NZ Genealogy & Immigration

New Zealand's European pioneer women made the long voyage over a "wide and trackless sea" to lead lives they could have barely imagined. This book presents the stories of some remarkable women and girls and paints a facinating picture of a new country.

Harper Collins, Auckland, 2008. Softback. 304 pages, NEW

Based on records of 250 voyages and 80 shipboard diaries this book describes life on board emigrant ships to New Zealand. A vivid and compelling picture of the'voyage out' during the crucial Vogel period of expansion.

Auckland University Press, 2006. Softback. 294 pages. SECONDHAND

Who were our Pakeha ancestors? Did our forefathers and mothers come from particular areas of Britain, did they tend to be rural or city folk, were they Catholic or Protestant, farmers or factory workers? Drawing on a major analysis of death registers and shipping records as well as hundreds of biographical accounts of individuals and families. This book gives the first comprehensive account of the origins of Pakeha New Zealander's.

Auckland University Press, 2008. Softback. 221 pages. NEW

Between 1871 and 1897 the clipper ship Crusader made 28 voyages from Britain to New Zealand carrying thousands of immigrants. The book is a collection of articles by the association of former passengers. First published in 1928 this is a facimile copy of that edition with an index added.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2002. Softback. 163 pages, with index. NEW

A look at life on an emigrant ship from Britain to New Zealand compiled from letters, diaries and the ship's log. Uncommon. Signed by the author.

Maritime Museum Association, San Diego, USA, 1988. Softback. 233 pages. SECONDHAND

A record of life aboard the 'London' a New Zealand Company emigrant ship bound for a new land, imaginativly describing the days at sea and of the pioneers in the infant city of Wellington. 

Random House NZ, Auckland, 2011. Softback. 351 pages. NEW

Focusing on southern New Zealand and the community of Maitapapa in the Taieri this original study offers new insights into colonial history by looking at the history of interracial marriage and its role in social life.

Bridget Williams Books, Wellington, 2009. Softback. 208 pages. NEW

A collection of essays on aspects of English immigration and the experience of English born people who chose to emigrate. Covers the period 1840-1960. Illustrated.

Otago University Press, Dunedin, 2012. Softback. 234 pages. NEW

Includes useful family history websites and links, the contact addresses of Scottish libraries and archives and specific advice on how to trace your Scottish ancestors. Illustrated.

Harper Collins Publishers, London, 2008. Hardback with dust jacket. 224 pages. SECONDHAND

A general history of the Scots in New Zealand from earliest times. The Scottish influence in the country is profound, perhaps more so than anywhere else outside Scotland.

William Collins (NZ) Ltd., Auckland, 1976. Hardback with dust jacket. 240 pages. SECONDHAND

Tells of the colourful Irish in New Zealand and their contribution to politics, literature and commerce as well as the Irish on the goldfields, the battles between the orange and the green and the influence of the Catholic church. Genealogical interest.

Random House NZ Ltd., Auckland, 1996. Soft boards with dust jacket. 246 pages. SECONDHAND

Chisholm, Murchison, McRae by Margaret Whitford. The history of the Chisholm and related families in New Zealand.

Softback. 133 pages. Secondhand.

Shona McRae describes the history of the eleven children of Catherine Cameron and John Macfarlane who arrived in New Zealand from Scotland in 1840. From poor beginnings they worked to build up six large farming homesteads in Canterbury. Signed by the author.

Published by the author, Culverden, 1991. Hardback with dust-jacket, illustrated. 79 pages. SECONDHAND

The Family From The Terrace The Robert Wilson Family History. Author Dorothy Taylor describes the pioneer life of Robert Stobo Wilson and the generations who followed him including Bob and Barbara Wilson, and the Mortons of Glen Idyll. Cover marked and spine split at bottom.

D.B. Taylor, Cromwell, 1983. Softcovers, illustrated, 260 pages. SECONDHAND

The Skjellerup Family, A Short History 1820-1960 by Peter Skjellerup. First published 1961 in edition of 300 copies for private circulation of which this is number 260.  Previous owner's name front endpaper.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1961. Hardback with dust jacket, illustrated, 79 pages. SECONDHAND

The Autobiography of Raymond Andrew Jack Rutherford Aka Big Jack, The Judge, JR., 1921-. A Story of Survival on a World of Wheels and of A True Life Road Scholar. Privately published.

Hardback, leather bound, illustrated, family trees, SECONDHAND.

Sportsmen, benefactors and churchmen, businessmen as well as farmers, the Rutherfords of Canterbury made their mark on the province with large country houses, St. Andrews College, Warners Hotel, the Mount Cook Company and Amuri Courts. This history spans almost one hundred years.

Hazard Press, Christchurch, 1992. Hardback with dust jacket. 279 pages. SECONDHAND

This supplement to Waiau Families describes the earliest settlers in Highfield, which later became known as the Annan Settlement then Waiau. Several of these families helped establish the Amuri Mounted Rifles.

