Family History Month

Family History Month is observed annually during the month of August across New Zealand and Australia. It's a time to reflect on our roots and celebrate our unique histories and identities.

Apart from a range of special events held all over New Zealand, it's an opportunity to showcase the significant resources that are available to researchers of family history.

Family Research Centre Events

Entry to the FRC will be free throughout Family History Month.

There will be FREE talks on ‘Starting your Family History’ at the FRC this August at 11am on Monday 3, 10, 24 and 31 and Wednesday 5 and 26 – enjoy a free introductory talk by an experienced genealogist, discussion and a tour of the NZSG library.

Combined Greater Wellington Branches

Round the Isles. Saturday 29 August, 9.30am - 4pm, Tawa Union Church, 6 Elena Place, Tawa. View the poster for more details.

Waihi Branch

The Waihi Branch are offering help with your family history.

Waihi Library, 40 Rosemont Road, Waihi - Wednesday 12 August, 10am - 12pm
Paeroa Library, 5 MacKay Street, Paeroa - Saturday 29 August, 10am - 12pm

Find out more.

South Waikato Branch Community Open Day

Talk to a Genealogist, get help with a family tree 'problem', expertise on most areas of the world. For more information contact [email protected]. St Marks Community House, 83 Bridge Street, Tokoroa, 22 August, 10am - 3pm.

Dunedin Branch

12 August, 6.30pm–8.30pm, Genealogy Help Night. Are you stuck, do you need help? Presentation includes a demonstration of the Kiwi Collection. 28 Milburn Street, Corstorphine, Dunedin
19 August, 6.30pm–8.30pm, Tour of the Family History Centre Library, Fenton Crescent, St Clair

To book a place for either of these events, email [email protected]

Waitaki District Branch

Free Genealogy Classes at the Waitaki Archive—from 6.30pm–8.45 pm

Wednesday 5 August: Getting Started
Wednesday 12 August: Where to from here?

Palmerston North Branch and Palmerston North City Library

Presentations

A beginner's guide to family research - Wednesday 5 August 5.30pm–6.30pm, Central Library mezzanine floor and Sunday 9 August, 1pm–2pm, Central Library second floor
Publishing your family history - Wednesday 12 August, 5.30pm–6.30pm, Central Library mezzanine floor
Digitising your family records - Wednesday 19 August, 5.30pm–6.30pm, Central Library mezzanine floor

Workshops

Accessing online resources at the City Library - Thursday 6 August 4pm, Friday 7 August 11am, Sunday 9 August 2pm. All at Central Library second floor
Preparing your family history for publication - Thursday 13 August 4pm, Friday 14 August 11am, Sunday 16 August 2pm. All at Central Library second floor
Using the digitisation tools at the City Library - Thursday 20 August 4pm, Friday 21 August 11am, Sunday 23 August 2pm. All at Central Library second floor

Bookings are required for workshops.

Drop-in Sessions

Family Help Desk - Saturday 15 August 1.30pm–3.30pm, Wednesday 19 August 10.30am–12.30pm, Sunday 23 August 10.30am–12.30pm, Wednesday 26 August 1.30pm–3.30pm. Central Library second floor
Connecting the Genealogy Dots - Saturday 8 August 10.30am–12.30pm, Central Library second floor

Using Papers Past

Discover tips and tricks for using historical newspapers on Papers Past - Thursday 27 August 10am–11am Awapuni Library, Thursday 27 August 1.30pm–2.30pm Roslyn Library. No bookings required.

For more information on all events or to book a workshop visit https://citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz/whats-on/programme/aotearoa-heritage-history

Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO)

The Australian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO) have events you can join online. Check out what's on on their website.

18/07/2026