What information will I be asked for?

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Last updated: January 11, 2025

The record holder will usually ask you for proof of your identity 

When you request your records from an organisation, they will usually ask you for proof of your identity.

This is because the Privacy Act gives you the right to see personal information about yourself, but not about other people.  

Your driver licence or New Zealand passport will usually be accepted as proof of your identity. However, it depends on which organisation you are asking.

If you do not have the form of ID the organisation says they need, let them know and check whether they will accept some other form of ID. 

The record holder might ask you personal questions to prove your identity 

Instead of asking to see a form of ID (such as your passport) the organisation might ask you personal questions based on information they have about you.  

For example, they might ask you about a pet you had as a child. 

Being asked questions about your past can bring up a range of emotions. Find out what help and support is available to you. 

You do not have to answer any personal questions as proof of your identity

If you are not comfortable answering personal questions, you do not have to. You can ask to show them a form of ID instead.  

It may assist the organisation to find your records if you also provide details about your time in care  

Some details that can help the organisation find your records include:   

  • your full name and date of birth (though it is possible the date of birth on your records might differ)
  • any other names you might have been known by at the time
  • when you were in the care of that organisation
  • the names of your parents and siblings (if your siblings were there with you)
  • where you were
  • the names of places you lived  
  • names of staff. 

Learn more about what information you can provide about your time in care.