Research

Search our collections

This section of our website is still under construction but you will soon be able to search our extensive collection of the Far North region's social history online. In the meantime, please check out our current archive service shown below.

Funding has been received for the purchase of the world-class Vernon Systems cataloguing software and we are in the process of finalising all necessary arrangements for this and ongoing maintenance. These systems are used around the world by museums, galleries and other such institutions to catalogue, manage and publish information about collections.

Museum @ Te Ahu may not be the biggest museum in the world but we will be up there with the majors when it comes to making our collection available to other heritage organisations, researchers throughout New Zealand and the world, as well as to anyone interested in the history of our unique region. Much of our collection is recognised as being of national, even international, importance. Our webmaster will ensure complete compatibility between the system and our own website; there will be links to each within the other, making access a seamless process.

Archives

Searching for Someone or Something?

We have a large collection of material which may be of use in your research. Some of our most popular resources are shown below.

To assist you in researching the museums’ collections, please download our Research Request Form , fill it out, save it and return a copy to us for our records.

Download Research Request Form.

Biographical Card Index

Contains thousands of references to early settlers and Peoples of the Far North.

Subject Cards

With thousands of references to a variety of subjects and districts.

Newspaper Index

We have a collection of local newspapers. Bay of Islands Observer Feb - Oct 1842; The Luminary 1879 -1902; The Northland Age 1904 -1975; 1982 - current; Mangonui On Guard 1916 -1922; The Northlander 1922 -1933.

Cemetery Transcriptions

Headstone transcriptions for Takahue; St Saviours, Kaitaia Public, Houhora, Mount Camel, Fairburn, Victoria Valley, St Barnabas Peria, Mangonui Public, St Andrews Mangonui.

Schools

School histories. Indexed admission Registers for Ngataki, Waihopo, Fern Flat, Houhora, Pukenui, Herekino, Kohumaru, Parapara, Takahue, Kaitaia Primary, Fairburn, Peria, Mangonui, Oruaiti, Ahipara, Te Hapua, Pukepoto, Kaingaroa, Pamapuria, Victoria Valley. Hokianga: Motukaraka, Rangiahua, Broadwood.

Shipping

Information on shipping and shipwrecks round the Northland Coast.

Church

Anglican Church Registers 1834 - 1900s. Marriage, Baptism and Deaths European and Maori; Methodist Church Baptism and Marriages 1838 -1847; Intention to Marry 1855 -1920. Mangonui Post Office Births, 1876 -1907; Deaths 1876 -1920.

Mãori

Anglican Church Registers; Cemetery Transcriptions, Land Court Minute Books 1865 -1917; Mãori Civil Registrations Births, Deaths and Marriages 1913 -1961; New Zealand Mãori Voters Roll 1908; Turtons Land Deeds North Island; Mãori Land Claims AJHR 1855 -1923.

Journals

Rev Richard Davis 1824 -1857 (Bay of Islands); Rev Joseph Matthews 1834 -1875; William Puckey, 1845 -1868; Richard M Matthews 1864 -1912; Extraction of Journals from Richard Taylor; Rev William Williams; Rev Henry Williams; William Bertram White.

Reference Library

Hundreds of publications about Far North history.

Photographs

Many thousands of photographs from Kaitaia and Far North photographers which include the Northwood Collection, Lou Hobson, John Sanders, Lynwood Studios, Highlite Studios; etc.

Photographic archives »

Maps

Historical maps of the Far North area.

Archives

We hold personal papers, ephemera, diaries, family histories, community organizations, sports clubs and much more. Just ask!

  • Microfilm Service: We own the only microfilm reader north of Auckland and offer a 'bring your own microfilm to read' service.
  • Our experienced staff may be able to assist in finding information not listed above. It is helpful if you have a clear idea of what you would like to find - often it can shorten the time you need to spend searching.
  • At all times we uphold the Copyright Act and Privacy Act.

Researchers wishing to consult the Archives must book an appointment.

The Archives may also be open during the week for casual visitors but to to be certain please phone to check.

We look forward to being able to assist you in person or we offer a written request service for persons unable to attend in person.

  • There is a charge for this service of $50 per hour or $25 for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • All photocopying is 20c per A4 page; A3- 50c per page.
  • If you come to the Archives you can be guided to do your own research for a set fee per day of $10.00.

Copyright

The information and images in the collection browser have been provided for personal and research use only. If you would; like to reproduce, transmit or copy content for any other purpose, please contact us to discuss requirements.

For more information on Copyright visit the websites of the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office and of Copyright Licensing New Zealand .