Research guides
Not sure where to begin your research journey? Our research guides highlight our frequently used archives, organised by category.
Our archives contain records created and used by the New Zealand Government, dating from around 1840 to the recent past. These research guides highlight some of our frequently used archives. They are organised by topic, and provide details of the archives we have, how to find them, and what information they contain.
It is worth noting that our guides are not comprehensive and can only cover a small proportion of what we have. To see if we have what you need online, visit our What's been digitised page.
Archival materials are historical documents, and may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. The content reflects the attitudes or language of the period in which the records were created and does not reflect the views of Archives New Zealand.
How to access and order film from the National Film Unit and other government departments
Migration and shipping information such as passenger lists, naturalisation and citizenship files, and refugee and immigrant information
Student and teacher records from education boards, schools, universities and more
How to find information on work, trades and training, companies, patents, bankruptcy, private employment, government employment and the public service
Health and mental health patient files, admission registers and other hospital and asylum archives
Personal identity information like marriages, probates, coroner’s inquests, census-type archives, and other life data
Deeds and crown grants, maps and plans, Māori Land Court Minute Books and Sāmoan land and titles
Police, justice and court information relating to divorce, bankruptcy, civil and criminal cases, and prisoners
Te ao Māori, including how to research your whakapapa and find information about land blocks
Find out more about the thousands of photographs, negatives, artworks and music we have
Military and personnel files from home and abroad, unit diaries, Defence department archives, and maps and plans
Child and adult welfare information, adoptions, maintenance, pensions, benefits and charitable aid