New Zealand Society of Genealogists

16/04/2026

Student memberships are a great present any time of the year. Only $35/year. Join your young one up now - https://genealogy.org.nz/Join/10902/

15/04/2026

114 years since the Titanic sank

15/04/2026

On this day in history: On 15 April 1885 the first sod was turned for the North Island main trunk railway line. It was finally completed 23 years later in 1908.
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/first-sod-dug-north-island-main-trunk-line

15/04/2026

Not long to go now.

The wait is almost over! ⏳

In just 4 days, the door to Ireland’s past swings wide open.
On 18 April, the 1926 Census will be released online, completely free and fully searchable for the first time ever!

As the first census of the newly founded Irish Free State, It’s a rare glimpse into life and society at the start of a new era for the island.

Whether you’re a total history buff or just curious about your parents or grandparents, keep up to date on the latest information on our website:
https://nationalarchives.ie/engage-and-learn/census-1926-public-programme/

⏰ Set your reminders: you don’t want to miss this piece of history unfolding!

14/04/2026

Have you checked out our Kiwi Resources lately? We have added a new Local Government page, and made updates to other pages: Medical Records, School Records, Government, Civil Registrations - BDM, Migration, The Law, Cemetery Records, Transport and Military
https://genealogy.org.nz/Kiwi-Resources--National/11390/
This is a members only resource.

13/04/2026

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/W9FUBZsv6L

12/04/2026

A lot of NZSG members would have known Alan Tunnicliffe. Very sad news. Condolences to his family.

The Canterbury Genealogy Society is saddened to share the news of the passing of long‑time member and early Canterbury Group contributor, Alan Tunnicliffe, on Friday 10 April.

Alan was part of the beginnings of the Canterbury Group, the Riccarton Branch, and an early member of NZSG ( #245). His commitment to genealogy, his generosity with knowledge, and his steady presence over many decades have been deeply valued by our community.

Alan’s interest in family history began early. As he wrote in our 50th Anniversary history, “I can clearly remember the day… when I began my lifelong interest in tracing my own family‑tree.” He went on to contribute across branches nationwide, volunteer as a librarian, and support genealogists throughout New Zealand and abroad.

As shared by his cousin Bronwyn, Alan passed away peacefully in exactly the way he chose. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. His ashes will be interred at Avonhead Cemetery with his parents.

Alan had a wide circle of friends and family around the world, and he took great joy in helping others find where they belonged. Every visit, message, and connection meant a great deal to him.

In Alan’s own words, he has now become “one of our leaves fallen from the family‑tree.”

We will share memories at our meeting on Thursday. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.

10/04/2026

08/04/2026

The NZSG RootsMagic User Group is meeting at the FRC tomorrow from 10.30am - 12.30pm.
https://genealogy.org.nz/Other-CoursesTraining/11442/

08/04/2026

Would you like to be featured in The New Zealand Genealogist? We are looking for well-written, genealogical articles with good illustrations and/or photos. The theme for the June issue is Unions, Clubs and Societies. The deadline for submissions is 17 April 2026, so get writing! A submission and style guide is available on our website - https://genealogy.org.nz/NZG-Editors-Notes/11168/

08/04/2026

Are you making sure you have source information for everything on your family tree? We have a very good resource on Citing Your Sources.
https://genealogy.org.nz/Sources/11152/

07/04/2026

Have you looked at Discovery - the UK National Archives collection lately? This is one of the major benefits of being an NZSG member if you have UK ancestors. There are over 9 million records available for free download.
https://genealogy.org.nz/UK-Archives--Discovery/11099/