most informative.
Sort of wish they'd mentioned earlier, the reason for the upgrade (old platform, unstable, unable to be upgraded etc.). Happy now that they've clarified that.
Tried several times to re-register, only to have my RealMe login rejected. Left it for a day or two before re-trying, and was then immediately successful. (Obviously a "fault" at the new website ? ).
A new format always takes time to get used to, but from what I've encountered on the "Collections Search" so far, I think it will be quite easy to adapt to.
~ Lu
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Thanks KHP.
I do not have social media accounts. Still need family to assist setting up a Real Me account. Looks like drivers licence photo not OK. And now having issues with three identities, happy to do business with me for years, but now wanting to start afresh. No carry over of data, and NOT accepting my input into their dIalogue boxes. I'm not going any where new in a hurray, but they are.
To top it off hoping UK member will get back to me, why he is having issues with a UK upgrade of his Rootschat registration. Asked for details, if prepared to share, so can discuss with spades.
ALAN.
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I've been keeping an eye on this thread as I am a NZ citizen still but may not have access to the site anymore from Australia.
Trish :)
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Hello again TRISH.
I for one would be interested to see what response a request recieves when it is arriving from an overseas address. Being a stay at home. Last time I needed a pasport was for a visit to Australia in 1994, and only needing to renew my drivers licence in recent times, had no percieved need for a REALME ID. I asume a bit like an internal [NZ] pasport, for quick access to central and local governance requirements. A local District's cemetry data base no longer allows me online access because I have not got a REALME ID.
If you have kept your NZ pasport right up to date I'm assuming you will have less hurdles to go through to register a REALME.
All the best if you dial them up.
Alan.
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Hi Alan,
Thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately my Passport expired in the middle of our first covid lock down here in 2021.
I may try emailing Archives in the future :)
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I have used it a few times and been frustrated and disappointed. It really needs a lot of remedial work to be useful.