New Zealand BMDs General Enquiry

[Pennines]

Hi,

Whilst I am an experienced family history researcher, I am completely new to New Zealand research -- and I am hoping somebody can kindly help me with basic information. I am trying to help a friend with her New Zealand ancestry.

From the BMD website -- (which seems to be a Government site) - I get the impression that there are strict time scales in place, such as a birth must be over 100 years ago, a marriage 80 years ago and a death 50 years ago -- before a certificate (or a printout) can be ordered. (Also the actual website doesn't seem to be working properly and I don't appear to be able to search for BMDs - unless I'm doing something wrong.)

Are there any published parish records available for NZ please? A limited number appear on Ancestry and Family Search, but not for the family I am seeking. (I have discovered various Electoral Rolls and directories - but nothing much else for family information.)

Seems like a nightmare at the moment! As there don't seem to be any census records either, I would be really grateful if anyone can provide basic tips please about NZ research and BMDs?

Many thanks in advance

Pennines

[Janette]

Hi Pennines

What period of time are you looking at?

Cheers Janette

[Pennines]

Hi Janette,

Thank you for replying -- from about 1920 backwards. Which doesn't fall into the 100 year embargo unfortunately.

However I suspect that I may have found a possible death in 1914 for someone who may be connected (and is likely an ancestor). That would be OK for ordering a certificate as a starter - if only I knew how to do so.

For instance -- is there the same information on printouts as on certificates? I've never heard of those before. I am entering a whole new genealogy world!

Regards Pennines

[Janette]

If you are ordering from BDM's it is often better to order a "printout" they are a photocopy of the actual entry in the register and usually contain a bit more information and as a bonus they are a little cheaper.
There is also PapersPast which can be quite useful

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=q&q=&e=-------10--1----0--

If you would like to post names some of us may be able to help you

Cheers Janette

[Janette]

Cemetery records are often another useful resource

Cheers Janette

[spades]

Hi Pennines, and welcome to the New Zealand Board

Before you purchase the 'printout' of the certificate you could search New Zealand newspapers for a record of the individual's death. The website is Papers Past http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/

And since the individual is deceased you're welcome to post the name and details here to see what other information can be found.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need guidance. There's some very experienced and persistent researchers here.

Spades

[Beg Clonrode...]

I get the impression that there are strict time scales in place, such as a birth must be over 100 years ago, a marriage 80 years ago and a death 50 years ago -- before a certificate (or a printout) can be ordered.

Hello...

You can order BDM certificates/printouts right up to 1990, just not from the BDM NZ website. Most main city libraries have BDM microfiche covering 1840-1990. The fiche give the relevant year/folio number. You can then phone or email BDM NZ with that info plus your credit card details.

The 100 year, 80 year and 50 year restrictions you mentioned are just arbitrary limits imposed to inconvenience people who can't access a NZ library.

The info on the fiche is minimal (usually just name and folio number) and fiche are obviously not as quick to search as a computerised database but someone will usually pop along to the library for you if you ask for a fiche look-up.

Regards
Beg

[Pennines]

My most grateful thanks to you all.

I will look at the sites you suggest first - and see how I get on, in the hope that I don't have to trouble anyone further. However, I suspect I'll be back!

Thank you again - I knew that Roots Chatters would be able to help. You are a great bunch.

Regards
Pennines

[alamar]

Don't forget "Archway." The website of our National Archives where you can pick up Wills, Divorces, Coronial enquiries and importantly this year the records of those who served during WW1. They also include other matters where individuals have interacted with the bureaucracy.

http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/

Alan