What information do I already have about my history?

If you are thinking of requesting your records, it might be helpful to note down what you already know about your time in care. This could be from: 

• your own memories 
• talking to whānau 
• talking to other people who were with you, when you were in the care of the government, faith-based or other organisation
• documents or items you might have from your time in care. 

You are not required to provide any information to the organisation that holds your records, but they may ask you questions to assist them in finding records made about you. Giving information about your time in care to a stranger can bring up a range of emotions. Learn where you can find help and support during your records request. 

If you are comfortable sharing personal information, this could include: 

• what names you were known by at the time, including any different spellings that were used 
• the names of your parents, step parents or grandparents (who looked after you before) 
• how old you were at the time 
• where in New Zealand you were in the care of the government, faith-based or other organisation
• whether you were in the care of a whānau (for example, a foster family) or in an institution (and what you called the institution) 
• whether your siblings were there with you 
• names of other people who were there with you  
• whether the adults responsible for providing your care wore religious clothing  
• names of adults who were responsible for supervising you 
• whether you went to school during this time, the name or location of the school 
• a timeline of any events that happened during this time (for example, a hospitalisation).