Genealogy collections
The Family History - Genealogy Collections are housed on Paparua – the Second Floor of Rotorua Library and are part of the Heritage and Research Collections.
This area is dedicated to the memory of Mary-Ellen Wilson, Rotorua Library NZ Services Librarian, 1986-2011.
Our Heritage and Research team can assist you with using our genealogy resources.
Resources for researching your family’s history:
Free access to Ancestry Library Edition
You can access this site on the library computers or bring in your own device and connect via the library’s WIFI.
Family history lending collections
These books can all be borrowed on your card and contain guides to family and iwi history research. Note: the lending family history magazines are held on the Ground Floor in the magazine shelves.
Family history reference collection:
This collection includes genealogy books on:
- New Zealand and Australia;
- general genealogy;
- names, flags and heraldry.
For genealogy from other countries, please check out the books in our lending collection.
The reference collections are owned partly by the Rotorua Library and partly owned by the Rotorua Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG).
Local electoral rolls and telephone directories
We hold a number of local electoral rolls; telephone and business directories for the Bay of Plenty.
Microfiche and Microfilm Records
We hold a number of records on microfiche and microfilm including newspapers from Rotorua; Electoral Rolls and Post Office directories; indexes to New Zealand Births, Deaths and Marriages.
We have three microfiche readers, including one with a scanner which can print and email copies of microfiche and microfilm scans.
Genealogy databases
A computer with genealogy databases; NZ Gazette archive; Cadastral Index with access to historical New Zealand survey plans.
Access to online genealogy resources
Three computers that provide access to the library catalogue and recommended online genealogy resources. Two of these computers offer web browsing via the library wifi.
We also have many other sources you can explore in the library including local and iwi histories; biographies; shipping information, war histories, cemetery databases; and more.
- Search the library catalogue or ask staff to help you access material relevant to your family history.
Family history research assistance
Volunteers from the Rotorua Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists offer a drop-in service to people researching their family history. This is held on the Second Floor of the Library.
This specialty service is held on the Second and Fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10am – 12pm.