Why are my records different from what I remember?

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Last updated: January 11, 2025

Your memories and experiences may be different to the information in your records

Your records were created by, and written from the point of view of the people responsible for you during your time in the guardianship or care of others. 

So, your records could be full of abbreviations, acronyms and jargon.  

Your records will probably only include information about things that were important to the organisation (and may not include details that would have been important to you).

If you think there is an error in the information you received, you have the right to ask for it to be corrected.

Learn how to get incorrect information about yourself corrected.

Some records may contain language that is negative, judgmental or offensive 

You might find that older records in particular, use negative, judgemental, offensive language.

People who requested their records have told us it is important to know that the way you are written about on your records does not define you. It is only one perspective written by people who may not have known your full story and may have only seen you and your whānau in your difficult times.

Learning how the people who were responsible for your guardianship or care wrote about you or your whānau, can bring up a range of emotions. It may help to have someone to talk to or support you while going through your records. Find out what support is available