Learning about our whakapapa or family history, especially during Matariki, gives us a better understanding of who we are, where we have come from and where we are going. It is also a great way to bring whānau together.
Some things you could do with your whānau during Matariki are:
- Start your own whakapapa chart or book.
- Spend some time with your koro (grandad) or kuia (grandma).
- Record some of your whānau telling family stories.
- Visit the cemetery or a memorial and clear away the weeds.
- Organise a family party.
Family history resources
The library has lots of ways to help you learn about your family history. We have a guide to give you some simple advice to start out with and books for kids about family history.
Online resources
We also have a collection of web sites that might help you with your search:
- On this day in Canterbury
- Look up what happened in Canterbury history on your birthday or other significant dates in your familiy history.
- Whakapapa at Christchurch City Libraries
- Detailed information about how to trace your whakapapa from Christchurch City Libraries.
- Birth, Death and Marriage records
- Search for birth, death and marriage records from 80 to 100 years ago.
- Family tree kids
- Aimed at kids who are starting to explore their family history. Printable activities, information, interview tips and more.
- The Maori Battalion
- Was one of your ancestors in The Maori Battalion?
- On this day
- Look up what happened on your birthday or other significant dates in your family history.
- Papers Past
- Search more than one million pages of old NZ newspapers! From 1839 - 1945.
