Wānaka Genealogical Group

02/09/2026

Tips for Family History Reunions:

Family history reunions can be fun and meaningful events that bring relatives together and provide an opportunity to share family history information with each other.

This article by Janet Hovorka (https://education.myheritage.com/article/5-tips-for-hosting-a-fantastic-family-reunion/) features five practical tips for planning and holding a successful event, including recipe sharing, family skills and talents, storytelling, and more.

To learn more about family history reunions, check out Goal 3 in Project 6: Help (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-6-help03.html ).

01/09/2026

Did someone in your family serve in the Merchant Navy? Here's how you can trace them in the surviving crew lists ⚓

31/08/2026

28/08/2026

Are you researching your ancestors from Canterbury and the West Coast? Archives New Zealand in Ōtautahi have added a lot of new records to Collections search, and also enhanced the accessibility of some existing records. They include:

- Employees' dead service cards from Ministry of Works in Kaikoura,1921-1978
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search #/entity/aims-archive/29124/kaikoura-ministry-of-works-dead-service-cards-

(The rather morbid sounding “dead service cards” is a term meaning they were no longer employed with the department.)

- Court records from local Magistrate’s Courts, which can include court summonses and witness statements, 1881-1925
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search #/entity/aims-archive/18597/little-river-magistrates-court-criminal-files

- Immigration records documenting applications for subsidised immigration from Britain to New Zealand, 1963-1975 https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search #/entity/aims-archive/29121/department-of-labour---immigration---nominal-index-cards

- Immigration records documenting temporary permits to enter New Zealand, 1927-1970 https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search #/entity/aims-archive/28948/temporary-permits-to-enter-new-zealand

- Certificates of Registration granting immigrants re-entry into New Zealand, 1881-1980 https://collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search #/entity/aims-archive/28620

Immigration records can include details such as date of birth or age, place of birth, place of residence, fingerprints, and a photograph.

We are also listing patient files, including patient files from Hanmer's Queen Mary Hospital and a surviving sample of Christchurch Public Hospital patient files. Contact Ask an Archivist for more information. https://www.archives.govt.nz/about-us/services-we-offer/ask-an-archivist

26/08/2026

Have you used Trove to research your family’s story this Family History Month?

Trove is an incredible resource for uncovering information about your ancestors. Explore a wealth of knowledge through digitised newspapers, photographs, letters, diaries and more!

Start exploring Trove: https://brnw.ch/21x5bem

If you have used Trove to explore your family's story, we’d love to hear about it. Share your findings by submitting a Trove Story: https://brnw.ch/21x5bel

[Image description: Newspaper article titled ‘Wedding’ with a picture of a smiling bride in a white lace gown, holding a bouquet of carnations and frangipanis.]

15/08/2026

A PILOT'S SACRIFICE There are many stories of pilot's giving their lives to save their crew. One of the more unique ones is that of F/Gt David Aubrey of Wanaka.

Aubrey's crew from 192 Sq. were flying a special duty op along the French coast when they sent an SOS advising they were about to ditch due to engine failure. Two of the crew were lost when their Wellington X sank in rough seas, but four, including Aubrey were able to get out of the bomber.

Their dingy was launched, three clambering in but the voice of the rear gunner was heard calling for help in the darkness. Aubrey left the dingy to swim to him, instructing the two remaining to paddle after him. Sadly in the darkness and rough seas neither Aubrey nor his gunner were located.

The two survivors were found six days later and taken prisoner.

Aubrey (22) and his three other comrades are commemorated at Runnymede

14/08/2026

08/08/2026

Civil records are one of the few Irish family history record sets that are intact. Here's how to search them 🇮🇪

07/08/2026