On Thursday 5 June, a lively and inquisitive audience gathered at Auaha Hīhī / Spark Place for the latest instalment of Tuakiri’s “Heritage Highlights” series. The evening’s panel discussion was led by our wonderful Family History Librarian, Trudy Heney, who opened with a brief overview of what DNA actually is: the sequence of base pairs which encode genes, long stretches of which in turn make up our chromosomes – 23 pairs of which are found in nearly every human cell. All humans are 99.9% genetically identical. All of the diversity existing between members of the human species comes from that tiny 0.1 percent.
The focus of the evening was to discuss how DNA testing can be used as a tool to trace whakapapa and uncover family history. We were privileged to hear a range of personal experiences and insights from a panel of library kaimahi who had explored DNA testing for different reasons. For some, it stemmed from a long-standing curiosity—such as a suspicion of Viking ancestry—while for others, it was to heal generational disconnection.
The actual process of taking a DNA test is relatively simple and fairly accessible. However, in order to receive analysis of the results, users need access to a computer and an email address. A panelist also recommended setting realistic expectations before testing. While some users discover new family connections or detailed ancestral information, others may find their results less enlightening, particularly if their relatives haven’t contributed their DNA to the same database. This can also be an issue if people in your country of origin don’t use the database, such as a Chinese panellist who mentioned that she did not get many close matches, perhaps due to Chinese people not testing with Ancestry.
Most panellists used Ancestry, which currently has the largest database in Aotearoa and over 15 million profiles globally. The test itself involves a simple saliva sample, with results typically arriving within 6–8 weeks. However, as the panel noted, your results are only compared against others in the Ancestry database, so accuracy and depth of what you might find out depends on who else has tested with the platform. Access to the full version of Ancestry is limited, so after an initial period, users must subscribe to continue receiving updates and accessing new DNA matches. One panellist shared that her continued subscription allowed her to pinpoint her ancestral roots down to a specific region, rather than just a country.
23andMe was also mentioned as an alternative, especially for those interested in genetic trait analysis. This platform can provide users with information about inherited traits based on their genetic markers, even to the extent of determining whether they are more likely to be a morning or an evening person! However, caution was advised in general about data privacy and the long-term security of users’ genetic information, as this company was recently sold.
Several panellists also uploaded their DNA to other platforms like MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA to expand their search for relatives. They described this process as easy and encouraged others to do so if they are interested in getting a different set of matches and results. This was helpful for one of the panellists, whose primary objective was to find more members from the paternal side of her family. She chose to cast the net wide and use different sites in order to gain the most information possible. MyHeritage also offers a cM explainer or chromosome browser, which can give users more insight into how DNA analysis works, as well as giving a visual representation of what genes on chromosomes are shared between individuals.
Privacy was an issue raised on the panel, especially in the context of the sometimes unexpected findings DNA can reveal. Sites identify DNA matches with varying degrees of relatedness, from distant cousins to parents, based on a percentage of shared DNA. For someone who may not know their biological parents, this may be very confronting. On one hand, this could result in wonderful reunions or reconnections. On the other hand, this may result in unpleasant surprises about secret families or long-buried family secrets. The resounding message from the panel was this: be prepared when you test your DNA. In some cases, this may mean preparing for disappointment. For others, this may be preparing to find out a little more than you bargained for.
The kōrero also touched on the emotional and cultural impact of DNA testing, particularly for those from marginalised or diasporic communities. One library kaimahi shared that she felt a powerful need to know where she came from. With a multicultural heritage, she identified strongly with her African roots and spoke of the sense of anxiety which many displaced peoples feel to do with where they came from. She wanted to test her DNA as she feels she is a “living history lesson” on the legacy of colonisation and displacement. Her story underscored how tracing whakapapa can carry a deep emotional weight for individuals disconnected from their ancestral lands and culture.
Similarly, in the Aotearoa context, there are cultural barriers in place for genetic testing. The panel noted that Māori have historically been cautious of DNA testing. Generational trauma and disrupted whakapapa have made it difficult for many to trace their lineage. However, this is changing, with younger generations embracing different types of knowledge and being more open to tools like DNA testing to reconnect with their tīpuna and whakapapa.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the library kaimahi who participated in this event. Sharing their stories in this way can be deeply vulnerable, and their honesty and openness helped to demystify this evolving technology. The sharing of their knowledge will no doubt help others to make informed decisions as they navigate their own genealogical testing journeys.
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Find books about DNA at the library
If you are interested in, or have tested your DNA to assist with your family history research, this is the list for you! The books look at DNA testing, analysing your results and dealing with new information and secrets revealed. A Christchurch City Libraries List.
Learn more about your own heritage and whakapapa with the Family History resources at Christchurch City Libraries.
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