Waiau Reunion Association, Christchurch, 2001. Softcovers, stapled binding. 26 Pages. SECONDHAND

Hardy Highlanders in Early New Zealand by Jennifer Macdonald.Tells the story of Catherine Cameron who emigrated to New Zealand in 1840.  She married John Macfarlane and they farmed in the Wairarapa and North Canterbury. Number 219 of 350 copies, signed by the author.

Published by the author, Christchurch, 1991. Softcovers, stapled, illustrated, 109 pages. SECONDHAND

Brackenfield a family hunt 1884-1984. For over a century the Brackenfield Hunt remained the focus of Noth Canterbury sporting and social life. Documents the foundation of the fox hunting club and those who led it.

Hardback, illustrated, 85 paged. SECONDHAND

Relates how Algernon Gifford, Edward Augustus Gifford and Algernon Charles Gifford helped shaped the social, religious and cultural life of colonial Oamaru.

Heritage Press Ltd., Palmerston North, 2005. Softback. 220 pages. SECONDHAND..

The Land of Munros, Merinos and Matagouri. Its Kirk, Pioneers and Descendants. Kurow Upper Waitaki. Contains numerous biographies of early settlers. Some pages annotated and taped in.

Privately published, Kurow, 1980. Illustrated. 122 Pages. SECONDHAND

This tells the story of the Blair Family of Tuapeka Mouth from their arrival in New Zealand 112 years ago. Includes family tree.

Otago Daily Times, Dunedin, 1970. Soft Covers. Illustrated. 46 Pages. SECONDHAND.

The story of the Beattie and Bell families of Scottish decent who settled in the south island of New Zealand.

No imprint. Softback. 63 pages. SECONDHAND. 

The centennial history of the Crosbie family of the Waikawa Valley, Otago. From Scottish origins to the family situation in 1977.

Crosbie Historical Committee, Tokanui, 1977. Hardback with dust jacket. 143 pages, illustrations. SECONDHAND

A biography and family history of blacksmith Fred Quintrell which ranges from the family's origins in Cormwall to Fred's ministry work for the Bible Christian Missionary Society in colonial Christchurch, Collingwood, Reefton, Seddon, Picton, Brightwater, Waimate and Matamata.

Privately Published. Card Covers, spiral binding. Illustrated. 132 Pages. SECONDHAND

Nina's family worked for the Duke of Cambridge before she emigrated to New Zealand. A family history which starts with high society dinner parties and royalty in London and ends with life in early 20th century Dunedin and Wellington.

Privately published. Card Covers. Illustrated. 83 Pages. SECONDHAND

Based on a journal kept by John Thatcher who emigrated to New Zealand from London in 1861. Provides an interesting picture of pioneer life in South Canterbury including Christchurch, Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula, Geraldine and Riverside.  Also describes genealogy of his wife's family (Julia Saville).

Published by the author, Doncaster East, 1999. Softcovers, illustrated, 68 Pages. SECONDHAND

The History of the Chamberlain Family tells the story of Swiss emigrants Frank, Joseph and Leonard Chamberlain who farmed in the Taranaki, Kakaramea and Stratford. Includes family charts and history through to 1990.

Heritage Press, Waikanae, 1994. Softcovers, illustrated, 128 Pages. SECONDHAND

Plain Living High Thinking is the family story of Jennie and Will Lovell-Smith. Will arrived as a seven year old in Christchurch in 1860, grew up and married Jennie and had 10 children. This describes their family life at Westcote and Midway, and the couple's friendship with suffrage leader Kate Sheppard.

Pedmore Press, Christchurch, 1994. Softcovers, illustrated, 182 Pages. SECONDHAND

Journalist Ben Farjean arrived in Dunedin in 1861 annd worked on the Otago Daily Times and The Colonist. His writing kept people all over the country and abroad aware of developments in Otago, especially during the gold-rush era. Covers worn.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Dunedin, 1973. Softcovers, illustrated, 84 Pages. SECONDHAND

Our Irish Royalty, The Cadhla Descendants, The McCauley Family Tree, Donegal to New Zealand, 1876.

Published by the author, Invercargill, 1990. Softback, illustrated, 68 Pages. SECONDHAND

Donald Cameron and his brothers were the earliest pioneers in the Lake Wakatipu area of Central Otago in the Nokomai and Nevis Valleys. This historically correct novel follows Donald's story. Signed by the author.

Caxton Press, Christchurch, 2008. Softback. 264 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of courage and determination displayed by the Scottish forbears of all the early settler families who left their country to give us ours. An appendix records the names and ages of the passengers who immigrated an all twenty ships of the New Zealand Company. Signed by the author.

Caxton Press, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 288 pages. SECONDHAND

This historically correct novel picks up the Otago story from where 'Oatcakes to Otago' finished: with the discovery of gold in central Otago. Thousands joined the rush. Signed by the author.

The Caxton Press, Christchurch, 2005. Softback. 327 pages. NEW

Jubilee number of the student magazine encompassing 1881 to 1931. Covers worn, text clean.

Christchurch Boys' High School. Softcovers. Illustrated. 171 Pages. SECONDHAND

A magazine published twice yearly by the school, this is crammed full of student news, teachers, sports news and photographs. Of interest to former students and family historians alike. Covers worn but contents clean.

