Bridget tells us one of her highlights for 2016 - the new format for that indispensible family history aid, Papers Past.

One of the highlights for me was the new format for PapersPast that was introduced by the National Library.

PapersPast has always been intuitive to use but the way it's set up now makes it even more so. Also, the loveliest thing is having on the same site access to the databases Magazines and Journals, Letters and Diaries and the Parliamentary Papers. The way it has been formatted makes it easier to see more of the Māori content in newspapers and magazines. It also means that if you were unaware of these other resources, they are there on the home page, easy to click on and explore.

The Newspaper section contains digitised NZ and Pacific newspapers from the 19th and 20th centuries. If you are wishing to make a specific search, you will have a more rewarding experience if you use Search Articles using the different sections to limit your search.

The Magazines and Journals section contains digitised New Zealand journal publications. Each magazine and journal has its own page containing information about the publication, including the date range available online. Well worth exploring if you haven't visited lately.

Bridget - Central Research

Many of you may be unaware that this event was held recently in Christchurch as part of the rebuild Christchurch programme.  It was hosted by the Family History Society of New Zealand which is a group of about 100 members nationally, with it’s base in Christchurch.

Joanne Graves and I attended representing Auckland Libraries.  We really enjoyed ourselves; it was great to see such a range of community archives together in one place.  I was entranced by the young girl in Edwardian costume playing with the games of the period.  There was a group of exhibitors who wore Victorian/Edwardian costume all week-end and by the end on Sunday they were stifling – how did our ancestors cope?

Overall, I think that this was a wonderful event, with a great atmosphere - we were pleased to meet so many of you.  Joanne and I are pleased that we were able to attend to support Christchurch and this event.  You can see some more of the photos of the week-end on Auckland Research Centre’s Facebook page.