1. Introduction

This research project was undertaken to investigate the use of public libraries in New Zealand by researchers into Māori family history, or whakapapa. Though genealogists or family historians have been the subject of research in other countries, comparatively little investigation has dealt with genealogists and their use of public library resources in New Zealand. As a result, very little is known of how whakapapa researchers use these resources. This piece of research surveyed whakapapa researchers throughout the country with the aim of determining if the conclusions relating to genealogists in general, would apply in this more specific cultural setting. The research focused on whakapapa researchers’ use of public library resources with the aim to better inform these institutions of the needs of this group of users.