Long-time member of the Hutt Valley branch, Lynly Yates, received a well-deserved civic award from not one, but two Upper Hutt mayors last year!
Lynly Yates has brought the rich history of Upper Hutt to life through decades of passionate research, storytelling, and community engagement. A gifted genealogist and historian, Lynly stands out not just for her depth of knowledge, but for the way she shares it — making history accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all.
Her work has illuminated everything from the origins of our street names to the stories behind our schools, soldiers, and settlers. A standout contribution was the Te Ara: Stories of our Streets exhibition at Whirinaki Whare Taonga, which evolved into a book now in every school library in the city.
Her creative vision and dedication to preserving local memory also shaped a major project capturing 160 years of school life in Upper Hutt. From her early work with the NZ Army as a genealogist to her involvement with Golder’s Cottage, the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, and countless historical projects, Lynly’s impact spans generations. Much of her work is now preserved in the Upper Hutt Library for all to explore.
We are proud to honour Lynly Yates with the Upper Hutt Civic Award — a fitting tribute to someone who has become one of our city’s true treasures.
Congratulations Lynly. Thanks for showing that Genealogy is more than just looking for people of the past.