The detective work of researching family history. Where to start when all you have is a clue

A surname scribbled on the back of a photo. A headstone with unfamiliar names. A question that has lingered across generations.

Starting a family history search can feel less like research and more like detective work - piecing together story fragments, following leads, and discovering unexpected connections along the way. That’s where the research team at NPDC’s Puke Ariki and the Community Libraries can help.

August is Family History Month and Puke Ariki is inviting locals to step into that detective role, with a series of events at the Taranaki Research Centre designed to help people follow those clues to discover more about their family connections.

“Family history research often begins with very little information,” says Simone Entwisle, Taranaki Research Centre Supervisor. “Our team of librarians can help people use a wide range of local and national resources, including records, archives and books not available elsewhere, to follow those leads and gradually build a clearer picture.”

Throughout Family History Month, Puke Ariki’s programme of free events focuses on practical ways to begin that journey.

 Introductory sessions on starting your whakapapa or family history search will guide people through the resources available at the Taranaki Research Centre and Community Libraries, and show how even the smallest detail can open the door to a much bigger discovery.

For those ready to dig deeper, a hands-on session about Ancestry, an online genealogy resource available for free at local libraries, will demonstrate how to search census information, passenger lists and street directories.

The detective work of family history may not only be about finding facts and records - for some, it could also be about storytelling. In a behind‑the‑scenes event, author John Sargeant will share how historical research shaped his New Zealand historical fiction series The Colour of Our Country, showing how real family records and events can turn names and dates into rich human stories.

“Family history research rarely follows a straight line,” Simone says. “That’s where having the right support makes a huge difference. Whether you are starting with a single clue or looking to explore your family story in more depth, Puke Ariki’s Taranaki Research Centre provides access to resources, expertise and guidance to help you take meaningful next steps to help solve the mystery.”

Family History Month events take place throughout August at the Taranaki Research Centre, Puke Ariki and the Community Libraries. Bookings are required for the Ancestry session due to limited spaces. Full details can be found in the events section at pukeariki.com.

At a glance

• Puke Ariki, meaning Hill of Chiefs, stands on a former prominent pā site in central New Plymouth.
• It opened in 2003 as a combined library and museum – an innovative storehouse for Taranaki’s taonga and stories.
• The museum presents both long-term and continually changing exhibitions across six gallery spaces.
• ·       Puke Ariki Library and the Community Libraries offer many events designed to foster a love of reading, learning, and connection.
• The Taranaki Research Centre is the gateway to Puke Ariki’s non‑lending collections, including archives, photographs, heritage material and online research resources covering family and local history.

Caption: Taranaki Research Centre Supervisor Simone Entwisle working with family history resources at Puke Ariki