How do I request records from the Catholic Church?

Group 10 Group 10
Last updated: January 11, 2025

Try the most likely record holders first 

Requesting your records can can bring up a range of emotions. Learn where you can find support to help you on your journey.

Many Catholic organisations have run places that managed people’s guardianship or care.  

You might know which Catholic organisation was responsible for your guardianship or care, or you might not know.  

The twelve organisations listed below are most likely to have records about you.

Unfortunately, we do not have much information from some of these Catholic organisations about: 

  • what records they have 
  • what information they need to find your records 
  • how long a records request will take 
  • how they will provide records to you. 

Find some information about the records request process for: 

You can search for the place you were in, to find out who the record holder is 

To request your records from other Catholic organisations, you can also use our search tool to find the place where you were in care and learn who the records holder is.

Search for care institutions, schools and parishes associated with the Catholic Church to learn who holds their records, and who you can make a records requests to.

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conferenceopen_in_new also has a list of organisations on their website. You can also try contacting the relevant diocese.

If you do not know which organisation was responsible for your care, you can contact the Catholic diocese where you were located. 

The six Catholic diocesesopen_in_new are:

You can use our online records request form if you want to. This form lets you request records from one or more organisations at a time. 

It may help if you can provide details of your time when they managed your guardianship or care

It may assist these organisations to find your records if you can tell them:

  • the place where you were
  • when you were there.