17 Apr 2023

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Christchurch Libraries are offering a range of events surrounding Anzac Day with opportunities to connect with your military ancestors.

Finding your New Zealand ancestor's military records

All are welcome to take part in an introduction to the digital and physical resources to help you find service records and information for soldiers, nurses and other military roles.

Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says the sessions offer a chance to find out more about your New Zealand ancestor’s military records. “The 60-minute session will be a mix of demonstrating the digital and physical resources we have available to use and help attendees with their research into their own ancestors.”

Family History librarians will be showing resources only available within Christchurch City Libraries. These include Ancestry, Find My Past, our own Canterbury Stories digital heritage repository, as well as other national and international databases that can help build a story of an ancestor’s war experience.

“The session will look at examples from the South African War and both World Wars through to the Vietnam War. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn more about your ancestors and delve into unique military resources,” says Ms Robertson.

The free bookable sessions will be held at three Community Libraries across Christchurch. Head to Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre on Thursday 20 April, New Brighton Library on Monday 24 April, or South Library on Wednesday 26 April, with each session beginning at 11am.

Spotlight on Soldiers!

A 60-minute session at Tūranga will focus in detail on soldiers involved in 19th century conflicts. This will include the militia, volunteers and Fencible involved in the New Zealand Wars, an overview of the 19th century British army, and case studies from the South African War and Armed Constabulary.

Family History Librarians Annette Williams and Katherine Moody will take attendees for a tour around the collection on Tuakiri, with time to pursue research into your own ancestors.

Ms Robertson says this is a chance to help people find information on their families and learn more about local history within Aotearoa, New Zealand. “This is a new session that we’re offering at Tūranga Central Library this year, and we’d love for you to come along and look in depth into your military ancestry.”

This free bookable session will take place at Wahi Whakaako / Teaching Room Tuakiri Level 2, Tūranga Central Library. The session is recommended for adults and will run from 2pm – 4pm Thursday 27 April.

Further Christchurch Library Anzac events include Voices of Gallipolli on Friday 21 April, which is the reading of a collection of verbatim testimonies from veteran who fought at Gallipoli.