How to Use the Database

Searching the database is straightforward.

If the marriage took place between 1840 and 1862 search by surname.
Maori marriages may also be searched by name for any year.

For non-Maori marriages 1863 or later you must provide a folio number for either the groom or bride. This is available by searching the Indexes to the marriages published by the New Zealand Registrar-General's Office. Please note that brides and grooms are listed separately.

Step 1: Select the appropriate year from the drop down list.

Step 2: Enter the folio number you wish to match. An example would be 04567 (although entering 4567 will also work).

Step 3: Click on the search button to take you to the search results page. You can clear the form by using the reset button.

Interpreting the Results

The output will show you the matching partner e.g. COLL-CRAW. This gives you the first four letters of the surname of the person at the top of the page entry (e.g. COLL short for COLLINS) and the first four letters of the surname of the person who appears at the bottom of the page entry (e.g CRAW for CRAWFORD).

Select the correct microfiche (these are arranged by year) and scan the selected columns for a matching folio number. Note that brides and grooms are listed separately.