Christchurch Boys' High School. Softcovers. Illustrated. 138 Pages. SECONDHAND

 A magazine published twice yearly by the school, this is crammed full of student news, teachers, sports news and photographs. Of interest to former students and family historians alike. Covers worn but contents clean.

Christchurch Boys' High School. Softcovers. Illustrated. 138 Pages. SECONDHAND

A magazine published twice yearly by the school, this is crammed full of student news, teachers, sports news and photographs. Of interest to former students and family historians alike. Covers worn but contents clean.

Christchruch Boys' High. Softcovers. 111 Pages. SECONDHAND

The centennial publication of the school containing a history by T.J. Arnold and the occupations and addresses of all pupils of the school from 1863 to 1963 inclusive.

Otago High School Old Boys' Society, Dunedin, 1963. Hardback, blue cloth boards, illustrations. 556 pages. SECONDHAND

The History of A Family - The Wilsons and Richardsons in England, Australia and New Zealand (Southland). Includes a family tree.

Privately published, Blenheim, 1965. Harback, illustrated, 71 Pages. SECONDHAND

The lives of the Ayson family in Scotland, their migration to New Zealand and their history since. Published following the family re-union in 1953. Contains detailed genealogy and many portraits. Rare.

Clan Ayson of N.Z. Society, Wanganui, 1955. Card covers. 142 pages. SECONDHAND

Here A Name, A History of the Houliston Family in New Zealand. P. Caldwell describes how Robert and Alison Houliston left Scotland for Port Chalmbers in 1860, and outlines the history of five generations of their family. Inscription on front endcover.

Privately published, place unknown, 1960. Hardback, Illustrated, 45 pages. SECONDHAND

Candles and Canvas, A Danish Family in New Zealand. Inge and Christoffer Langkilde left Denmark in 1907 to migrate to New Zealand. Their next 30 years were filled with hardship as they farmed in the Manawatu then the Bay of Plenty before establishing a successful pig-farming business in Otorohanga. Covers worn.

New Women's Press, Auckland, 1987. Softback, Illustrated, 169 Pages. SECONDHAND

A Journey in Search of Ancestors. The story of Augustus William Cave, an early English pioneer who settled in Masterton and developed close connections to Te Ore Ore Marae.

Fraser Books, Masterton, 2008. Softback, Illustrated, 100 Pages. SECONDHAND

Over the Bridle Path, The Story of William and Mary Allott, their Children and Grandchildren who settled in Canterbury. Includes an extensive family tree. Covers marked, text crisp.

Privately published, Christchurch, 2001. Softback, Illustrated, 157 Pages. SECONDHAND

Memoirs and adventures of a pioneer family arriving in the 1860s and including 'Goldmining  in New Zealand' and 'The Kokopu'.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1952. Hardback with dust jacket. 199 pages. SECONDHAND

A pictorial history of the Lebanese community in the region from the late 19th century onwards. Records the names and genealogies of all the main families. Hundreds of photographs.

Cedar's of Lebanon Club inc., Dunedin, 2004. Softback. 96 pages. SECONDHAND

Arrived at Port Chalmers 6 December 1879. Family history published for the centenary celebrations and family reunion in Dunedin 19-22 October 1979.

Bell Hill Print, Dunedin, 1879. Card covers. 51 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Shirres family and the Leslie family ship owners and then sheep farmers at Aviemore Sation, North Otago.

Privately Published, Christchurch, 1964. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 406 pages. SECONDHAND

A record compiled for the Family Centennial Reunion held at Willowby, Canterbury, on 30th December, 1967. Contains detailed family history and genealogical tree. Very sight damp staining.

Higgins & Co, Ltd., Ashburton, 1967. Card covers. 59 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of three Canterbury families: the Grays at Coldstream near Ashburton, the Peaches at Mt Somers and, more particularly, the Courages at Seadown, close to Amberley.

Shoal Bay Press Ltd., Christchurch, 1994. Hardback with dust jacket. 175 pages. SECONDHAND

An account of the various families of settlers who lived and developed the settlement of Wharekuri, near Kurow in north Otago. Includes details of local coal mines.

Privately published, Dunedin, 1997. Softback. 115 pages. SECONDHAND

A very thorough illustrated genealogy of the family from 1650, that traces all family members and descendents in New Zealand. Signed by the author.

General Printing Services Ltd., Nelson, 1987. Softback. 192 pages. SECONDHAND

An illistrated history of the South Canterbury family compiled for their centennial in New Zealand. Contains genealogical charts.

W.J. Traves, Timaru, 1974. Hardback with dust jacket. 72 pages. SECONDHAND

Hunter came to New Zealand in 1864 and became a successful trader in rural Canterbury. This is the illustrated family history and includes folding genealogical tables.

Allan Hunter, Christchurch, 1997. Softback. 112 pages. SECONDHAND

An illustrated history of Alexander Sutherland and his decendants since he landed at Wellington in 1840, and of 'Ngaipu' formerly 'Pahaua' on the east coast.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1947. Hardback with dust jacket. 141 pages, folding genelogical chart. SECONDHAND